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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. See “Checking
Brake Fluid” in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to check the
brake fluid. See Scheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-10.
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see
if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is above the MIN but not over
the MAX mark.
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 5-86.
Service and Appearance Care 5-31