ABS/TCS/DSC; Antilock Brake System (ABS); When Driving- Page 159

4–55

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 

4-16.

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



  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.



  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.

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