brake fluid CHEVROLET TRACKER 2002 2.G User Guide

6-39
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with
DOT
-3 brake fluid. See ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid
level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake system.If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a
leak means that sooner or later your brakes won't work
well, or won't work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have 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 you have 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.
See ªChecking Brake Fluidº in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check your brake fluid. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº in the Index.

6-40
Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake
fluid without taking off
the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above MIN. If it isn't, have your brake
system checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over
the MAX mark.What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid. Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index. Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

6-41
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to
be replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake
fluid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it
off immediately. See ªAppearance Careº
in the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make
a high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come
and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving
(except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.

Scheduled Maintenance
7-5
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if
any one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:

Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km). This is
particularly important when outside temperatures
are below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top
of your vehicle.

If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if you
operate your vehicle under any of these conditions is that
these conditions cause engine oil to break down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Passenger
Compartment Air Filter Inspection (If Equipped).
Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Front Wheel Bearing Repack (2WD only) (or at each
brake relining, whichever occurs first). Automatic
Transmission Service (severe conditions only).
Manual Transmission Fluid Change. Transfer Case
Fluid Change. Differential Fluid Change. Valve Lash
(Clearance) Adjustment (1.6L Code 6 engine only).
Propeller Shafts and U
-Joints Inspection (or every
15 months, whichever occurs first).
(Continued)

Scheduled Maintenance
7-6
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement. Passenger Compartment Air
Filter Replacement (If Equipped). Ignition Coil Plug
Cap Inspection (or every 30 months, whichever
occurs first). Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection
(or every 30 months, whichever occurs first). Cooling
System Service (or every 30 months, whichever
occurs first). Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Fuel Filter Replacement (or every 30 months,
whichever occurs first).
Every 45,000 Miles (75 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Fluid Hose Inspection (or every
45 months, whichever occurs first).
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Fuel Tank Cap
Gasket Replacement. Emission System Hoses
Inspection. Camshaft Timing Belt Replacement
(1.6L Code 6 engine only). Brake Fluid Service.
Spark Plug Replacement. Spark Plug Wire
Replacement (or every 60 months, whichever
occurs first).
At 90,000 Miles (150 000 km): Camshaft Timing Belt
Inspection (1.6L Code 6 engine only).
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (normal conditions).
Every 120,000 Miles (200 000 km): Evaporative
Emissions Canister and Air Suction Filter
Replacement (or every 120 months, whichever occurs
first). Engine Accessory Drive Belt Replacement
(or every 120 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.

Scheduled Maintenance
7-8
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection (or every 30 months, whichever
occurs first). Cooling System Service (or every
30 months, whichever occurs first). Fuel Tank, Cap
and Lines Inspection. Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Replacement (If Equipped). Ignition Coil Plug Cap
Inspection (or every 30 months, whichever occurs
first). Front Wheel Bearing Repack (2WD only)
(or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
Manual Transmission Fluid Change. Transfer Case
Fluid Change. Differential Fluid Change. Fuel Filter
Replacement (or every 30 months, whichever
occurs first).
Every 45,000 Miles (75 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Fluid Hose Inspection (or every
45 months, whichever occurs first).
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Fuel Tank Cap
Gasket Replacement. Emission System Hoses
Inspection. Camshaft Timing Belt Replacement
(1.6L Code 6 engine only). Spark Plug Replacement.
Spark Plug Wire Replacement (or every 60 months,
whichever occurs first) (1.6L Code 6 engine only).
Brake Fluid Service.
At 90,000 Miles (150 000 km): Camshaft Timing Belt
Inspection (1.6L Code 6 engine only).
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (normal conditions).
Every 120,000 Miles (200 000 km): Evaporative
Emissions Canister and Air Suction Filter
Replacement (or every 120 months, whichever
occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-15

Inspect ignition coil plug cap (or every 30 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
For Two
-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean and repack the front wheel
bearings (or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
Replace engine air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Service.
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly
driven under one or more of these conditions:
± In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly
reaches 90F (32C) or higher.
± In hilly or mountainous terrain.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the
fluid and filter every 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
(Continued)

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-18
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

For Two
-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean and repack the front wheel
bearings (or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first).

Inspect automatic transmission fluid hose (or every 45 months,
whichever occurs first).

Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly
driven under one or more of these conditions:
± In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly
reaches 90F (32C) or higher.
± In hilly or mountainous terrain.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change
the fluid and filter every 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions.
Replace filter if necessary.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Change manual transmission fluid.
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-21
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

If Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air filter.

For Two
-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean and repack the front wheel
bearings (or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first).

Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly
driven under one or more of these conditions:
± In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly
reaches 90
F (32
C) or higher.
± In hilly or mountainous terrain.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the
fluid and filter every 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
Inspect engine accessory drive belts (or every 30 months, whichever occurs
first). An Emission Control Service.
(Continued)
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-25
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

For Two
-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean and repack the front wheel
bearings (or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first).

Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly
driven under one or more of these conditions:
± In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly
reaches 90F (32C) or higher.
± In hilly or mountainous terrain.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the
fluid and filter every 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions.
Replace filter if necessary.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Change manual transmission fluid.
Change transfer case fluid.
(Continued)
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE