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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 hydraulic
system can also cause a low fluid
level. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later the brakes will
not work well.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding
fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid
is added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much fluid when new
brake linings are installed. Add or
remove brake fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
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 hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-38.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering
the reservoir.
{ CAUTION
With the wrong kind of fluid in
the brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid.
Notice:
• Using the wrong fluid can badly
damage brake hydraulic system
parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral-based oil,
such as engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts so
badly that they will have to be
replaced. Do not let someone
put in the wrong kind of fluid.
• If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle’s painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake fluid
on the vehicle. If you do, wash it
off immediately. See Washing
Your Vehicle on page 5-83.
5-28 Service and Appearance Care