Brakes
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps prevent a braking skid and maintain steering while
braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the vehicle is first driven.
A momentary motor or clicking noise may be heard while this test is going on, and the brake pedal may move slightly. This is normal.
ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot on the brake pedal and does not always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly.
Hearing or feeling ABS operate is normal.
ABS allows steering and braking at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help even more than braking.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning light stays on. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light 0 108.
Set the parking brake by holding the regular brake pedal down, then pushing down the parking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning Light 0 108.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down, then push down momentarily on the parking brake pedal until you feel the pedal release. Slowly pull your foot up off the parking brake pedal. If the parking brake is not released when you begin to drive, the brake system warning light will flash and a chime will sound warning you that the parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips 0 202.
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal applications due to emergency braking situations and provides additional braking to activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement during this time may occur. Continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages when the brake pedal is released.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling in an unintended direction during the transition from brake pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release when the accelerator pedal is applied or automatically release after a few seconds. The brakes may also release under other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing uphill in a forward gear,
or when facing downhill in
R (Reverse). The vehicle must come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA to activate.
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