Anti-lock braking system (abs) -20 – NISSAN vehicle User Manual

Page 270

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This procedure is described in the vehicle service

manual and can be performed by a NISSAN

dealer.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM

(ABS)

The anti-lock braking system controls the brakes

so the wheels do not lock when braking abruptly

or when braking on slippery surfaces. The system

detects the rotation speed at each wheel and

varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each

wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing

wheel lockup, the system helps the driver main-

tain steering control and helps to minimize swerv-

ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.

Using the system

Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.

WARNING

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so

may

result

in

increased

stopping

distances.

Normal operation

The anti-lock braking system does not operate at

speeds below 3 - 6 MPH (5 - 10 km/h). (The

speeds vary according to road conditions.)

When driving, the anti-lock braking system con-

trols the wheels so they will not lock when brak-

ing abruptly or when braking on a slippery road.

Thus, steering control is increased and swerving

of the vehicle is decreased during emergency

braking. The system detects the wheel rotation

rate and electronically controls the pressure ap-

plied to each brake. Slight vibration on the brake

pedal accompanied by noise usually occurs while

the ABS system is operating. Such vibration and

noise encountered during abrupt braking is not a

problem, but indicates that the system is func-

tioning properly. However, the pulsation may in-

dicate that road conditions are hazardous and

extra care is required while driving.

Self-test feature

The anti-lock braking system consists of elec-

tronic sensors and hydraulic solenoids controlled

by a computer. The computer has a built-in diag-

nostic feature that tests the system each time you

start the engine and move the vehicle at a low

speed in forward or reverse. When the self-test

occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a

pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is

not an indication of any malfunction. If the com-

puter senses any malfunction, it switches the

anti-lock braking system off and turns on the ABS

brake warning light on the instrument panel. The

braking system then operates normally, but with-

out anti-lock assistance.

If the light comes on during the self-test or while

driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for

repair.

WARNING

The anti-lock braking system is a so-

phisticated device, but it cannot pre-

vent accidents resulting from careless

or dangerous driving techniques. It can

help maintain vehicle control during

braking on slippery surfaces, but re-

member that the stopping distance on

slippery surfaces will be longer than on

normal surfaces even with the anti-lock

braking system. Stopping distances

may also be longer on rough, gravel or

snow covered roads, or if you are using

tire chains. Tire type and condition may

also affect braking effectiveness. Al-

ways maintain a safe distance from the

vehicle in front of you. Ultimately, the

responsibility for safety of self and oth-

ers rests in the hands of the driver.

Tire type and condition of tires may also

affect braking effectiveness.

When replacing tires, install the speci-

fied size of tires on all four wheels.

5-20

Starting and driving

REVIEW COPY—

2007 Quest (van)

Owners Manual—USA_English (nna)
02/27/06—debbie

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