BrakesBrake FluidThe brake master cylinderreservoir is filled withDOT-3 brake fluid. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview on page 5-14 forthe location of thereservoir.There are only two reasons why the brake fluid levelin the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brakefluid goes down to an acceptable level during normalbrake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluidlevel goes back up. The other reason is that fluid isleaking out of the brake hydraulic system. If it is, youshould have the brake hydraulic system fixed, sincea leak means that sooner or later the brakes willnot 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 your vehicle has too much brake fluid, it canspill on the engine. The fluid will burn if theengine is hot enough. You or others could beburned, and your vehicle could be damaged.Add brake fluid only when work is done on thebrake hydraulic system.If the ignition is in ON/RUN and the brake fluid is low, theService Brake System message will be displayed in theDIC. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54.When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brakewarning light will come on. See Brake System WarningLight on page 3-37.5-40
