Power steering fluid top off (brake light on dash)

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KINGJOHN808
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Power steering fluid top off (brake light on dash)

Post by KINGJOHN808 »

Aloha all,

Need to top off the power steering but not 100% sure if it’s ATF or power steering fluid as I’ve seen both listed on the forums. I “think” it’s ATF (red in color) but don’t want to make the mistake of mixing the two.

It’s definitely low, (not super low though) about middle of the cylinder whereas it’s supposed to be 10mm from the top. After I pump the peddle for 10-20 times, Don’t see any air bubbles or foam. Brake light stays on. Before it would come on then shut off after I pressed the brakes.

Brakes still appear to be working, haven’t been able to road test, just in my drive way.

If it is ATF, what type/brand should I be putting in there? I’ve seen Dextron I,II, IV?

Mahalo’z in advance.
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1984 633CSi
1983 633CSi (wreckers)

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86_6series
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Re: Power steering fluid top off (brake light on dash)

Post by 86_6series »

Any ATF will do.
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KINGJOHN808
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Re: Power steering fluid top off (brake light on dash)

Post by KINGJOHN808 »

86_6series wrote: Sat Apr 30, 2022 10:51 am Any ATF will do.
This is the one I purchased when I went to Autozone. They said my car takes “Dexron 3” but didn’t have it on the shelf. Only Dexron V and IV.

The one I bought says “suitable for vehicles using II and III.
See the attached picture. Didn’t put it in yet, just tying to confirm before adding to the power steering system.

Mahalo’z
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1983 633CSi (wreckers)

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Re: Power steering fluid top off (brake light on dash)

Post by 86_6series »

They upgrade ATF just like they upgrade engine oil. As long as the fluid is of the same type
all will be OK. Many years ago I did a complete drain & fill. Now every once and a while I
just remove fluid but not below the canister bottom and top off, don't want to bleed the system.
The old & new gets mixed up and keeps the overall fluid somewhat fresh.
86-635CSi
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98-740i
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KINGJOHN808
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Re: Power steering fluid top off (brake light on dash)

Post by KINGJOHN808 »

wfwright2 wrote: Sun May 01, 2022 2:07 pm That fluid will work fine. Just be sure you have purged the pressure in the system by pumping the brakes 20 or so times (I know that you know that, I did too until it came time to top off fluid, fresh fluid on the driveway after letting the car sit for a while, my bad).
🤣🤣🤣. Mahalo’z! Yep, have definitely been there. So much so I just keep a bag of absorbing material close at hand.
Ewa Kai, Hawai’i
1984 633CSi
1983 633CSi (wreckers)

“Aloha and have a great day!”
KINGJOHN808
Posts: 127
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Re: Power steering fluid top off (brake light on dash)

Post by KINGJOHN808 »

86_6series wrote: Sun May 01, 2022 11:05 am They upgrade ATF just like they upgrade engine oil. As long as the fluid is of the same type
all will be OK. Many years ago I did a complete drain & fill. Now every once and a while I
just remove fluid but not below the canister bottom and top off, don't want to bleed the system.
The old & new gets mixed up and keeps the overall fluid somewhat fresh.
Mahalo’z. Glad to know that any ATF will work in there. Going to remove a little like you suggested and top off with the new stuff.
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1984 633CSi
1983 633CSi (wreckers)

“Aloha and have a great day!”
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RossDinan6
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Re: Power steering fluid top off (brake light on dash)

Post by RossDinan6 »

Did you pump the pedal 20 or so times until hard? If not the reservoir will be overfilled.
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KINGJOHN808
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Re: Power steering fluid top off (brake light on dash)

Post by KINGJOHN808 »

RossDinan6 wrote: Sun May 01, 2022 9:08 pm Did you pump the pedal 20 or so times until hard? If not the reservoir will be overfilled.
Yep, pump 20 times or so until the fluid wouldn’t go any higher. Pedal hard. Added the fluid up to 10mm from the top of the rim. Ran the car for a while turning turning the steering wheel to make sure there was no air. Looks good to go.

Also figured out that the brake fluid reservoir cap needs to be changed. That appears to be where my random brake light is coming from. Got one on order now.

Mahalo’z again for the help.
Ewa Kai, Hawai’i
1984 633CSi
1983 633CSi (wreckers)

“Aloha and have a great day!”
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