My 83 chev van 20 has 2 break fluid reservoirs. One main wich has a fluid level mark on the side and a second smaller one in front of the main. My question is should the second smaller reservoir have brake fluid in it or should it be dry?

Hi, some time the push botton, Fuse, horn relay, horn or horn connecting wire have problem. before going to any electrician check the said items.

SERVICE PROCEDURE: THE POWER STEERING FLUID REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE IS A TWO-STAGE PROCESS: FIRST, FLUSHING THE OLD FLUID FROM THE SYSTEM WITH NEW FLUID; AND SECOND, BLEEDING THE SYSTEM TO REMOVE ANY TRAPPED AIR. THE FOLLOWING TWO SEQUENCES OUTLINE THE STEPS IN EACH PROCEDURE.

FLUSHING THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM 1. RAISE THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE OFF THE GROUND UNTIL THE WHEELS ARE FREE TO TURN.

2. REMOVE THE FLUID RETURN LINE AT THE PUMP RESERVOIR INLET CONNECTOR.

3. PLUG THE INLET CONNECTOR PORT ON THE PUMP RESERVOIR.

4. POSITION THE FLUID RETURN LINE TOWARD A LARGE CONTAINER IN ORDER TO CATCH THE DRAINING FLUID.

5. WHILE A SECOND PERSON FILLS THE RESERVOIR WITH NEW LOW TEMPERATURE CLIMATE SERVICE FLUID, START AND RUN THE ENGINE AT IDLE.

6. TURN THE STEERING WHEEL FROM STOP TO STOP.

NOTICE: DO NOT HOLD THE WHEEL AGAINST STOPS WHILE FLUSHING THE SYSTEM. HOLDING STEERING WHEEL AGAINST WHEEL STOPS WILL CAUSE HIGH SYSTEM PRESSURE, OVERHEATING, AND DAMAGE TO THE PUMP AND/OR GEAR. 7. CONTINUE DRAINING UNTIL ALL OF THE OLD FLUID IS CLEARED FROM THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. ADDITION OF APPROXIMATELY 1 QUART OF NEW FLUID WILL BE REQUIRED TO FLUSH SYSTEM.

8. UNPLUG PUMP RESERVOIR INLET AND RECONNECT RETURN LINE.

9. TURN ENGINE OFF, AND FILL RESERVOIR TO THE "FULL COLD" MARK.

10. CONTINUE WITH FOLLOWING PROCEDURE "BLEEDING THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM".

BLEEDING THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM AFTER REPLACING THE FLUID OR SERVICING THE POWER STEERING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM, YOU MUST BLEED AIR FROM THE SYSTEM. AIR IN THE SYSTEM PREVENTS AN ACCURATE FLUID LEVEL READING, CAUSES PUMP CAVITATION NOISE AND OVER TIME COULD DAMAGE THE PUMP. TO BLEED THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM PROCEED AS FOLLOWS:

1. BEGIN WITH THE ENGINE OFF, FRONT WHEELS OFF THE GROUND, AND WHEELS TURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT.

2. ADD LOW TEMPERATURE CLIMATE SERVICE FLUID TO THE "FULL COLD" MARK ON THE FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR.

3. BLEED THE SYSTEM BY TURNING THE WHEELS FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITHOUT HITTING STOPS.

IMPORTANT: THIS MAY REQUIRE TURNING THE WHEELS FROM SIDE TO SIDE TWENTY TIMES. ON SYSTEMS WITH LONG RETURN LINES OR FLUID COOLERS, TURNING STEERING WHEEL LOCK-TO-LOCK FORTY TIMES MAY BE REQUIRED. KEEP THE FLUID LEVEL AT THE "FULL COLD" MARK. FLUID WITH AIR IN IT HAS A LIGHT TAN APPEARANCE. THIS AIR MUST BE ELIMINATED FROM THE FLUID BEFORE NORMAL STEERING ACTION CAN BE OBTAINED. 4. START THE ENGINE. WITH THE ENGINE IDLING, RECHECK THE FLUID LEVEL. IF NECESSARY, ADD FLUID TO BRING THE LEVEL TO THE "FULL COLD" MARK.

