Brakes
144
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Brake pads
Brake pads require a period of bedding in when
new. Drive with extra caution for the first
500 km (300 miles) to avoid the need for heavy
braking.
Brake pad wear warning
When the brake pads are wearing low, the
warning message BRAKE PADS LOW is
displayed in the message centre. Arrange for
your vehicle to be se en by your Dealer/
Authorised Repairer at the earliest opportunity.
Wet conditions
Driving through heavy ra in or water can have
an adverse effect on braking efficiency. Under
such circumstances, it is recommended that
you lightly a pply the brakes intermittently to
dry the brakes.
ABS warning indicator
If this amber warning indicator
illuminates while driving and/or
ABS FAULT is displayed in the
message centre, drive with extra caution, avoid
heavy braking where possible, and seek
qualified assistance as soon as possible.
If this red warning indicator
illuminates while driving and/or the
message LOW BRAKE FLUID is
displayed in the message centre, check the
brake fluid level at the earliest opportunity and
top-up as required. See BRAKE FLUID CHECK
(page 206).
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ABS
ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) allows
maximum brake pressure, and thus maximum
braking efficiency, to be applied, and prevents
the road wheels locking. This allows the driver
to retain steering control during heavy braking
under most road conditions.
ABS optimises tyre to road adhesion under
maximum braking conditions, though it cannot
provide increased cornering ability.
WARNINGS
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal whilst the vehicle is in motion.
This may cause a light application of
the brakes, which can result in overheating,
reduced brake performance, and excessive
brake wear.
Never allow the vehicle to coast
(freewheel) with the engine turned
off. The engine must be running to
provide full braking assistance. The brakes will
still function with the e ngine off, but far more
pressure will be required to operate them.
If the red brake warning indicator
illuminates, safely bring the vehicle to
a stop, as quickly as possible. Seek
qualified assistance before proceeding.
Never place non-approved floor
matting or any ot her obstructions
under the brake pedal. This restricts
pedal travel and braking efficiency.
WARNINGS
ABS cannot overcome the physical
limitations of braking distance. Nor
can it overcome the lack of grip on a
road surface (e.g. aquaplaning on water).
Braking distance is increased on a
slippery surface. This applies to all
vehicles, even those fitted with ABS.
The driver should not be tempted to
take risks when driving, in the hope
that ABS will correct errors of
judgement. In all cases it remains the driver's
responsibility to driv e with due care and
attention, payi ng particular attention to the
effects of speed, weather, road conditions etc.
145
Brakes
During emergency braking conditions ABS
constantly monitors the speed of each wheel.
ABS varies the brake pressure to individual
wheels, according to the grip available. The
constant alteration of brake pressure can be
felt as a pulsing sensation through the brake
pedal. This is not a caus e for concern, as it is
designed to demonstrate to the driver that ABS
is operating.
ABS braking techniques
For optimum ABS performance, these
instructions on braking techniques during ABS
operation should be followed:
• Do not release the brake pressure when
the pulsating effect is felt. Maintain a
constant pressure until the manoeuvre is
completed.
• To familiarise y ourself with the feel of the
brake pedal during ABS braking, practise
an emergency stop pr ocedure, always
making sure it is safe to do so. With the
seat belts fitted to all occupants, drive the
vehicle at 32 km/h (20 mph) and brake
sharply.
• ABS enables the driver to steer around
obstacles during em ergency braking.
However, the consequences of turning
sharply at high speed cannot be overcome
by the ABS.
• Do not attempt to pump the brakes to
avoid skidding, as this can interfere with
ABS operation. The ABS will not allow the
wheels to skid under normal road
conditions.
• The ABS will tend to keep the vehicle
straight during braki ng. Because braking
distances may increase under certain road
conditions, it is nece ssary to plan and
make turning manoeuvres as early as
possible.
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
EBD balances the distribution of braking forces
between the wheels on the front and rear axles,
to maintain maximum braking under all vehicle
loading conditions.
For example; Under light loads, EBD applies
less braking effort to the rear wheels, to
maintain stability. Conv ersely, it allows full
braking effort to the rear wheels when the
vehicle is towing or is heavily laden.
A fault with the EBD system is
indicated by illumination of the red
brake warning indicator and the
message EBD FAULT is displayed in the
message centre. Gently stop the vehicle, as
soon as safety permit s, and seek qualified
assistance.
Brakes
146
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
The EBA system measures the rate at which the
brake pressure increases. If the system detects
an emergency braking situation, EBA
automatically init iates full braking effect. This
can reduce stopping dist ances in critical
situations.
EBA stops operating as soon as the brake pedal
is released.
EBA is part of the Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) system and a fault
with the EBA system is indicated by
the amber DSC warning indicator illuminating
and DSC NOT AVAILABLE (with amber
backlight) displaying in the message centre.
Seek qualified assistan ce as soon as possible.
Brake vacuum assist
(V6 petrol models only)
When the engine is cold and/or engine vacuum
is low, Brake vacuum assist provides additional
brake pedal assistance. When the function is
operating, a pulsation ma y be felt through the
brake pedal - this is not a cause for concern.
