Ok, I just got a 98 Dodge Stratus second hand, and a couple of issues with it -

1) The windshield mister doesnt work, the wipers do but the mister/sprayer whatever you call it doesnt, How do i troubleshoot the problem ?
2) The brakes are a bit weak, is there anyway I can tighten them up myself ? How do I go about troubleshooting and finding out the problem ?

Any other common problems encountered with this car that I should be aware of ?

edit: The engine is a 2.4L one, will the oil pan of the 2.0L and the 2.4L be the same, ie. canI get the oil pan of a 2.0L engine and fit it in mine? I know the answer's gonna be "Duh ! no" but i just wanna make sure...