Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation

Brake System
The brake system consists of the following components:
^ vacuum-assisted power braking system.
^ power adjustable brake pedal with memory function.
^ a diagonal split hydraulic system.
^ front disc brakes utilizing a dual piston brake caliper and disc system.
^ rear disc brakes utilizing a single piston brake caliper and disc system.
^ an electronic parking brake (EPB) system that actuates an integral system within the rear-brake discs.
^ A 4-wheel anti-lock brake system (4WABS) available in 2 variants: 4WABS with Traction Control or 4WABS with Traction Control and Stability Assist (also referred to as interactive Vehicle Dynamics or Advance Track).

Adjustable Pedals
The vehicle is equipped with an adjustable brake and accelerator pedal system. Using the adjustable pedal switch, located on the instrument panel, the driver can adjust the brake and accelerator pedals for a more comfortable driving position.

Memory Adjustable Pedal Operation
The power adjustable pedals memory feature stores the current accelerator and brake pedal positions and recalls the previously stored pedal positions for a specified driver as directed by the memory feature. The adjustable pedals with memory feature:
^ are operational with the ignition switch ON or OFF.
^ can be adjusted forward or rearward using the adjustable pedal switch.
^ retains two separate driver's pedal positions.
^ updates the retained pedal position when that driver's memory is stored.
^ moves the pedal to the retained pedal position when that driver's memory is recalled.
^ stops pedal movement when any manual actuation of the pedal adjustment switch occurs while memory recall is moving the pedal.

Programming Adjustable Pedal Positions
Programming adjustable pedal positions can be accomplished by doing the following:
^ An adjustable pedal position can be stored at any time. To store the adjustable pedal position to memory, the driver must move the pedals to the preferred position using the adjustable pedal switch. The driver must then depress the memory SET switch, activating the memory SET switch light emitting diode (LED). Within 5 seconds (before the LED goes out) the driver must select memory position 1, or 2.
^ If no memory switch input is received within the 5 second time limit, the operation is aborted and the memory SET switch LED is turned OFF. If one of the following inputs is received during the 5 second programming limit, the operation is aborted and the memory SET switch LED is turned OFF:
- Adjustable pedal switch
- Power driver seat switch
- Power outside rearview mirrors switch
- Memory SET switch.

Recalling a Stored Adjustable Pedal Position
Once the driver has stored a preferred adjustable pedal position, the driver can recall the setting by depressing the corresponding memory switch, or by using a programmed remote keyless entry transmitter. Recalling a stored adjustable pedal position can be accomplished by doing the following:
^ The driver can recall a preferred adjustable pedal position by depressing one of the memory recall switches. Pressing memory switch 1 will initiate a recall of the adjustable pedal position stored in memory no. 1. Pressing memory switch 2 will initiate a recall of the adjustable pedal position stored in memory no. 2.
^ A remote keyless entry transmitter can be used to recall previously set memory positions. The remote keyless entry transmitters are manufactured with an assigned personality number (1 or 2). The remote keyless entry transmitter assigned with personality 1 is capable of only recalling memory position 1. Similarly, the remote keyless entry transmitters assigned with personalities 1 and 2 can recall memory positions 1 and 2 respectively.
^ Memory recall occurs when the UNLOCK switch is pressed on the remote keyless entry transmitters. A second press of the UNLOCK switch, which unlocks the passenger doors, does not initiate a memory recall.
^ A memory recall in progress does not prohibit the initiation of another memory recall; the most recently requested memory recall will be executed.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
The electronic parking brake (EPB) replaces the function of the conventional hand brake lever system. The EPB has two functions. Its primary function is to hold the vehicle up to a 30% grade. The secondary function is to be able to decelerate the vehicle by using the EPB as an emergency brake.
The EPB system:
^ has a switch located in the front console behind the gear selector. The switch is hardwired to the EPB module. It includes a yellow default warning lamp.
^ has a control module that communicates with the other vehicle modules through the SCP network.
^ uses an electric motor and gearbox assembly to apply and release tension on a conventional parking brake cable system.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Operation
Pull the park brake switch upward to engage the parking brake. Release the switch, and it will return to the neutral position. To release the parking brake. make sure the ignition is turned to ON, depress the brake pedal, then push the parking brake switch down. The instrument cluster BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate and will remain illuminated until the parking brake is released.

The EPB will automatically release when the gearshift lever is moved from P (Park) with the ignition ON. The EPB will also disengage in a gear is selected and the accelerator pedal is depressed. The EPB will not release when the release switch is activated. If the battery is disconnected the EPB system must be reset; the vehicle message center will display "APPLY PARK BRAKE" or "APPLY (P)".

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Resetting

NOTE: The EPB can be released after the battery is reconnected.

The EPB system must be reset whenever the battery has been disconnected or has been in a statue of discharge.
To reset the EPB system, follow the steps.
1. Place gearshift selector in the park position.
2. Turn the ignition switch ON.
3. Depress the brake pedal and at the same time pull on the EPB switch.
4. Then release the EPB switch. To release the EPB switch, push on the EPB switch while depressing the brake pedal.