Antilock Braking Mode

When wheel slip is noted during a brake application, the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) will enter "Antilock" mode. During "Antilock" braking, hydraulic pressure in the individual wheel circuits is controlled to prevent any wheel from slipping. A separate hydraulic line and specific solenoid valves are provided for each wheel. The ABS can decrease, hold, or increase hydraulic pressure to each wheel brake. However, it cannot increase hydraulic pressure above the amount which is transmitted by the master cylinder during braking. During "Antilock" braking, a series of rapid pulsation's will be felt in the brake pedal. These pulsation's are caused by the rapid changes in position of the individual solenoid valves as they respond to their desired wheel speed. This pedal pulsation is present during "Antilock" braking and will stop when normal braking is resumed or when the vehicle comes to a stop. A ticking or popping noise may also be heard as the solenoid valves rapidly cycle. During "Antilock" braking on dry pavement, the tires may make intermittent "chirping" noises as they approach slipping. These noises and pedal pulsation's should be considered normal during "Antilock" operation. Vehicles equipped with ABS may be stopped by applying normal force to the brake pedal. Brake pedal operation during normal braking should be no different than previous systems. Maintaining a constant force on the pedal will provide the shortest stopping distance while maintaining vehicle stability.