Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation

The hydraulic brake system uses principles of fluid power to apply the front and rear brakes. The system operates as follows:

- The brake pedal is connected to a hydraulic servo called the master cylinder.
- When the pedal is pushed, fluid is forced from the master cylinder through metal tubing and flexible hoses to rear brake calipers and front disc brake calipers.
- Wheel cylinders are hydraulic actuators which convert hydraulic pressure produced in the master cylinder into motion.
- The front and rear brake caliper pistons move inward forcing the brake pads to make contact with metal surface of the brake rotor.
- When the brake pedal is released, pressure in the system is relieved. Brake shoes and pistons then return to their neutral or released position.

If brake fluid is lost from one or both circuits, a fluid level sensor in the master cylinder illuminates an indicator lamp in the instrument cluster. The lamp comes on when a float in the master cylinder drops below a specified level and closes a circuit. Once the circuit is closed, the lamp will illuminate and remain ON whenever ignition switch is in ON or START position. If the lamp is ON, make sure parking brake is in the fully released position. The lamp also indicates when the brake fluid level is low and when the parking brake has been applied.