A fault is indicate d by the message BRAKE
ASSIST FAULT (with amber backlight)
appearing in the message centre. Increased
brake pedal effort may be required to slow the
vehicle when the engine is cold and/or engine
vacuum is low. Seek qualified assistance.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE (EPB)
The switch which operate s the parking brake is
mounted on the centre c onsole to the rear of
the gear selector.
To engage the parking brake (1): Pull the
parking brake switch up wards and release. The
switch will return to the neutral position. The
Parking brake warning and Brake fluid low
warning indicator on the instrument panel will
illuminate.
The Drive Away Release feature allows the
parking brake to release automatically as the
vehicle is driven away.
To disengage the parking brake (2): With the
ignition system on or with the engine running,
apply the foot brake and press the parking
brake switch down.
If the parking brake is a pplied while the vehicle
is stationary and D or R is selected, applying
the throttle will auto matically release the
parking brake.
The parking brake is also automatically
released when the gear selector is moved from
the P position.
WARNING
The EBA system is an additional
safety system; it is not intended to
relieve the driver of his or her
responsibility for exercising due care and
attention when driving.12
E95148
Driving hints
154
RUNNING-IN
Apart from a few precautionary
recommendations, there are no strict
running-in procedures for this vehicle.
By observing the following advisory
precautions you will ensure maximum engine,
transmission and brake life for your vehicle:
Engine
• Allow the engine to reach operating
temperature before operating at engine
speeds over 3 500 rev/min.
• Vary the speed frequently.
• From 1 500 kilometres (940 miles)
onwards, gradually in crease performance
of the vehicle up to the permitted
maximum speed.
Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of oil consumption is normal.
The rate of consumpt ion will depend on the
following:
• The quality and viscosity of the oil.
• Climatic conditions.
• The speed at which th e engine is being
operated.
• Road conditions.
Drivers should expect above normal
consumption when the engi ne is new, and after
running-in if high speeds are sustained.
Brakes
To ensure that brake pa ds reach their optimum
wear and performance condition, usually
within 500 kilometres (300 miles), it is
recommended that the following points are
observed.
• Where possible, avoid heavy or harsh
braking, as this can result in damage to the
brake pads and discs.
• Avoid prolonged use of the brakes
(e.g. when descending severe gradients).
• Frequent light application of the brakes is
desirable. This helps to fully bed-in the
brake pads.
These running-in guidelines also apply when
new brake discs or pads have been fitted.
Final drive unit
During the first 1 500 kilometers (940 miles):
•Avoid full throttle a pplications and do not
exceed 190 km/h (120 mph). Observe the
national speed limits in the country in
which you are travelling.
• Do not participate in motor racing events,
test track days, sports driving schools or
similar for the first 8 000 kilometers
(4 975 miles).
Cruise control
156
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control enables the driver to maintain a
constant road speed without using the
accelerator pedal. This is particularly useful for
motorway cruising, or for any journey where a
constant speed can be maintained for a lengthy
period.
The cruise (speed) contro l system can be used
by the driver to maintain a selected vehicle
speed above 30 km/h (18 mph).
Adjustment controls on the steering wheel
allow the driver manual control of the system.
Brake operations also influence the cruise
control system.
1. SET - The speed adjustment control thumb
wheel is used to engage cruise control
initially by rolling it upw ards. It is also used
to increase ( +) or decrease ( -) the set
speed until the desired speed is obtained.
2. CANCEL - Cancels cruise control but
retains the set speed in memory.
3. RESUME - Resumes the cruise control set
speed after it ha s been cancelled.
USING CRUISE CONTROL
Setting vehicle speed
When you are travelling at the speed you
require, roll the speed adjustment control ( 1)
upwards or downwards to increase or decrease
speed.
Cruise control will engage and maintain the set
speed and you can remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal.
Note: Cruise control w ill automatically
disengage when the brake pedal is pressed or
when the vehicle speed falls below 30 km/h
(18 mph).
E9708823
1
WARNING
Only use cruise control when
conditions are favourable, for
example, straight, dry, open roads
with light traffic.
In certain conditions, such as a steep
downhill gradient, the vehicle speed
may exceed the set cruising speed.
This is because engine braking is unable to
maintain or reduce the vehicle speed. Driver
intervention may be required.
165
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
ADVANCED EMERGENCY BRAKE
ASSIST
On vehicles fitted with Advanced Emergency
Brake Assist, brake response is improved
during emergency braking when a moving
vehicle is detected close ahead.
Advanced Emergency Brake Assist activates If
the risk of collision increases after the
FORWARD ALERT warning is displayed.
See FORWARD ALERT FUNCTION (page 164).
The brakes are automatica lly applied gently in
preparation for rapid braking (which may be
noticeable). If the brake pedal is then pressed
quickly, then braking is implemented fully,
even if the pressure on the pedal is light.
See HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ABS
(page 144).
Advanced Emergency Brake Assist is available
at speeds above approximately 7 km/h (5 mph)
and will function even if Forward Alert and
Adaptive Cruise Control are switched off. A
fault with the system will be indicated by the
warning FORWARD ALER T UNAVAILABLE
appearing in the mess age centre. Advanced
Emergency Brake Assist will not be available
until the fault is rectified.
