1998 Ford Escort Owner's Manual - Page 88

Driving vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder while braking, felt mainly in the steering wheel, the vehicle most likely needs service. The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lock up during brake applications and compensating for this tendency. The front 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. ABS warning lamp The ABS warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates for about five seconds when starting the vehicle. If an ABS fault is detected, the light will remain on and your vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible. Normal braking is still effective unless the BRAKE warning lamp is also illuminated. P ! BRAKE Using ABS • In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will 88