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204
R
WARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
Anti-lock Brake System
Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel
Anti-lock Braking System (4WABS). The 4WABS
helps the driver to maintain vehicle control by
preventing wheel lockup during hard braking.
The 4WABS operates with a computer that is
able to optimize vehicle control during braking
on varying tire and road conditions by
modulating the brake pressure at each of the
front wheels and the rear axle. This “pumping
action” is similar to the driver “pumping” the
brakes but happens at a much faster rate.
R
WARNING
The Anti-lock system does NOT assist the
vehicle in stopping quickly on wet or icy
surfaces. Heavy braking combined with
poor road conditions could cause you to
lose steering control of your vehicle.
Using anti-lock brakes
The operation of a vehicle with 4WABS is not
similar to the operation of normal brakes. Some
differences exist and are listed below:
❑
Apply the brake steadily. In the event of a
panic stop, do NOT “pump” the brakes.
“Pumping” the brakes during an Anti-lock
stop will diminish braking effectiveness.
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❑
During an Anti-lock stop, the driver will
notice a brake pedal pulsation and hear some
noise from the engine compartment. This is
an indication that the 4WABS system is
working correctly and is normal.
R
WARNING
The Anti-lock system does NOT decrease
the time necessary to apply the brakes.
Always leave enough room between the
vehicle in front of you and your vehicle.
4WABS driver warning light
The 4WABS computer continuously monitors the
system while driving for any electrical faults or
system malfunctions. In addition, the 4WABS
computer performs an initial system check called
bulb proveout when the vehicle ignition is
switched on. During bulb proveout, the amber
“ABS” light on the instrument cluster will
momentarily illuminate and then go out.
NOTE:
After starting the vehicle and upon
initial drive-off, the driver may notice
a single pulse of the brake pedal and a
noise from the engine compartment.
This is part of the initial system check
and is normal.
Should a malfunction in the 4WABS system
occur, the amber “ABS” light on the instrument
cluster will come on and stay on indicating that
the antilock system has been shut down and the
vehicle needs to be serviced. Normal braking is
not affected unless the red brake warning light
is also illuminated.
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NOTE:
It is important to note that when the
ABS Warning Light is illuminated the
ABS system is disabled. The vehicle
must be serviced immediately to
restore the benefits of the Anti-lock
system.
NOTE:
Mobile phones or radio transmitters
not installed by Ford Motor Company
may interfere with the Anti-lock
System. Should the Anti-lock system
activate unexpectedly or the Anti-lock
Warning Light illuminate after
installation of such a unit, have the
installation of the unit checked.
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
“Low”
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the
rear drum brakes need adjustment. To do this,
drive the vehicle in reverse at 5 mph (8 km/h)
on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this
procedure four or five times.
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems “low”, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes annoyingly loud or increases
significantly in frequency of occurrence, return
the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
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R
WARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
If Brakes Pull
❑
Check tire pressure
❑
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described under
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is “Low.”
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles
(800 km), make 10 moderately fast stops from
40 mph (65 km/h) and then perform the
self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly
seat new brake linings and pads.
Stopping Distances
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
Applying the Brakes
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
“squeeze” technique — push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
R
WARNING
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. This will increase your
vehicle’s stopping distance and may also
cause brake damage.
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