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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 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 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 3-30.
5-30