Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control - Overview: Overview
The ABS and stability control systems are comprised of the following subsystems which assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle:
- ABS
- EBD
- ESC
- Hill start assist
- Supplemental braking assist
- Traction control
- Supports adaptive cruise control
- Supports collision avoidance
- Supports electric parking brake
- Supports regenerative braking
The ABS helps maintain steering control by preventing the wheels from locking up during hard braking. The ABS also includes a supplemental braking assist function to provide maximum brake system pressure during a severe braking event.
The EBD system helps maintain vehicle control by keeping a balanced braking condition between the front and rear wheels.
The ESC system helps prevent skids or lateral slides by modulating brake fluid to the brake calipers and reducing engine torque.
The hill start assist system is designed to assist the driver during hill starts. Using the ABS, the hill start assist system holds the vehicle on an incline for a short time, allowing the driver to release the brake pedal and press the accelerator pedal without needing to use the parking brake.
The supplemental braking assist system uses the hydraulic pump motor and HCU to provide additional braking assist in the event of severe vacuum loss at the brake booster.
The traction control system helps prevent loss of traction by reducing drive wheel spin during acceleration.
The ABS supports the adaptive cruise control system by applying the brakes as necessary to maintain the distance gap set by the driver. For information on the adaptive cruise control system, Refer to: Cruise Control - System Operation and Component Description .
The ABS supports the collision avoidance system by monitoring information and precharging the brake system to allow the vehicle to stop in the shortest distance possible. For information on the collision avoidance system, Refer to: Collision Warning and Collision Avoidance System - System Operation and Component Description .
The ABS module is the ECU for the electric parking brake system. For information on the electric parking brake system, Refer to: Parking Brake System - Parking Brake And Actuation (Hybrid/Energi) .
The regenerative braking system utilizes the electric motor to recharge the High Voltage Traction Battery (HVTB) and create brake torque which is used in place of, or in combination with, the conventional friction brakes to slow the vehicle.
Some noise from the system and pulsations in the brake pedal are normal conditions during most ABS and stability control events. Also, longer than normal brake pedal travel may be experienced immediately following an ABS or stability control activation.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.