Brakes
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost have hydraulic brake circuits that are electronically controlled when the brake pedal is applied during normal operation. The system performs routine tests and turns off within a few minutes after the vehicle is shutdown. Noise may be heard during this time. If the brake pedal is pressed during the tests or when the electric brake boost system is off, a noticeable change in pedal force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps prevent a braking skid and maintain steering while
braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the vehicle is first driven.
A momentary motor or clicking noise may be heard while this test is going on, and the brake pedal may move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning light stays on. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light 0 138.
ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot on the brake pedal and does not always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly.
Hearing or feeling ABS operate is normal.
ABS allows steering and braking at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help even more than braking.
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 when the engine is not running.
The system has a Y or PARK Electric Parking Brake light, and a 8 Service Parking Brake light. See Electric Parking Brake Light 0 137 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
0 138. There are also parking brake-related Driver Information Center (DIC) messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, check for the Y or PARK light to ensure that the parking brake is applied.
To apply the EPB:
The Y or PARK light will flash and then stay on once the EPB is fully applied. If the Y 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 the Y or PARK light is flashing. See your dealer. See Electric Parking Brake Light 0 137.
If the 8 light is on, press the EPB switch and hold it. Continue to hold the switch until the Y 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.
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 the Y
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 the Y or PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release is attempted, see your dealer.
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 detects rapid brake pedal applications due to emergency braking situations and provides additional braking to activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake pedal pulsation, and/or pedal
movement during this time may occur. Continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages when the brake pedal is released.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from rolling in an unintended direction during the transition from brake pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release when the accelerator pedal is applied. If the accelerator pedal is not applied within a few minutes, the Electric Parking Brake will apply. The brakes may also release under other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing uphill in a forward gear,
or when facing downhill in
R (Reverse). The vehicle must come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA to activate.
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