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Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master
cylinder and, on manual
transmission vehicles, the
clutch hydraulic system
use the same reservoir
filled with DOT 3 brake
fluid.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 6‑14
for
the location of the reservoir.
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.
{
WARNING:
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 4‑23.
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