5. RETURN THE WHEELS TO THE CENTER POSITION. LOWER FRONT WHEELS TO THE GROUND. CONTINUE RUNNING THE ENGINE FOR TWO OR THREE MINUTES.

6. TEST THE VEHICLE TO BE SURE THE STEERING FUNCTIONS NORMALLY AND IS FREE FROM NOISE.

IMPORTANT: INSPECT FOR FLUID LEAKAGE AT CONNECTION POINTS ALONG THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. 7. RECHECK THE FLUID LEVEL AS DESCRIBED IN STEPS 3 AND 4 EXCEPT THAT THE FLUID LEVEL SHOULD NOW BE UP TO THE "FULL HOT" MARK AFTER THE SYSTEM HAS STABILIZED AT ITS NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE.

FIGURES: 1 ATTACHMENT

Figure 1

GENERAL MOTORS BULLETINS ARE INTENDED FOR USE BY PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS, NOT A "DO-IT-YOURSELFER". THEY ARE WRITTEN TO INFORM THOSE TECHNICIANS OF CONDITIONS THAT MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES, OR TO PROVIDE INFORMATION THAT COULD ASSIST IN THE PROPER SERVICE OF A VEHICLE. PROPERLY TRAINED TECHNICIANS HAVE THE EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND KNOW-HOW TO DO A JOB PROPERLY AND SAFELY. IF A CONDITION IS DESCRIBED, DO NOT ASSUME THAT THE BULLETIN APPLIES TO YOUR VEHICLE, OR THAT YOUR VEHICLE WILL HAVE THAT CONDITION.

Hope this may help:

Regards,
VOTIT

"How do I get the air out of my hydraulic system"?

Remove the reservoir plug on the motor pump. Leave the plug out and do not put back until you have finished.

Fill the reservoir 3/4 full with fluid (to the bottom of filler plug hole). Put a rag under the hole to catch overflow that will occur as system fills.

Run the pump for 15-20 seconds. Stop. Check your fluid level and refill to bottom of filler hole. Continue running the motor in the same direction for an additional 15-20 seconds. When the top gets to the end of cycle, check your fluid level, fill to bottom of filler hole, and run the motor in the opposite direction.

You are literally running the top all the way up and down sereral times. Checking the fluid level as you go and fill as required, leaving reservoir 25% empty.

When you are no longer able to add fluid, put the top in the down position. Check the fluid level one last time, should be to bottom of filler hole. Put the plug into reservoir.
"How do I get the air out of my hydraulic system"?

Remove the reservoir plug on the motor pump. Leave the plug out and do not put back until you have finished.

Fill the reservoir 3/4 full with fluid (to the bottom of filler plug hole). Put a rag under the hole to catch overflow that will occur as system fills.

Run the pump for 15-20 seconds. Stop. Check your fluid level and refill to bottom of filler hole. Continue running the motor in the same direction for an additional 15-20 seconds. When the top gets to the end of cycle, check your fluid level, fill to bottom of filler hole, and run the motor in the opposite direction.

You are literally running the top all the way up and down sereral times. Checking the fluid level as you go and fill as required, leaving reservoir 25% empty.

When you are no longer able to add fluid, put the top in the down position. Check the fluid level one last time, should be to bottom of filler hole. Put the plug into reservoir.

Section 11-00: Steering System-Service 1999 Taurus, Sable Workshop Manual SERVICE PROCEDURES Purging Power Steering System of Air NOTE: If the air is not purged from the power steering system correctly, a second customer concern or pump failure could result. This condition can only occur on pre-delivery vehicles with evidence of aerated fluid or vehicles that have had steering component repair.

A whine noise heard from the power steering pump may be caused by air in the system. The following procedure must be performed whenever any of the following are performed:

• All power steering noise complaints with evidence of aerated fluid on pre-delivery vehicles only, prior to any component repair.
• After any power steering system component (for example, gear or hose) has been replaced and the noise is heard.

Fluid Level Top-Off Procedure

1. Check and fill pump reservoir to dipstick full cold or remote reservoir center mark.
   

1. Disable ignition by removing Fuse 10 in the fuse junction panel.
   

1. Crank engine 30 seconds, check fluid level and add if required.
   

1. NOTE: Do not hold steering wheel on stops.
   
   Crank engine 30 seconds while cycling the steering wheel lock to lock.
   

