3-54
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
78RB1-01E
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering control
when braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard.
The ABS works automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenever
it senses that the wheels are locking up.
You may feel the brake pedal move a little
while the ABS is operating.
NOTE:
• The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under about 9 km/h (6 mph).
• If the ABS system is activated, you may
hear a clunking noise and/or feel pulsat-
ing in the brake pedal. This is normal
and indicates that the brake fluid pres-
sure is being controlled properly.
• You may hear an operation sound when
you start the engine or after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the
above systems are in the self-check
mode. This sound does not indicate a
malfunction.
54MN069
(1) ABS warning light
(2) Brake system warning light
WARNING
• On some types of loose surfaces
(such as gravel, snow-covered
roads, etc.), the stopping distance
required for a vehicle with ABS
may be slightly greater than the
one required for a comparable
vehicle with a conventional brake
system. With a conventional brake
system, skidding tyres are able to
plow the gravel or snow layer,
shortening the stopping distance.
ABS minimizes this resistance
effect. Allow for extra stopping dis-
tance when driving on loose sur-
faces.
• On regular paved roads, some driv-
ers may be able to obtain slightly
shorter stopping distances with
conventional brake systems than
with ABS.
• In both of the above conditions,
ABS will still offer the advantage of
helping you maintain directional
control. However, remember that
ABS will not compensate for bad
road or weather conditions or poor
driver judgment. Use good judg-
ment and do not drive too fast.