Driving Your Mazda; Starting and Driving; Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)- Page 129

5-7

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

▼

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

The ABS control unit continuously 
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one 
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 when the ABS operates. Don’t 
pump the brakes, continue to press down 
on the brake pedal.

▼

ABS Warning Light

The warning light stays on for a few 
seconds when the ignition switch is turned 
to the ON position.

If the ABS warning light stays on while 
you’re driving, the ABS control unit has 
detected a system malfunction. If this 
occurs, your brakes will function 
normally as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized 
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.

ABS:
The ABS cannot compensate for 
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive 
speed, tailgating (following another 
vehicle too closely), and hydroplaning 
(reduced tire friction and road 
contact because of water on the road 
surface). You can still have an 
accident. So don’t rely on ABS as a 
substitute for safe driving.

NOTE

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.

WARNING

ABS Warning Light and Brake 
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system 
warning light and ABS warning light 
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear 
wheels could lock more quickly in an 
emergency stop than under normal 
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and 
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer 
to have the brakes inspected as soon 
as possible.

WARNING

J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book  Page 7  Saturday, June 8, 2002  11:16 AM