Cadillac BLS Owner's Manual page 147

460_OM_MY09.book Page 147 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 10:32 AM
The brake system provides Electronic
Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). This distrib-
utes the brake pressure between the front
and rear wheels, in such a way as to achieve
optimum braking performance irrespective
of the car's speed or load.
The ABS has a built-in diagnostics function
which will switch on the ABS warning light if
a fault is detected in the system, see
page 62.
the following message then appears on the
DIC:
Antilock brake malfunc.
Contact service.
The ABS system will not reduce the braking
distance on loose gravel, snow or ice but,
because the wheels cannot lock up,
steering control is retained.
When the ABS system operates you will feel
the brake pedal pulsate and hear a ticking
noise, both of which are perfectly normal.
Apply the brake pedal with full force (you
cannot press too hard), declutch and if nec-
essary steer to safety.
Braking with ABS brakes.
Indication that the system is operating:
pulsating brake pedal and ticking noise
Do not release the brake pedal before the
car has come to a halt or the danger is
past!
The above is critical.
Starting and driving
Braking with ABS – evasive steering
If the road is slippery, the ABS system will
operate even when only light pressure is
applied to the brake pedal. This means that
the driver can brake to test the condition of
the road and adapt their driving accordingly.
It is well worth practising the use of ABS
brakes on a skid pan or other suitable
facility.
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