1. Introduction
This instruction manual provides detailed guidance for the safe and effective use of the YATO YT-72985 Brake Fluid Tester. This device is designed to accurately measure the water content in automotive brake fluid, helping to determine its quality and ensure optimal braking performance. Regular testing of brake fluid is crucial for vehicle safety and longevity of the braking system components.
2. Safety Information
Always observe the following safety precautions when using the YATO YT-72985 Brake Fluid Tester:
- Read this manual completely before operating the device.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves, when handling brake fluid.
- Brake fluid is corrosive. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and painted surfaces. In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
- Do not immerse the entire tester unit in brake fluid or any other liquid. Only the probe tip should be submerged.
- Keep the device away from children and unauthorized personnel.
- Store the tester in a dry, clean environment when not in use.
- Do not attempt to modify or repair the device. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
3. Product Overview
The YATO YT-72985 Brake Fluid Tester is a compact and easy-to-use device designed for quick assessment of brake fluid quality. It features an LCD display for percentage readings and LED indicators for a quick visual interpretation of results.

Figure 1: Front view of the YATO YT-72985 Brake Fluid Tester, showing the LCD display, LED indicators, and control buttons.
Components:
- Main Unit: Houses the electronics, display, and controls.
- LCD Display: Shows the measured water content percentage.
- LED Indicators: Provide a quick visual status of brake fluid quality (Good, Warning, Stop).
- ON/OFF Button: Powers the device on or off.
- SELECT Button: Used to cycle through different brake fluid types (DOT3, DOT4, DOT5.1).
- Flexible Probe: The sensing element that is immersed in the brake fluid.
- Battery Compartment: Located on the rear (requires 2x AAA batteries, not included).
4. Setup
Before first use, install the batteries:
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the tester.
- Slide or unclip the cover to open.
- Insert two (2) AAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
- Replace the battery compartment cover securely.
The device is now ready for operation.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Performing a Brake Fluid Test
- Prepare the Vehicle: Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and the engine is off. Locate the brake fluid reservoir.
- Clean the Reservoir Area: Carefully clean around the brake fluid reservoir cap to prevent contaminants from entering the system.
- Remove Reservoir Cap: Gently remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.
- Power On: Press the ON/OFF button to turn on the tester. The LCD display will illuminate.
- Select Fluid Type: Press the SELECT button repeatedly to choose the correct brake fluid type (DOT3, DOT4, or DOT5.1) for your vehicle. The corresponding LED will light up.
- Immerse Probe: Carefully immerse the flexible probe tip into the brake fluid reservoir. Ensure the probe is fully submerged in the fluid but does not touch the bottom or sides of the reservoir.
- Read Results:
- The LCD display will show the percentage of water content in the brake fluid.
- Simultaneously, the LED indicators will provide a quick visual assessment:
- GOOD (Green LED): Water content is below 1% (0.1% - <1%). Brake fluid is in good condition.
- WARNING (Yellow LED): Water content is between 1.5% and 2.5%. Brake fluid quality is deteriorating; consider replacement soon.
- STOP (Red LED): Water content is 3.0% or greater (>4%). Brake fluid is severely contaminated and requires immediate replacement.
- LOW BAT (Red LED): Indicates low battery power. Replace batteries for accurate readings.
- Remove Probe: Once the reading stabilizes, carefully remove the probe from the brake fluid.
- Clean Probe: Wipe the probe clean with a lint-free cloth.
- Power Off: Press and hold the ON/OFF button to turn off the tester.
- Replace Reservoir Cap: Securely replace the brake fluid reservoir cap.

Figure 2: Illustration of the brake fluid tester probe being correctly immersed into a brake fluid reservoir for testing.

Figure 3: Detailed view of the tester's LCD screen showing percentage readings and the various LED indicators for fluid quality (Good, Warning, Stop) and battery status.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: After each use, wipe the probe thoroughly with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to remove any brake fluid residue. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
- Storage: Store the tester in its original packaging or a protective case in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Battery Replacement: If the "LOW BAT" indicator illuminates, replace the batteries promptly to ensure accurate readings. Remove batteries if the device will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Tester does not power on. | Dead or incorrectly installed batteries. | Check battery polarity. Replace batteries. |
| Inaccurate or inconsistent readings. |
|
|
| "LOW BAT" indicator is on. | Batteries are low. | Replace batteries with new AAA batteries. |
8. Specifications
- Model: YATO YT-72985 (BF-100D)
- Brake Fluid Types Supported: DOT3, DOT4, DOT5.1
- Display: LCD with percentage reading, LED indicators
- Cable Length: Approximately 1800 mm (1.8 meters)
- Operating Temperature: Up to 40°C
- Power Supply: 2 x AAA batteries (not included)
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 20.6 x 11.7 x 6.6 cm (main unit)
- Weight: 246 g
9. Warranty and Support
YATO products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or contact your local YATO distributor. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.





