Brake Fluid Level

[LeftCoast]

Hi all,

Newbie question here. Will be doing a coastal ride in a few weeks on the 2015 RTL with 16k miles on it. When checking brake fluid level are you supposed to be able to see it through the side of the tank or do you have to remove the caps?

If I’m able to get the fluid changed in time if I go that route how much should I expect to pay?

One final question. As long as I put in dot 4 to bring it up to fill level does it matter what kind?

thanks!

P.S. The black residue has all been cleaned up

 

[LeftCoast]

Bump because my mechanic knowledge is sad.

if you need an enterprise software system for 50,000 people installed on budget on time with minimal configuration issues I’m your guy.

 

[Woodaddict]

if you wipe off plastic tank, towards the front is an indent in plastic, I think that says low / high. I have 2015 RTL too, and when I looked when fluid gave me a warning on cluster, I found level. Or look in book

 

[canamjhb]

I had to add some to mine on a trip this summer. Got the Brake Failure message on the dash. It was a little awkward for me to add the fluid and try to see the level at the same time. I enlisted my wife's help to tell me when to stop filling. Probably took 2-3 tablespoons to top off the reservoirs. Brand of fluid is unimportant as long as it is the correct spec.

 

[Bfromla]

The fluid level is always hard to see & can harder to fill:gaah: with that: ALWAYS use DOT4 any brand is fine just so it's DOT4 do not mix with any other level dot:lecturef_smilie:,
FYI it's corrosive so don't make a mess & be sure to clean upnojoke, many recommend using a eye dropper for ease, it may only need a teaspoon or so.
There are "V" slits in the diaphragm on both caps they need to point to the back tire:lecturef_smilie::lecturef_smilie::sour: if the orange screen has not shown you should be fine, they are hyper sensitive & will let you know quickly & repeatedly till fixed. I've had mine light up for just parking up a hill. So may just want to carry some with you.
The fluid flush is only needed every 2 years or something like 30k miles.

 

[LeftCoast]

Thanks! The light on the console isn’t on so that’s good. I just can’t tell with the caps off if it’s at the low level or not.

 

[LeftCoast]

Honestly it just looks like it needs a tablespoon or two. I have a tremor that makes my hands move a bit so I like the eye dropper idea.

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

I shine a light into the reservoir (caps removed), get it right down close to the opening. Then I can see the level. I use a plastic straw to fill mine. Drop a straw into the new fluid bottle. Hold my finger over the end, pull out the straw put it over the reservoir hole, remove finger. Repeat until there is enough in there.

 

[LeftCoast]

That’s why this forum is awesome. Would not have thought of that

 

[Bfromla]

Thanks! The light on the console isn’t on so that’s good. I just can’t tell with the caps off if it’s at the low level or not.

. :shocked:YOU WONT MISS IT
:sour:It's not going to be just some little indication light FYI I will be a ORANGE screen:lecturef_smilie: it will block all other digital views, last few minutes & then just reduced to a caution symbol where the trip meter is underneath the main screen, & as said before it will keep showing up until fixed:thumbup:

 

[SNOOPY]

Small flashlight laid against the top of any brake fluid reservoir lights up the inside enough to see the level of fluid if needed.

 

[LeftCoast]

Thanks everyone I appreciate the feedback and suggestions.

 

[Mike Tirrell]

I use a flashlight pointed into the tank shows the fluid well.

 

[JayBros]

Pg 135 of your operator's guide shows you exactly where the Max and Min levels of brake fluid should be and how far apart they are at the level at the top of the word printing on the master cylinder reservoir. Use a shop light or flash light shining into the reservoir to make it easier to see the level. My dealer charged .8 hr for a brake fluid change last fall that included the entire system including the ABS module which requires B.U.D.S. You have high dollar left coast labor charges to contend with. Any brand DOT 4 will do but use fresh fluid. Use a teaspoon or eye dropper and be certain you protect the painted side panel.