2004 Nissan Titan Owner's Manual - Page 220

This procedure is described in the vehicle service manual and can be performed by a NISSAN dealer. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes so the wheels do not lock when braking abruptly or when braking on slippery surfaces. The system detects the rotation speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing wheel lockup, the system helps the driver maintain steering control and helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces. ing abruptly or when braking on a slippery road. Thus, difficult steering and swerving of the vehicle due to locked wheels is minimized. The system detects the wheel rotation rate and electronically controls the pressure applied to each brake. Slight vibration on the brake pedal accompanied by noise usually occurs while the ABS system is operating. Such vibration and noise encountered during abrupt braking is not a problem, but indicates that the system is functioning properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that road conditions are hazardous and extra care is required while driving. If a malfunction occurs in the system, the antilock function will not operate, but the standard vehicle brake system will continue to operate normally. The ABS brake warning light will then come on. If the light comes on during the self-test or while driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for repair. WARNING ● The anti-lock brake system is a sophisticated device, but it cannot prevent accidents resulting from careless or dangerous driving techniques. It can help maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces, but remember that the stopping distance on slippery surfaces will be longer than on normal surfaces even with the anti-lock brake system. Stopping distances may also be longer on rough, gravel or snow covered roads, or if you are using tire chains. Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately, the responsibility for safety of self and others rests in the hands of the driver. Using the system Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. Self-test feature The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic sensors and hydraulic solenoids controlled by a computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a ''clunk'' noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indication of any malfunction. If the computer senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-lock brake system off and turns on the ABS brake warning light on the instrument panel. The brake system then operates normally, but without antilock assistance. WARNING Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may result in increased stopping distances. Normal operation The anti-lock brake system does not operate at speeds below 3 - 6 MPH (5 - 10 km/h). (The speeds vary according to road conditions.) When driving, the anti-lock brake system controls the wheels so they will not lock when brak- 5-28 Starting and driving