2001 Ford Escape Owner's Manual - Page 143

Driving illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal ! braking is still effective unless the BRAKE brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately.) Using ABS • In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. • The anti-lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop. • We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks. Parking brake Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked. To set the parking brake, apply the brake pedal and pull the parking brake handle up as far as possible. The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking brake is released. ! BRAKE 143