The brake/clutch master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap.
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/clutch hydraulic system can also cause a low fluid level. Have the brake/ clutch hydraulic system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later the brakes will not work well.
Do not top off the brake/clutch 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 fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake/clutch hydraulic system.
WARNING
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/clutch hydraulic system.
Checking Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch fluid can be checked without taking off the cap by looking at the brake/clutch fluid reservoir.
The fluid level should be above MIN. If it is not, have the brake/ clutch hydraulic system checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake/ clutch hydraulic system, make sure the level is above MIN but not over the MAX mark.
When the brake/clutch fluid falls to a low level, the brake warning light comes on.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container.
Always clean the brake/clutch fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake/clutch hydraulic system, the brakes might not work well. This could cause a crash. Always use the proper brake/clutch fluid.
Notice
• Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake/clutch hydraulic system parts.
For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can damage brake hydraulic system parts so badly that they will
have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid.
• If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on the vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately.
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the
brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time,
a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20m (66 ft), which co ...
Inflatable Restraint Seat Position Sensors - If Equipped
The inflatable restraint seat position sensor is used to determine the
proximity of a front driver or passenger seat position with respect to
the frontal air bag. The seat position sensor interfaces with the inflatable
restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). The state of the
seat positi ...
Environmental Fallout (Acid Rain)
Caution: Refer to Clearcoat/Ultraviolet Screeners Caution in the
Preface section.
Note: Always refer to the manufacturer's packaged instructions for
the detailed procedures of materials used for compounding and/or
polishing.
Since the severity of the condition varies from area to area, proper ...