GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked as soon as possible. If thevehicle has continuous vibration or shudderin the steering wheel while braking, have thesystem checked as soon as possible.
All standard equipment brakes areself-adjusting. Automatic adjustment,when required, occurs whenever you applyand release the brakes during forward orreverse operation.
Know the required stopping distances forall driving conditions you may encounter.For longer brake lining life, take fulladvantage of engine braking power whencoming to a stop.
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
If the brakes do not grip well:
•Check brake adjustment.
•Check the brake linings for excessivewear.
•Check the system air pressure onvehicles with air brakes.
•Let the brakes cool if you have beenusing them excessively, as in mountaindriving or after several fast, high-speedstops.
•If you have been driving through deepwater, gently apply the brakes severaltimes while your vehicle is movingslowly.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
If the light does not illuminateduring start up, remains on orflashes, the system may bedisabled. It also momentarily illuminateswhen you switch the ignition on to confirmthe lamp is functional. If it does notilluminate when you switch the ignition on,or begins to flash at any time, have thesystem checked.
If you connect a PLC trailer withthe ignition on, the trailer ABSlight also illuminates. If the lightfails to illuminate, if it remains on after youstart the vehicle or continues to flash, havethe system serviced immediately.
See Warning Lamps and Indicators(page 67).
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If the system is disabled, normalbraking is still effective. If thebrake warning lamp illuminateswith the parking brake released, have thesystem checked immediately. It alsomomentarily illuminates when you switchthe ignition on to confirm the lamp isfunctional. If it does not illuminate whenyou switch the ignition on, or begins toflash at any time, have the systemchecked.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock brake system does noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal could pulse and may travel further.Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Youmay also hear a noise from the system. Thisis normal.
PARKING BRAKE
Hydraulic Brakes (If Equipped)
WARNING: Always set the parkingbrake and leave your vehicle with thetransmission in park (P).
WARNING: This control is forparking only. Do not leave the vehicleunattended after setting the parkingbrake without placing the transmissionin park (P). We recommend using wheelchocks for hilly or off-roadcircumstances.
WARNING: Unexpected andpossibly sudden vehicle movement mayoccur if you do not take theseprecautions.
WARNING: If the parking brake isfully released, but the brake warninglamp remains illuminated, the brakesmay not be working properly. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Apply the parking brake whenever thevehicle is parked. To set the parking brake,pull the handle up until it snaps into thelocked position.
When the parking brake is out ofadjustment, seek service immediately.
The parking brake warning lampin the instrument clusterilluminates, and remainsilluminated (when you switch on theignition), until you release the parkingbrake.
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Push the palm release lever (A) on theparking brake handle (B) and push downas far as possible to release the brake.Driving with the parking brake on causesthe brakes to wear out quickly and reducesfuel economy.
We recommend you not use the parkingbrake to stop a moving vehicle. However,if the normal brakes fail, you can use theparking brake to stop your vehicle in anemergency. Since the parking brake onlyapplies retardation to the rear wheels, thevehicle's stopping distance increasesgreatly and the handling of your vehicle isadversely affected.
Releasing Spring Manually
WARNING: Do not attempt todisassemble the parking brake airchamber under any circumstances asthis may cause serious injury.
WARNING: Block the wheels tohelp prevent the vehicle from moving.
WARNING: Unexpected andpossibly sudden vehicle movement mayoccur if you do not take theseprecautions.
If you release hydraulic pressure from thespring brake chamber, the power springapplies the brake. If the hydraulic pressurecan be re-established, you must releasethe spring brake in order to move yourvehicle.
Air Brakes (If Equipped)
WARNING: This control is forparking only. Do not leave the vehicleunattended after setting the parkingbrake without placing the transmissionin park (P). We recommend using wheelchocks for hilly or off-roadcircumstances.
If the service brakes fail to operate whileyour vehicle is moving, you can make anemergency stop with the parking brake.Since the parking brake only appliesstopping power to the rear wheels, yourvehicle’s stopping distance greatlyincreases and the handling of your vehicleis adversely affected. Make repairsimmediately to an inoperative air brakesystem circuit.
Pull the yellow, dash-mounted parkingbrake knob to apply the parking brake.
The parking brake lightilluminates and remainsilluminated (when you switchthe ignition to the on position) until yourelease the parking brake.
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Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
When you switch the ignition on, thesystem automatically turns on. You cannotturn the system on or off.
AIR BRAKES
WARNING: Failure to maintainproper air brake adjustment can resultin reduction or loss of braking ability.
WARNING: Do not drive or continueto drive if the low air pressure buzzer issounding or the brake warning light is lit.These warnings indicate that air pressureis not to normal operating level.Continued use of the vehicle could resultin loss of braking ability.
WARNING: Avoid repeated lightapplication of the brake pedal. Thisdepletes air pressure faster and couldresult in loss of braking capability.
WARNING: Do not move thevehicle when the air pressure isinsufficient because the brake systemmay be inoperative.
After starting the engine, allow time for theair compressor to build air pressure to60 psi (414 kPa) before moving yourvehicle.
Periodically check the air pressure gaugewhile driving. Pressure should rangebetween approximately 100 psi (690 kPa)to 130 psi (896 kPa). The air compressorgovernor cut-in and cutout pressuresettings are set at the factory and cannotbe adjusted.
