Brakes
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise may be heard while this test is going on, and it may even be noticed that the brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning light stays on. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light 0 149.
If driving safely on a wet road and it becomes necessary to slam on the brakes and continue braking to avoid a sudden obstacle, a computer senses the wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let ABS work. You may hear the ABS pump or motor operating and feel the brake pedal pulsate. This is normal.
ABS allows you to steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than even the very best braking.
Set the parking brake by holding the regular brake pedal down, then pushing down the parking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning Light 0 148.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down, then push down momentarily on the parking brake pedal until you feel the pedal release. Slowly pull your foot up off the parking brake pedal. If the parking brake is not released when you begin to drive, a DIC
message will appear and a chime will sound warning you that the parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips 0 294.
For vehicles with a release handle, set the parking brake by holding the regular brake pedal down, then pushing down the parking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning Light 0 148.
A chime sounds and the warning light flashes when the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving at least 8 km/h (5 mph).
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down. Then pull the bottom edge of the lever with the parking brake symbol, located to the right of the steering column.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released, the brake system warning light goes off.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips 0 294.
The Brake Assist feature is designed to assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the stability system hydraulic brake control module to supplement the power brake system under conditions where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied the brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic brake control module increases brake pressure at each corner of the vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or pedal movement during this time is normal and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates The Brake Assist feature will automatically disengage when the brake pedal is released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased.
This vehicle has a Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature, which may be useful when the vehicle is stopped on a grade. This feature is designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling, either forward or rearward, during vehicle drive off. After you completely stop and hold the vehicle in a complete standstill on a grade, HSA will automatically activate.
During the transition period between when you release the brake pedal and start to accelerate to drive off on a grade, HSA holds the braking pressure for a maximum of
two seconds to ensure that there is no rolling. The brakes will automatically release when the accelerator pedal is applied within the two-second window. If the vehicle is equipped with the Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system, HSA may also apply the trailer brakes. It will not activate if the vehicle is in a drive gear and facing downhill or if the vehicle is facing uphill and in R (Reverse).
There may be situations on minor hills (less than 5% grade) with a loaded vehicle or while pulling a trailer where HSA may activate.
If you release the brake pedal and then reapply the brake pedal while HSA is activated, the brake pedal typically feels firmer with less pedal travel.
Download Manual