2009 Chevrolet Express Van Owner's Manual - Page 277

Brakes Brake Fluid The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14 for the location of the reservoir. Do not top off the brake 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 brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system. { CAUTION: If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the engine and/or fuel operated heater parts, if equipped. If the vehicle has a diesel engine and a fuel operated heater, see "Fuel Operated Heater (FOH)" in the diesel engine supplement. The fluid will 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 hydraulic system. See "Checking Brake Fluid" in this section. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to check the brake fluid. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4. 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 hydraulic system can also cause a low fluid level. Have the brake hydraulic system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later the brakes will not work well. 5-37