How can I open the brake fluid reservoir?

limited info generic answer drivers side firewall under hood

Calipers do not retain brake fluid, you apply the brake ...the pressure is transmitted to the cylinders in the calipers and they act on the pads

Sounds like you need a braking system diagnostic of you are losing brake fluid and experiencing lock up. Sounds like it should be looked into immediately .....just in case

Your 2008 Chevy HHR does take brake fluid. The fluid type is DOT-3 Brake Fluid. The brake fluid reservoir is a small white plastic container. The cap will read DOT-3 or brake fluid, on it. This reservoir will be found against the drivers side firewall. I hope this helps you. Your owners manual has this information inside, if it is available.

Yes, you will need to put it in the reservoir for brake fluid, it will look something like this.



Make sure you use the correct type of brake fluid as listed in your owners manual. (Probably DOT3)

Open the master cylinder and fill it to the top ... simple. Use the kikd specified on the cap.

check brake fluid level. makes sure system is properly bled. put a hose on bleeder nut, the other end submerged in a jar with some brake fluid in it. start car, have someone pump brake pedal, hold down, then turn open the bleeder 1/4 turn and then close. Friend can then release and pump again. repeat till no bubbles or dirty fluid comes out. keep an eye on fluid reservoir level, do this at each wheel starting with the one furthest from reservoir to closest. get two large brake fluid bottles, the stuff is cheap and you will want to flush quite a bit through to get dirty, watery fluid out. Please rate answer. Being in church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. And like a good garage, a good church has seasoned experts that have fixed a lot of problems, great tools, and an honest, caring owner, God.

Open the bleed nipple while the caliper is tight in the clamp - open it till it weeps and tighten the clamp till the pistons are flat with the caliper then tighten the bleed nipple. you should be able to fit the brakes now easily. Remember to check and if necessary replenish the brake fluid reservoir.

The PS system probably has air bubbles in it. The air needs to be bled from the PS hoses and cylinders. You will also find it easier if you turn OFF the A/C when you are parking.
In a safe place (your driveway), Put gear in Park, set parking brake, replenish the power steering reservoir with fluid (not transmission fluid) and start engine. "Work" the steering wheel full counter-clockwise / full clockwise a few times. The "groans" you hear are voids of air travelling / escaping through the system. After it has quieted down, turn off engine, replenish fluid and do once more before test driving. Be sure to replenish fluid before testing / parking.

Usually it just needs a recharge of refrigerant. The coolant leak question was vague. Check your brake fluid and see if if needs to be filled. The brake light sensor is on the brake fluid reservoir. It comes on when it needs replenishment.

open hood,its located right where the firewall is on the drivers side mounted near the brake one,the both use brake fluid