2012 Honda Ridgeline Owner's Manual - Page 300

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System If the ABS indicator and the brake system indicator come on together, and the parking brake is fully released, the EBD system may also be shut down. On models with navigation system Important Safety Reminders ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the vehicle. It only helps with the steering control during braking. ABS will not prevent a skid that results from changing direction abruptly, such as trying to take a corner too fast or making a sudden lane change. Always drive at a safe speed for the road and weather conditions. ABS cannot prevent a loss of stability. Always steer moderately when you are braking hard. Severe or sharp steering wheel movement can still cause your vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic or off the road. A vehicle with ABS may require a longer distance to stop on loose or uneven surfaces, such as gravel or snow, than a vehicle without antilock. If this happens, you will also see the ''CHECK ABS SYSTEM'' and ''CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM'' messages on the multi-information display. Test your brakes as instructed on page 378 . If the brakes feel normal, drive slowly and have your vehicle repaired by your dealer as soon as possible. Avoid sudden hard braking which could cause the rear wheels to lock up and possibly lead to a loss of control. The vehicle stability assist (VSA) system helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less than desired. It also assists you in maintaining traction while accelerating on loose or slippery road surfaces. It does this by regulating the engine's output and by selectively applying the brakes. When VSA activates, you may notice that the engine does not respond to the accelerator in the same way it does at other times. There may also be some noise from the VSA hydraulic system. You will also see the VSA system indicator blink. The VSA system cannot enhance the vehicle's driving stability in all situations and does not control your vehicle's entire braking system. It is still your responsibility to drive and corner at reasonable speeds and to leave a sufficient margin of safety. 292