Toyota Add or Check Brake Fluid Level
Is your Toyota brake feeling soft and weak? Learn how to fix the problem by checking the fluid level of your brakes and adding brake fluid if needed.
What You Need
- Brake fluid
- The recommended brake fluid is printed on the cap of the brake fluid reservoir and is also listed in your owner’s manual.
- Clean cloth
- Gloves
Procedure
- Park the Toyota on level ground and set the parking brakes. Turn off the ignition.
- Open the hood by pulling the release lever located under the driver’s side of the dashboard.
- Depress the safety lever at the front of the vehicle and open the hood.
- Locate the brake fluid reservoir in the engine bay, driver’s side.
- Notice the level markings on the brake fluid container, and check to see if your brake fluid level is below the MIN marking. If the brake fluid level is below the MIN mark, continue to the next step.
- Use a clean cloth to clean the top of the reservoir. Note the recommended brake fluid type. The following example shows that this Toyota requires DOT3 brake fluid as seen on top of the cap.
- Remove the cap. You will have to lift or turn the cap counter-clockwise to remove it.
- Add the recommended brake fluid to bring the level between the MIN and MAX marks.
Toyota Brake Light Still On After Adding Brake Fluid
If the brake light stays on after adding brake fluid, do not drive without having the vehicle checked by a mechanic. The brake system is closed, and your vehicle should not lose any brake fluid at all, no matter how many miles are on the vehicle.
The only acceptable reason you may have to top off Toyota brake fluid is when the brake pads wear down. The brake fluid moves from the reservoir to the brake calipers to compensate for the brake pad wear. If you must regularly add brake fluid, have the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic.
We hope you find the Toyota Add or Check Brake Fluid Level guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Toyota.
