Operation Manual

Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies ac-
cording to road conditions. When the ABS
senses that one or more wheels are close
to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies
and releases hydraulic pressure. This ac-
tion is similar to pumping the brakes
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal and hear a noise from under
the hood or feel a vibration from the ac-
tuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating
properly. However, the pulsation may in-
dicate that road conditions are hazardous
and extra care is rquired while driving.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophisti-
cated device, but it cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain vehicle con-
trol during braking on slippery surfaces, but
remember that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces even with the anti-lock
system. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains. Tire
type and condition of tires may also affect
braking effectiveness. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety of
self and others rests in the hands of the
driver.
O When replacing tires, install the speci-
fied size of tires on all four wheels.
O When installing a spare tire, make sure it
is the proper size and type as specified
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See “9. Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
When accelerating or driving on a slippery
surface, the tires may spin or slide. With
the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system, sensors detect these movements
and control the braking and engine
output to help improve vehicle stability.
O When the VDC system is operating,
the “SLIP” indicator in the instrument
panel blinks.
O When only the Traction Control System
(TCS) portion of the VDC system is op-
erating, the “SLIP” indicator in the in-
strument panel blinks.
O If the “SLIP” indicator blinks, the road
conditions are slippery. Be sure to ad-
just your speed and driving to these
conditions. Be sure to drive carefully.
See “SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT”, and “VE-
HICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) OFF
INDICATOR LIGHT” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.
O Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the “SLIP” and “VDC OFF” indicator
lights illuminate in the instrument
panel. As long as these warning lights
are illuminated, the VDC system func-
tion is canceled.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
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