When air pressure is insufficient(below 60 psi (414 kPa)), awarning light illuminates and abuzzer sounds when the ignition is on. Thismay happen because excessive brakeapplications are depleting the system airpressure. If this condition occurs, stopdriving your vehicle until the compressorhas fully recharged the air system.
Select a gear ratio to help slow your vehiclebefore descending grades. Supplementingwith brakes, as required, helps safely slowthe vehicle and avoids overspeeding theengine.
Air Chamber Stroke Indication -Drum Brakes
Air chamber push rods have orange strokeindicator markers that warn when thebraking system requires adjustment orrepair. The painted orange indicator is onthe air chamber push rod at the slackadjuster stroke dimension that requiresservice when visible during brakeapplication.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL -
VEHICLES WITH: AIR BRAKES
WARNING: Operating your vehiclewith the traction control disabled couldlead to an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
Press the TCS Off button on theinstrument panel to enable themud/snow mode.
This is beneficial when your vehicle is stuckin snow or on a slippery road surface. Thismode allows wheel spin to dig your vehicleout and allows you to rock your vehicle.
Press the switch again to select standardtraction control. The system automaticallyselects standard traction control at thenext ignition cycle.
System Indicator Light
Note:If the traction control light does notflash during a traction control event or staysilluminated, the system is not functioningproperly. Take your vehicle to an authorizeddealer for service.
During traction control operation, thetraction control light flashes rapidly andthe engine does not rev-up when you pressfurther on the accelerator. This is normaland is no reason for concern.
In mud/snow mode, the TCS OFF lightilluminates on the instrument cluster. If atraction event occurs in either mode, thestability and traction control light flashesrapidly.
USING TRACTION CONTROL -
VEHICLES WITH: HYDRAULIC
BRAKES
WARNING: Operating your vehiclewith the traction control disabled couldlead to an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
The system turns on each time you switchthe ignition on.
Use the traction control buttonon the instrument panel toswitch the system off or on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off is beneficialas this allows the wheels to spin.
Press the button again to switch thetraction control system on.
System Indicator Light
Note:If the traction control light does notflash during a traction control event or stayson, the system is not operating. Have thesystem checked as soon as possible.
During a traction control event, the tractioncontrol light rapidly flashes. Pressingfurther on the accelerator does not causethe engine to rev higher. This is normal andis no reason for concern.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION -
VEHICLES WITH: HYDRAULIC
BRAKES
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarketroof racks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronicstability control system. In addition,installing any stereo loudspeakers mayinterfere with and adversely affect theelectronic stability control system. Installany aftermarket stereo loudspeaker asfar as possible from the front centerconsole, the tunnel, and the front seatsin order to minimize the risk of interferingwith the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness ofthe electronic stability control systemcould lead to an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy thelaws of physics. It's always possible tolose control of a vehicle due toinappropriate driver input for theconditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to losecontrol of your vehicle increasing the riskof personal injury or property damage.Activation of the electronic stabilitycontrol system is an indication that atleast some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator's ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a lossof vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control systemactivates, SLOW DOWN.
The system turns on each time you switchthe ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stabilitycontrol or the traction control system, thefollowing conditions are possible:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminate.
•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems are not maintainingtraction of the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem, the following conditions arepossible:
•The stability and traction control lightflash.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•The system reduces engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe andyour foot is not on the brake, the brakepedal could move as the systemapplies higher brake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system assists in preventing skids orlateral slides by applying the brakes to oneor more of the wheels individually and, ifnecessary, decreases engine power.
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Traction Control
The system helps maintain traction of thewheels by detecting and controlling wheelspin. See Using Traction Control (page151).
Vehicle without stability controlskidding off its intended route.A
Vehicle with stability controlmaintaining control on a slipperysurface.
B
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION -
VEHICLES WITH: AIR BRAKES
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarketroof racks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronicstability control system. In addition,installing any stereo loudspeakers may
interfere with and adversely affect theelectronic stability control system. Installany aftermarket stereo loudspeaker asfar as possible from the front centerconsole, the tunnel, and the front seatsin order to minimize the risk of interferingwith the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness ofthe electronic stability control systemcould lead to an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy thelaws of physics. It's always possible tolose control of a vehicle due toinappropriate driver input for theconditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to losecontrol of your vehicle increasing the riskof personal injury or property damage.Activation of the electronic stabilitycontrol system is an indication that atleast some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this couldreduce the operator's ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a lossof vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control systemactivates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stabilitycontrol or the traction control system, youmay experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
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•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems do not enhance yourvehicle's ability to maintain traction ofthe wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem you may experience the followingconditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes rapidly.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides byapplying brakes to one or more of thewheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent rollovers by detecting yourvehicle’s motion and the rate at which itchanges by applying the brakes to one ormore wheels individually.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 151).
Vehicle without stability controlskidding off its intended route.A
Vehicle with stability controlmaintaining control on a slipperysurface.
B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on
You cannot switch the stability control androll stability control systems off, but whenyou shift into reverse (R), the systemsdeactivate.
You can switch the traction control systemoff or on. See Traction Control (page 151).
Limitations of the Stability System
Stability Control effectiveness may begreatly reduced if:
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