1996 Nissan Pathfinder Owner's Manual - Page 129

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes at each wheel so the wheels will 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. However, the pulsation may indicate that road conditions are hazardous and extra care is required while driving. If a tire slips on rough roads for more than 10 seconds, the ABS brake warning light may come on. Turn OFF the ignition key, restart the engine and drive the vehicle at speeds above 20 MPH (30 km/h). If the warning light does not go out, have the vehicle checked at a NISSAN dealer. your earliest convenience. Using the system Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. It is not necessary to pump the brake pedal. Doing so may result in increased stopping distances. Self-test feature The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic sensors, electric pumps, 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 antilock brake system OFF and turns on the "ABS" brake warning light in the dashboard. The brake system will then behave normally, but without anti-lock assistance. If the light comes on during the self check, or while you are driving, you should take your vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at Normal operation The anti-lock brake system will not operate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will vary according to road conditions.) When the anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels are close to locking up, the actuator (under the hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly). While the actuator is working, you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from the actuator under the hood. This is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system is working properly. 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 system. Stopping distances may also be longer on rough, gravel or snow covered roads, or if you are using tire chains. 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. Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness. ¼ When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all 4 wheels. Refer to "Wheels and tires" in the "Do-it-yourself operations" section. ¼ When installing a spare tire, make 4-24