1. Check fluid level and add fluid if required.
   

Air Purge with Vacuum External Source Procedure - 3.0L (2V) Engine, Flex Fuel and 3.4L SHO Engine

1. Tightly insert the rubber stopper of the air evacuator assembly into pump reservoir.
   

1. Reinstall Fuse 10 used to disable ignition and start vehicle.
   

1. Apply 20-25 in-Hg (85-88 kPa) maximum vacuum for minimum of three minutes at idle; maintain maximum vacuum with vacuum source.
   

1. Release vacuum and remove vacuum source.
   

1. Add fluid to full warm or reservoir center mark.
   

1. Reinstall vacuum source and apply 20-25 in-Hg (85-88 kPa) vacuum.
   

1. NOTE: Do not hold steering wheel on stops.
   
   Cycle steering wheel from lock to lock every 30 seconds for approximately 5 minutes.
   

1. Shut engine off, release vacuum and remove vacuum source.
   

1. Add Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid if necessary and install dipstick or reservoir cap.
   

1. NOTE: Do not hold steering wheel on stops.
   
   Start engine and cycle steering wheel from lock to lock every 30 seconds for approximately 5 minutes.
   

1. Check for oil leaks at all connections.
   

1. In severe cases it may be necessary to repeat air purge with vacuum source procedure.
   

Air Purge with Vacuum External Source Procedure - 3.0L (2V) and 3.0L (4V)

1. Add Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent to approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) (make a mark) above the top of the supply line.
   

1. Tightly insert the rubber stopper of the air evacuator assembly into the pump reservoir.
   

1. Apply 85-88 kPa (20-25 in-Hg) maximum vacuum for a minimum of three minutes.
   

1. Add Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent until the level is at the marked point.
   

1. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the fluid level stabilizes.
   

1. Check reservoir level and add Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent to the FULL WARM (MAX) mark.
   

1. Install the number 10 fuse in the fuse junction panel. Start the engine.
   

1. NOTE: The front wheels must be off the floor during lock-to-lock rotation of the steering wheel.
   
   NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel on stops.
   
   Reinstall the vacuum source and apply 85-88 kPa (20-25 in-Hg) maximum vacuum and cycle the steering wheel from lock-to-lock every thirty seconds for a minimum of 5 minutes.
   

1. Shut the engine off, release the vacuum and remove the vacuum source.
   

1. Add Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent to the FULL WARM (MAX) level. Install the dipstick or reservoir cap.
   

1. NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel on stops.
   
   NOTE: In severe cases, it may be necessary to repeat air purge with vacuum source procedure.
   
   Start the engine and cycle the steering wheel from lock-to-lock every thirty seconds for approximately five minutes.
   

1. Lower the vehicle front end.
   

1. Check for oil leaks at all connections.
   

Yes it is not that hard to replace.


REMOVE OR DISCONNECT

1. Retainer and electrical connector from fluid level sensor.
2. Drain brake fluid front mister cylinder reservoir.
3. Reservoir hose from master cylinder. Plug hose to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
4. Brake pipes from master cylinder. Plug open pipes to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
5. Two attaching nuts.
6. Master cylinder.
7. Reservoir, if it is to he used on replacement master cylinder.

INSTALL OR CONNECT

1. Reservoir onto master cylinder, as needed.
2. Master cylinder on to power booster.
3. Attaching nuts. Tighten to 27 Nm (20 lb. ft.).
4. Brake pipes. Tighten brake pipe fittings to 15 Nm (11 lb. ft.).
5. Reservoir hose onto master cylinder.
6. Fill master cylinder reservoir to full level mark using only Delco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid, or equivalent DOT 3 brake fluid.
7. Electrical connector to fluid level sensor, secure with retainer.
8. Bleed hydraulic system.
9. Recheck fluid level in reservoir

You can easily put in brake fluid yourself. Just make sure you use DOT4 brake fluid (Castrol, etc..) To top up your fluid locate master cylinder (drivers side, white plastic reservoir just in front of driver) remove cap and top up to "full" level (marked on side of reservoir)

Locating the Power Steering reservoir and adding PS fluid. 1999 Pontiac GP

The reservoir is clearly visible in the engine bay on the 3.1 litre engine cars.

