BrakesBrake FluidThe brake master cylinderreservoir is filled with DOT3 brake fluid. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview on page 6-12 forreservoir location andaccess.There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level inthe reservoir might go down:• The brake fluid level goes down because of normalbrake lining wear. When new linings are installed,the fluid level goes back up.• A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system can alsocause a low fluid level. Have the brake hydraulicsystem fixed, since a leak means that sooneror later the brakes will not work well.Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid does notcorrect a leak. If fluid is added when the liningsare worn, there will be too much fluid when new brakelinings are installed. Add or remove brake fluid, asnecessary, only when work is done on the brakehydraulic system.{ WARNING:If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on theengine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. Youor others could be burned, and the vehicle couldbe damaged. Add brake fluid only when work isdone on the brake hydraulic system.If the ignition is on and the brake fluid is low, theSERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM message displays in theDriver Information Center (DIC). See DIC Warnings andMessages on page 4-67.What to AddUse only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container.See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-8.Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and thearea around the cap before removing it. This helps keepdirt from entering the reservoir.6-32
