Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)- Page 561

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Braking

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Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Driving

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by 
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you can.

The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also 
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.

You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always 
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as 
“stomp and steer.”

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ABS operation

The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Depress the brake 
pedal and keep holding the pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to 
press on the brake pedal very hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel 
the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.

ABS may activate when you depress the brake pedal when driving on:

•

Wet or snow covered roads.

•

Roads paved with stone.

•

Roads with uneven surfaces, such as potholes, cracks, manholes, etc.

When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.

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ABS

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Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

NOTICE

The ABS may not function correctly if you use a tire of 
the incorrect size or type.

If the 

ABS

 indicator comes on while driving, there 

may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking will not be affected, there is a 
possibility that the ABS will not be operating. Have 
your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

The ABS is not designed for the purpose of reducing 
the time or distance it takes for a vehicle to stop: It is 
designed to limit brake lockup which can lead to 
skidding and loss of steering control.

In the following cases, your vehicle may need more 
distance to stop than a vehicle without the ABS:

•

You are driving on rough or uneven road surfaces, 
such as gravel or snow.

•

The tires are equipped with tire chains.

The following may be observed with the ABS system:

•

Motor sounds coming from the engine 
compartment when the brakes are applied, or 
when system checks are being performed after the 
engine has been started and while the vehicle 
accelerates.

•

Brake pedal and/or the vehicle body vibration when 
ABS activates.

These vibrations and sounds are normal to ABS 
systems and are no cause for concern.