WARNING
Advanced Emergency Brake Assist, is
an additional safety system and is not
intended to relieve the driver of the
responsibility for exer cising due care and
attention when driving.
CAUTION
The system may not react to slow
moving vehicles and will not react to
stationary vehicles or vehicles not
travelling in the same direction as your vehicle.
Advanced Emergency Brake Assist can
only improve braking performance if the
driver applies the brakes.
Warnings may not appear if the distance
to the vehicle ahead is very small or if
steering wheel and pedal movements
are large (e.g. to avoid a collision).
Advanced Emergency Brake Assist
utilises the same radar sensor as
Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward
Alert - the same limita tions of performance
apply.
See PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION (page 159).
See USING ACC (page 159).
See FORWARD ALERT FUNCTION
(page 164).
185
Towing
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Nose/tongue weight must be the greater of
50 kg (110 lbs) or 7% of the actual trailer
weight, up to the maximum tow hitch load.
Nose/tongue weight can be measured using a
proprietary brand of nose weight indicator.
If it is necessary to increase the nose/tongue
weight up to the maximu m allowed, the vehicle
load should be reduced accordingly. This
ensures that the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW),
and maximum rear axle load, are not exceeded.
Note: When towing the maximum permissible
gross vehicle weight can be increased by a
maximum of 100 kg (220 lb.) provided that the
road speed is limited to 100 km/h (60 mph).
Note: When calculating rear axle loading,
remember that the trailer nose/tongue weight,
the load in the vehicle's luggage area and the
weight of rear seat pa ssengers must all be
added together.
Towing weights - Australia only
The weight of a traile r must not exceed 1.5
times the towing vehicle’s weight. The
nose/tongue weight must be a minimum of 7%
of gross caravan/trai ler weight, up to a
maximum of 350 kg (722 lbs).
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
• The trailer should be parallel to the ground
when loaded and connected to the vehicle.
• When calculating the laden weight of the
trailer remember to include the weight of
the trailer, plus the weight of the load.
• If the load can be divided between the
vehicle and trailer, loading more weight
into the vehicle will generally improve
stability. Do not exceed the vehicle's
weight limits. See WEIGHTS (page 259).
• Ensure that all applic able regulations and
legislation are complied with when loading
and towing a trailer.
• Increase rear tyre pressures of the towing
vehicle to those for maximum vehicle
loading conditions.
• Ensure trailer tyre pressures are set to
trailer manufacturer' s recommendations.
• If the vehicle is loaded to maximum Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) the nose weight is
limited (see Towi ng weights table).
• Ensure that a suitable breakaway cable or
secondary coupling is used. Refer to the
trailer manufacturer' s instructions for
guidance.
• Ensure that the tow ball is secure.
• Check the operation of all trailer lights.
Maximum permissible
towing weights
Unbraked trailers 750 kg (1653 lb.) Trailers with
overrun brakes 1850 kg (4080 lb.)
Nose/Tongue weight 75 kg (165 lb.)
WARNING
Do not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight (GVW), m aximum rear axle
weight, maximum trailer weight, or
nose/tongue weight. Exceeding any of these
limits could cause inst ability and loss of
control. See WEIGHTS (page 259).
WARNING
Do not loop the breakaway cable over
the tow ball as it may slide off.
Maintenance
194
Safety in the garageFuel system
Poisonous fluids
Fluids used in motor vehicles are poisonous
and should not be consumed or brought into
contact with open wounds. These include;
battery acid, antifreeze, brake, clutch and
power steering fluid, petrol, diesel, engine oil
and windscreen washer additives.
For your own safety, always read and obey all
instructions printed on labels and containers.
Used engine oil
Prolonged contact with engine oil may cause
serious skin disorders, including dermatitis
and cancer of the skin. Always wash
thoroughly after contact.
It is illegal to pollute drains, water
courses or soil. Use authorised
waste disposal site s to dispose of
used oil and toxic chemicals.
WARNINGS
If the vehicle has been driven
recently, do not touch exhaust and
cooling system components until the
engine has cooled.
Never leave the engi ne running in an
unventilated area - exhaust gases are
poisonous and extremely dangerous.
Do not work beneath the vehicle with
the wheel changing jack as the only
means of support.
Keep your hands and clothing away
from drive belts, pulleys and fans.
Some fans may continue to operate
after the engi ne has stopped.
Remove metal wrist bands and
jewellery, before working in the
engine compartment.
Do not touch electrical leads or
components while the engine is
running, or with the starter switch
turned on.
Do not allow tools or metal parts of
the vehicle to make contact with the
battery leads or terminals.WARNINGS
Under no circumstances should any
part of the fuel system be dismantled
or replaced by anyone other than a
suitably qualified vehicle technician. Failure to
comply with this instruct ion, may result in fuel
spillage with a consequent serious risk of fire.
Ensure sparks and naked lights are
kept away from the engine
compartment.
Wear protective cl othing, including,
where practicable, gloves made from
an impervious material.