Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation

Brake System

Special Tool(s):

Material:

Applying the brake pedal uses lever action to push a rod into the brake booster, which through the use of vacuum, boosts the force of the rod and then transmits this force into the master cylinder. This produces hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder. On vehicles not equipped with anti-lock brake systems (ABS), the hydraulic pressure is transmitted by brake fluid through the brake lines to the individual brake calipers or wheel cylinders. On vehicles equipped with ABS, the hydraulic pressure is transmitted by brake fluid through the brake lines to the ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU), which then distributes that pressure to the individual brake calipers or wheel cylinders. The brake calipers or wheel cylinders use hydraulic pressure to apply the pads or shoes. The application of the brake pads or shoes will cause the rotation of the wheels to slow or stop depending on how much brake pressure is applied. The parking brakes carry out the same function except that they are mechanically actuated by a cable that connects only to the rear brakes.

Programming Adjustable Pedals Positions
An adjustable pedal position can be stored at any time.

Programming adjustable pedal positions can be accomplished by doing the following:
^ An adjustable pedal position can be stored at any time. To store the adjustable pedal position to memory, the driver must move the pedals to the preferred position using the adjustable pedal switch. The driver must then depress the memory SET switch, activating the memory SET switch light emitting diode (LED). Within 5 seconds (before the LED goes out), the driver must select a memory position. Memory 1 is selected by depressing the 1 switch. Memory 2 is selected by depressing the 2 switch.
^ If no memory switch input is received within the 5 second time limit, the operation is aborted and the memory SET switch LED is turned OFF. If one of the following inputs is received during the 5-second programming limit, the operation is aborted and the memory SET switch LED is turned OFF:
- Adjustable pedal switch
- Power driver seat switch
- Power outside rearview mirrors switch
- Memory SET switch

To program the remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter, refer to Locks.

Recalling a Stored Adjustable Pedals Position
Once the driver has stored a preferred adjustable pedal position, the driver can recall the setting by depressing the corresponding memory switch or by using a programmed remote transmitter. Recalling a stored adjustable pedal position can be accomplished by doing the following:
^ The driver can recall a preferred adjustable pedals position by depressing one or both of the memory recall switches. Pressing Memory 1 will initiate a recall of the adjustable pedals position stored in Memory 1. Pressing Memory 2 will initiate a recall of the adjustable pedals position stored in Memory 2. Pressing both Memory 1 and Memory 2 will initiate a recall of the adjustable pedals position stored in memory.
^ A remote transmitter can be used to recall previously set memory positions. The remote transmitters are manufactured with an assigned personality number (1, 2 or 3) and are so designated on the back of the remote transmitter case. The remote transmitter assigned with personality 1 is capable of only recalling memory position 1. Similarly, the remote transmitter assigned with personalities 2 and 3, can only recall memory positions 2 and 3, respectively.
^ Memory recall occurs when the unlock switch is pressed on the remote transmitters. A second press of the unlock switch, which unlocks the passenger doors, does not initiate a memory recall.
^ A memory recall in progress does not prohibit the initiation of another memory recall; the most recently requested memory recall will be executed.