BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How- ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required with the power system oper- ating.
WARNING! Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible brake damage. You would not have your full braking capacity in an emergency.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa- bility, the remaining system will still function with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident by increased pedal travel during application and greater pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake fluid in the master cylinder drops, the “Brake Warning Light” will light.
WARNING! Driving a vehicle with the “Brake Warning Light” on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking per- formance or vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your vehicle harder to control. You could have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immedi- ately.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS provides increased vehicle stability and brake performance under most braking conditions. The system automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent wheel lock-up.
WARNING!
• Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to a collision. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or stop.
• The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys- ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that af- forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
• The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydro- planing.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
The “ABS Warning Light” monitors the ABS System. The light will come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the “ABS Warning Light” remains on or comes on while driving, it indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required. However, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the “Brake Warning Light” is not on. If the “ABS Warning Light” is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of anti-lock brakes. If the “ABS Warning Light” does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the bulb repaired as soon as possible. If both the “Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS Warning Light” remain on, the ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not functioning. Immedi- ate repair to the ABS is required. When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some related motor noises. These noises are the system per- forming its self-check cycle to ensure that the ABS working properly. This self-check occurs each time the vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h). ABS is activated during braking under certain road or stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in- clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose debris, or panic stops.
You may also experience the following when the brake system goes into anti-lock mode: • the ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop) • the clicking sound of solenoid valves • brake pedal pulsations • a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING! The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) contains sophis- ticated electronic equipment that may be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. This in- terference can cause possible loss of Anti-Lock brak- ing capability. Installation of such equipment should be performed by qualified professionals.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and type and tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate signals for the computer.
Download Manual