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Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder and, on
manual transmission vehicles,
the clutch hydraulic system use the
same reservoir. The reservoir is
filled with DOT-4 brake fluid.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6 for the location of
the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down. The first is that the
brake fluid goes down to an
acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings
are put in, the fluid level goes
back up. The other reason is that
fluid is leaking out of the brake
or clutch hydraulic system. If it is,
have the brake or clutch hydraulic
system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later the brakes
or clutch will not work well.
It is not a good idea to top off the
brake fluid. Adding brake fluid
will 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 or clutch
hydraulic system.
{ CAUTION
If your vehicle has too much
brake fluid, it can spill on the
engine. The fluid will burn if the
engine is hot enough. You or
others could be burned, and
your vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work
is done on the brake and/or
clutch hydraulic system.
Refer to “Scheduled Maintenance”
in the Limited Warranty,
Maintenance and Owner Assistance
Information manual to determine
when to check the brake fluid.
Checking Brake Fluid
The brake fluid can be checked
without taking off the cap by looking
at the brake fluid reservoir.
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have your 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
When you do need brake fluid,
use only DOT-4 brake fluid.
It is recommended that you flush
the brake hydraulic system and
refill it with new DOT-4 fluid
at a regular maintenance service
every two years. See “Additional
9-22 Vehicle Service and Care