1999 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 104

Driving Using RABS • In an emergency, applying full pressure may cause the front wheels to lock. If the front brakes lock, the vehicle cannot be steered. You should apply the brakes with steadily increasing force, as if "squeezing" the brakes. If you feel the front wheels begin to lock, momentarily release the pedal and repeat the "squeeze" technique. • We recommend that you familiarize yourself with how the RABS performs. However, avoid unnecessary risks. Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped) On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's anti-lock brake system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician. The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake applications and compensating for this tendency. The wheels are prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied. The accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking traction. ABS warning lamp The ABS warning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light does not illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced. 104