For the 3.8 Ltr engine cars, use a flashlight to look down past the alternator for a black cap with a steering wheel printed on it to indicate the power steering fluid reservoir. ( passenger side of the vehicle).

Remove the cap of the power steering reservoir, clean the dipstick, re-insert and remove again to check the fluid level. If the level is at or below the low level mark, add fluid slowly, taking care not to fill above the MAXIMUM mark. It's best to add small amounts and re-check the level as you go to ensure you do not overfill the reservoir above the MAX level.

ONLY use the power steering fluid recommended for that vehicle by GM.

YOU HAVE A RUPTURE PRESSURE LINE IF YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR.LOCATE LEAK THEN BLEED POWER STEERING SYSTEM BY ADDING POWER STEERING TO RESERVOIR.DONT OVER FILL BY FULL COLD MARK ON POWER STEERING DIP STICK.ADD FLUID TO RESERVOIR WAIT A 2 MINUTES.CHECK FLUID LEVEL AGAIN.WHEN POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL STOP DROPPING.START ENGINE LET IT RUN FOR 10 SECONDS.THEN TURN OFF ENGINE CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID ADD FLUID IF FLUID LEVEL DROPS. WHEN FLUID LEVEL STOP DROPPING.SAFELY RAISE SUPPORT VECHICLE FRONT WHEELS.START ENGINE.NOW TURN STEERING WHEEL GENTLY FROM STOP TO STOP MEANING LEFT TO RIGHT DONT HOLD IN POSITION.LET THE STOP TO STOP BE QUICK.CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID AFTER YOU HAVE TURN STEERING WHEEL ABOUT 7 STOP TO STOP.WHEN FLUID LEVEL STOP DROPPING YOU AT HOT MARK ON DIP STICK BLEEDING PROCESS COMPLETE.TURN OFF ENGINE LOWER VECHICLE BACK TO GROUND WAIT ABOUT 5 MINUTES CHECK YOUR FLUID LEVEL.IF FLUID LOOKS LIKE A TAN COLOR.YOUR POWER STEERING SYSTEM FULL OF AIR.TURN OFF VECHICLE LET VECHICLE SET A LONG WHILE TO AIR BUBBLES SETTLE DOWN LOOK FOR LEAKS AROUND POWER STEERING PUMP FRONT SEAL AND CHECK FOR LEAKS AROUND POWER STEERING LINES.

HEY DO THIS,YOU NEED TO BLEED SYSTEM. TO BLEED POWER STEERING SYSTEM.TO DO THIS.FILL THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR TO COLD FULL MARK ON DIP STICK.WAIT A FEW MINITES,FLUID LEVEL DROP ADD MORE FLUID UNTIL REACH COLD MARK ON THE DIP STICK..WAIT FEW MINUTES.START ENGINE LET IT RUN FOR 2 OR 3 SECONDS.TURN OFF ENGINE CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID ADD MORE FLUID.DO THIS UNTIL FLUID LEVEL STOP DROPPING.WHEN FLUID LEVEL STOP DROPPING.SAFELY RAISE FRONT OF THE VECHICLE UNTIL FRONT WHEELS DONT TOUCH THE GROUND.START ENGINE UP.TURN THE STEERING WHEEL GENTLY FROM STOP TO STOP,CHECK THE RESERVOIR FLUID LEVEL LOOKS GOOD TURN OFF ENGINE LOWER VECHICLE .LOWER VECHICLE TO GROUND. LET VECHICLE SET FOR 2 MINUTES CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL.IF STILL LOW ADD LITTLE MORE.TO THE COLD FULL MARK ON DIP STICK. DONT OVER FILL BECAUSE FLUID LEVEL RISES WHEN IT GET HOT.WHEN DONE IF STEERING WHEEL STILL FEEL HARD TO TURN YOU SEE AIR BUBBLES IN FLUID THATS WHEN FLUID HAS A TAN LOOKING COLOR WAIT 5 MINUTES AND.REPEAT THE BLEEDING PROCESS. DONT DRIVE OR OPERATE VECHICLE ON HIGHWAY UNTIL POWER STEERING HAS NORMAL OPERATION.

This would be your power steering pump. it may be leaking or low on fluid. Be sure to check the fluid in the reservoir marked power steering fluid. you will have one for your breaks and one for your power steering fluid.