Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
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 0 134.
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.
Using 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.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than even the very best braking.
Electric Parking Brake
DRIVING AND OPERATING 195 The vehicle has an Electric Parking Brake (EPB). The EPB can always be activated, even if the ignition is off. To prevent draining the battery, avoid repeated cycles of the EPB system when the engine is not running. The system has aY or PARK Electric Parking Brake light, and a 8 Service Parking Brake light. See Electric Parking Brake Light 0 133 and Service Electric Parking Brake Light 0 134. Before leaving the vehicle, check for theY or PARK light to ensure that the parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB: 1. Be sure the vehicle is at a
complete stop. 2. Press the EPB switch
momentarily. TheY or PARK light will flash and then stay on once the EPB is fully applied. If theY or PARK light flashes continuously, then the EPB is
only partially applied or there is a problem with the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release the EPB and try to apply it again. If the light does not come on, or keeps flashing, have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the vehicle if theY or PARK light is flashing. See your dealer. See Electric Parking Brake Light 0 133. If the 8 light is on, press the EPB switch and hold it. Continue to hold the switch until theY or PARK light remains on. If the 8 light remains on, see your dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long as the switch is pressed. If the switch is pressed until the vehicle comes to a stop, the EPB will remain applied. The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB in some situations when the vehicle is not moving. This is normal, and is done to periodically check the correct operation of the EPB system. If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB: 1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/
ACCESSORY. 2. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 3. Press the EPB switch
momentarily. The EPB is released when theY or PARK light is off. If the 8 light is on, release the EPB by pressing and holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the switch until theY or PARK light is off. If either light stays on after release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving.
196 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration when the EPB is applied, to preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a brake assist feature 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.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has a Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature, which may be useful when the vehicle is stopped on a grade sufficient enough to activate HSA. This feature is designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling, either forward or rearward, during vehicle drive off. After the driver completely stops and holds the vehicle in a complete standstill on a grade, HSA will be automatically activated. During the transition period between when the driver releases the brake pedal and starts 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. 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).
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