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Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder and, on manual transmission
vehicles, the clutch hydraulic system use the same
reservoir. See Engine Compartment Overview on
page 5-14 for the location of the reservoir. The reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down:
• The brake fluid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the fluid level goes back up.
• A fluid leak in the brake and/or clutch hydraulic
system can also cause a low fluid level. 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.
Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid. Adding fluid does 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 too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the
engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and the 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 comes on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-33.
5-35