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Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master
cylinder and, on manual
transmission vehicles,
the clutch hydraulic system
use the same reservoir.
The reservoir is filled with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for
the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level
in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid
level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system.
If it is, you should have the brake and/or clutch
hydraulic system fixed, since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes and/or clutch will not work well.
It is not a good idea to top off the brake/clutch fluid.
Adding fluid will not correct a leak. If fluid is added when
the brake linings are worn, there will be too much
fluid when new brake linings are installed. Add or
remove fluid, as necessary, only when work is done
on the brake/clutch hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has too much brake fluid, it can
spill on the engine. The fluid will burn if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could be
burned, and your vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is done on the
brake and/or clutch hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-31.
5-31