Operation Manual

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06
166
Anti-lock braking system - ABS
The anti-lock braking system
(ABS) prevents the wheels from
locking up during braking.
This means the ability to steer is
maintained and it is easier to swerve to avoid a
hazard for example.
After the engine has been started, the ABS will
perform a brief self-test at a speed of
about 20 km/h. This can be felt and heard as
pulses in the brake pedal.
To get the most out of the ABS:
1. Depress the brake pedal with full force.
Pulses will be felt.
2. Steer the car in the direction of travel. Do
not release the pressure on the pedal.
Practice braking with the ABS system in a traf-
fic-free area and in different weather condi-
tions.
Emergency Brake Assistance – EBA
For sudden braking, EBA (Emergency Brake
Assist) provides full-strength braking instanta-
neously. The EBA function senses when heavy
braking is underway by registering how quickly
the brake pedal is depressed.
Continue braking without easing off on the
brake pedal. The function disengages when
the pressure on the brake pedal eases.
This function is always active. It cannot be dis-
engaged.
WARNING
If the BRAKE and ABS warning symbols illu-
minate at the same time, there may be a
fault in the brake system. If the level in the
brake fluid reservoir is normal at this stage,
drive carefully to the nearest workshop and
have the brake system checked - an author-
ised Volvo workshop is recommended.
If the brake fluid is under the MIN level in the
brake fluid reservoir, do not drive further
before topping up the brake fluid.
The reason for the loss of brake fluid must
be investigated.
NOTE
When EBA is activated the brake pedal low-
ers slightly more than usual, depress (hold)
the brake pedal as long as necessary. If the
brake pedal is released then all braking
ceases.
Emergency brake lights and automatic
hazard warning flashers
Emergency brake lights are activated to alert
vehicles behind about sudden braking. The
function means that the brake light flashes
instead of - as in normal braking - shining with
a constant glow.
Emergency brake lights are activated at
speeds above 50 km/h if the ABS system is
working and/or in the event of sudden braking.
After the car's speed has been slowed below
10 km/h the brake light returns from flashing to
the normal constant glow - while at the same
time the hazard warning flashers are activated,
and they flash until the driver changes engine
speed with the accelerator pedal or they are
deactivated with their button, see page 70.