1993 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of
those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means
you can lose control
of your vehicle.
BWNG
Braking action involves perception time and reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception
time. Then you have
to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time.
Average reaction time
is about 3/4 of a second. But that’s only an
average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three
seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part.
So do alcohol, drugs and
frustration. But
even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100
km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency,
so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is
important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface
of
the road (whether it’s pavement or gravel); the condition of the road
(wet, dry, icy); tire tread; and the condition of your brakes.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Most drivers treat their brakes with care. Some, however, overwork the
braking system with poor driving habits.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts -- heavy
acceleration followed by heavy braking
-- rather than keeping pace
with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster
if you do a
lot of heavy braking.
Don’t “ride” the brakes by letting your left foot rest lightly on the
brake pedal while driving.
1 A CAUTION:
“Riding” your brakes can cause them to overheat to the point
that they won’t work well. You might not be able to stop your
vehicle in time to avoid an accident.
If you “ride” your brakes,
they will get
so hot they will require a lot of pedal force to slow
you down. Avoid “riding” the brakes.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better
braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but
don’t pump your brakes.
If you do, the pedal may get harder to push
down.
If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it
may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
This feature is deleted on Coach Builder limousines and funeral coach
packages.
Your Cadillac has an advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent skidding.
This light on the
instrument panel will
go
on when you start
your vehicle.
Once the vehicle speed reaches about
5 mph (8 km/h), you may hear a
momentary motor or clicking noise. And you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves a little while this is going on. This is the
ABS system
testing itself. If there’s
a problem with the anti-lock brake system, the
anti-lock brake system warning light will stay on. See “Anti-lock Brake
System Warning Light” in the Index.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving
safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front
of you.
You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with
ABS.
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. The computer
separately works the brakes at each front wheel and at the rear wheels.
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The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver 7 could. The computer
and road conditions. is programmed to make the most of available tire u
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You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard. .-
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine r As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and
controls braking pressure accordingly.
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A CAUTION:
Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to
the brake pedal.
If you get too close to the vehicle in front of
you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows
or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes.
To Use Anti-Lock:
Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down and let anti-lock
feel the brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
-- work for you. You may hear the anti-lock pump or motor operate, and
175

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Traction Control System
~ This feature is deleted
on Coach Builder
limousines and
funeral coach
packages. I
TRACTION
ENGAGED
Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits wheel spin. This is
especially useful in slippery road conditions. The traction control system
works at all speeds. It limits wheel spin by reducing engine torque by
closing the throttle and applying the rear brakes. You may feel the system
working, or you may notice some noise, but this is normal. You may also
feel the accelerator pedal push back against your foot.
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TRACTION
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The “Traction Control” warning light lets you know when there is a
problem with your traction control system, unless your system is turned
off. When this light is on,
you have no automatic wheel spin protection.
Adjust your driving accordingly. If you can’t get the light off after
recycling the ignition, have your car serviced.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave your traction control system on. But you can turn the
traction control system off
if you ever need to.
TRACTION
CONTROL
DISABLE
SWITCH
3
To turn the system off, press this switch. The “Traction Control” light will
come on and stay on. To turn the traction control system back on, you
must stop and turn off the ignition. Then restart the engine. The traction
control system automatically comes on whenever you start your vehicle.
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Disc Brake Wear Indicators
Your Cadillac has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
-- Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is
.. - moving (except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
I
A CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that sooner or later your
brakes won’t work well. That could lead to an accident. When
you hear the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced. I

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine IY OTICE:
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Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in
costly brake repair.
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Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something
is wrong with your brakes.
Rear Drum Brakes
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Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if you ever hear a
rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake linings inspected.
Also, the
rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each time the tires
are removed for rotation or changing. When you have the front brakes
replaced, have the rear brakes inspected,
too.
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Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if c r
there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake
trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc brakes adjust for
wear.
If you rarely make a moderate or heavier stop, then your brakes might
not adjust correctly. If you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every
1000 miles (1600 km), so your -i
brakes will adjust properly.
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If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your rear drum
brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them
by backing up and firmly
applying the brakes a few times.
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