BrakesBrake FluidThe brake master cylinderreservoir is filled withDOT-3 brake fluid. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview on page 5-12 forthe location of thereservoir.There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level inthe reservoir might go down. The first is that thebrake fluid goes down to an acceptable level duringnormal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,the fluid level goes back up. The other reason isthat fluid is leaking out of the brake hydraulic system.If it is, you should have the brake hydraulic system fixed,since a leak means that sooner or later the brakeswill not work well.It is not a good idea to top off the brake fluid. Addingbrake fluid will not correct a leak. If fluid is added whenthe linings are worn, there will be too much fluidwhen new brake linings are installed. Add or removebrake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on thebrake hydraulic system.{CAUTION:If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill onthe engine. The fluid will burn if the engine ishot enough. You or others could be burned,and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brakefluid only when work is done on the brakehydraulic system. See “Checking Brake Fluid”in this section.When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brakewarning light will come on. See Brake System WarningLight on page 3-36.Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine whento check the brake fluid. See Scheduled Maintenanceon page 6-4.5-36
