When Driving- Page 176

4–50

When Driving

ABS/TCS/DSC

     Antilock  Brake  System 
(ABS)

            The  ABS  control  unit  continuously 
monitors the speed of each wheel. If 
one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS 
responds by automatically releasing and 
reapplying that wheel's brake.

  The driver will feel a slight vibration in 
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering 
noise from the brake system. This is 
normal ABS system operation. Continue to 
depress the brake pedal without pumping 
the brakes.

  The warning light turns on when the 
system has a malfunction.
  Refer to Warning Lights on page  4-17 .

WARNING

  Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for 
safe driving:

  The ABS cannot compensate for unsafe 
and reckless driving, excessive speed, 
tailgating (following another vehicle 
too closely), driving on ice and snow, 
and hydroplaning (reduced tire friction 
and road contact because of water on 
the road surface). You can still have an 
accident.

   NOTE

y

  Braking distances may be longer on 

loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for 
example) which usually have a hard 
foundation. A vehicle with a normal 
braking system may require less 
distance to stop under these conditions 
because the tires will build up a wedge 
of surface layer when the wheels skid.

y

  The sound of the ABS operating may 

be heard when starting the engine 
or immediately after starting the 
vehicle, however, it does not indicate a 
malfunction.