Chrysler Repair: brakes, dot 4 brake fluid, dodge grand caravan

Question
I have 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan my abs and brake light came on. yet there was no difference in the barke performance. now a week later, the light was on when i started my van, i got to the stop sign to realize my brake pedalis VERY HARD and won't it won't let me push it down. what could be causing this?

Answer
The most likely reason is that the vacuum hose from the intake manifold over to the power brake unit which is mounted behind the master cylinder (essentially right in front of the driver on the other side of the fire wall from where you sit) has a loose clamp at either end of the hose, or the hose has a crack which is causing the loss of vacuum needed to operate the power brake assist. Thus you have to press hard to get the brakes to work. So open the hood and look for the round can behind the master brake cylinder that is right up against the fire wall and find the fairly large rubber hose that is connected to it. Check the hose for damage and for a tight clamp fitting. If you don't find anything wrong there, then trace the hose back to where it originates and check for the same things at the other end. Also note if there is any damage to the hose in between the two ends. Let me know if that doesn't help.
In the meantime, drive conservatively until you get the power assit back.
Then also check the warning lights. The ABS system is "fail safe" meaning it will just not work (e.g. it will be acting like a normal brake system), but your brakes are still going to stop you. The other brake warning lamp staying on should be a cause for getting a brake shop to check the system. You could check the master cylinder reservoirs yourself and see if they are full or not. If not, then get some DOT 4 brake fluid at an auto supply store and fill them to the lower edge of the openings. See if that causes the light to go out. If not then you should have a brake shop check the system for air in the lines or a leak in the system.
Roland