Service and Maintenance
. . . 320
Brake Master Cylinder Fluid
There are two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the master
cylinder might go down. The
first is that the brake fluid level
decreases by an acceptable
amount during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are
put in, the fluid level goes back up.
The other reason is that fluid may
be leaking out of the brake system.
If it is, you should have the brake
system fixed.
It is not a good idea to "top off"
your brake fluid. Adding brake
fluid will not correct a leak. If you
add fluid when the linings are
worn, then there will be too much
fluid when you get new brake
linings. You should add (or
remove) brake fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the
brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION
If there is 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 hydraulic
system.
Check the master cylinder fluid
level in the "see-through" reservoir
at the intervals shown in the
Maintenance Schedule.
The level should be between the
MIN
and
MAX
marks.
If the brake fluid level is low, the
brake system warning light will
come on.
See "Brake System Warning Light"
in Section 1.
If work has just been done on the
brake hydraulic system and the
fluid level is low, bring it up to the
proper level using DOT-3 fluid
from a sealed container.
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