Antilock Brake System (ABS)Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), anadvanced electronic braking system that will helpprevent a braking skid.When you start the engine and begin to drive away,ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentarymotor or clicking noise while this test is going on, andyou might even notice that the brake pedal movesa little. This is normal.If there is a problem withABS, this warning light willstay on. See AntilockBrake System WarningLight on page 3-65.Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slamon the brakes and continue braking. Here is whathappens with ABS:A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. Ifone of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computerwill separately work the brakes at each wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure faster than anydriver could. The computer is programmed to make themost of available tire and road conditions. This canhelp you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updateson wheel speed and controls braking pressureaccordingly.Remember: ABS does not change the time you need toget your foot up to the brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle infront of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes ifthat vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leaveenough room up ahead to stop, even though youhave ABS.Using ABSDo not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedaldown firmly and let antilock work for you. You might hearthe antilock pump or motor operate, and feel thebrake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.4-5
