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Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with either DOT-3 or DOT-4
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-10 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 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 3-27.
What to Add
If the vehicle has DOT-3 brake fluid,
as indicated on the reservoir cap,
use only new DOT-3 brake fluid from
a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-11.
If the vehicle has DOT-4 brake fluid,
as indicated on the reservoir cap,
use only new DOT-4 brake fluid from
a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-11. DOT-4
brake fluid requires the brake
hydraulic system to be flushed and
refilled with new DOT-4 brake
fluid at a regular maintenance
service every two years. See
Additional Required Services on
page 6-5.
Service and Appearance Care 5-25