Principles of Operation

Principles of Operation

Hydraulic Brake System
Applying the brake pedal uses lever action to push a rod into the brake booster, which through the use of vacuum, boosts the force of the rod and then transmits this force into the master cylinder. This produces hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder. The hydraulic pressure is transmitted by brake fluid through the brake tubes to the ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU), which then distributes that pressure to the individual brake calipers. The brake calipers use hydraulic pressure to apply the pads. The application of the brake pads will cause the rotation of the wheels to slow or stop depending on how much brake pressure is applied. The parking brakes carry out the same function except that they are mechanically actuated by a cable that connects only to the rear brakes.

Red Brake Warning Indicator
The red brake warning indicator alerts the driver to certain conditions that exist in the brake system. The instrument cluster performs a bulb check when the ignition key is turned to the RUN position. The conditions that cause the indicator to illuminate are low brake fluid level, the parking brake is applied or there is a fault in the ABS (if the yellow ABS warning indicator is also illuminated).

Adjustable Pedals
The brake and accelerator pedals can be adjusted for a more comfortable driving position. The adjustable pedals feature is operational with the ignition switch in the RUN, ACC or OFF position. The pedals are controlled directly by the adjustable pedal switch and motor. The motor is attached to the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal is connected to the motor via a cable. The motor is connected to the brake pedal and accelerator pedal and both move together as an assembly. The pedals are adjusted by pressing the adjustable pedal switch in either the forward or rearward position. Pressing the switch powers the adjustable pedal motor which then causes the pedals to move either toward the driver or away from the driver.