2026-03-31

Brake Fluid Check (Test/Adjust)

Correction code 33031200 FRT 0.12 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the correction code and FRT listed above reflect all of the work required to perform this procedure, including the linked procedures. Do not stack correction codes unless explicitly told to do so. NOTE: See Flat Rate Times to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure you are wearing proper PPE when performing the procedure below. NOTE: See Ergonomic Precautions for safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2026-02-06: Changed the steps from removing the RH front wheel assembly to removing the RH front wheel trim.

Procedure

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION

Brake fluid dissolves paint. Have clean towels and plenty of water standing by to wash spilled brake fluid off painted surfaces.

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Check the service history of the vehicle to determine which type of brake fluid the brake system is filled with.
  1. Open the LH front door and lower the LH front window.
  2. Remove the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  3. Clean the area around brake fluid reservoir, and then remove the brake reservoir cap.
  4. Pull the inner side of the adjacent 2 claws of the wheel cap to remove the RH rear wheel cap from the wheel.
  5. Use a plastic trim tool to remove the cover from the outer brake bleed valve of the RH front caliper.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If necessary, shift the vehicle into tow mode and gently push the vehicle to gain sufficient space.
  6. Position an absorbent mat over the RH front brake caliper and wheel to protect from brake fluid spills.
  7. Loosen the valve to allow a small amount of fluid out, then close the valve.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Combination Wrench 12pt 11mm
  8. Touch the square pad of the test strip to the fluid, and then gently shake the test strip to remove excess brake fluid, and start a 90 second timer.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Make sure not to drip the excess brake fluid onto the vehicle. Wipe up immediately if necessary.
  9. After 90 seconds, compare the color of the strip to the color on the provided gauge to determine brake fluid quality.
    • If the test strip square pad is darker than the 30 PPM color sample, a brake fluid bleed/flush is recommended, see Brake Fluid Bleed/Flush (Maintenance).
    • If the test strip square pad is the same color, or lighter than the 30 PPM color sample, it is recommended to repeat this brake fluid check in 4 years.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If the test strip does not clearly fall into a color category, always assume the worse condition of the fluid.
  10. Torque the outer brake bleed valve, and then install the valve cover.
    18.5 Nm (13.6 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    • 11 mm socket
  11. Remove the absorbent mat from the RH front wheel and wipe up any excess brake fluid.
  12. Position the RH rear wheel cap on the wheel and press the center of the cap firmly onto the wheel.
  13. Install the brake reservoir cap.
  14. Install the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  15. Raise the LH front window and close the LH front door.