Antilock Brake System (ABS)

This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a braking skid.

When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.

If there is a problem with ABS, this

If there is a problem with ABS, this warning light stays on. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.

If driving safely on a wet road and it becomes necessary to slam on the brakes and continue braking to avoid a sudden obstacle, a computer senses that the wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel.

ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.

As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.

See also:

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
For eAssist vehicles, this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator lig ...

Auto Rear Defog
If equipped, this will allow you to turn the auto rear defog on or off. This feature will automatically turn on the rear defogger when it is cold outside. Press SELECT when Auto Rear Defog i ...

Driving on Off-Road Hills
Off-road driving often takes you up, down, or across a hill. Driving safely on hills requires good judgment and understanding of what your vehicle can and cannot do. There are some hills that simp ...