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
- Auto hold (EPB)
- Drive away release (EPB)
- EBD
- EPB control
- ESC
- Hill descent control
- Hill start assist
- RSC
- Selectable drive modes
- Supports adaptive cruise control
- Supports collision avoidance
- Traction control
- Trailer sway control
- Torque vectoring control
The ABS helps maintain steering control during hard braking by preventing wheel lock up. The ABS also includes a brake assist function which provides maximum brake system pressure during a severe braking situation.
The auto hold feature uses the brake hydraulic system and the parking brake system to hold the vehicle at a stop once it has reached a complete stop.
The drive away release function automatically releases the electric parking brake once certain conditions have been met.
The EBD system helps maintain vehicle control by keeping a balanced braking condition between the front and rear wheels.
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 Operation and Component Description .
The ESC system helps prevent skids or lateral slides by modulating brake fluid pressure to individual brake calipers and reducing engine torque.
The hill descent control feature helps to maintain a low vehicle speed while descending steep inclines on various surface conditions.
The hill start assist feature 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 RSC system helps prevent excessive vehicle roll by modulating brake fluid pressure to individual brake calipers and reducing engine torque.
The selectable drive modes modify the powertrain, steering, braking and suspension response and feel to provide different driving experiences.
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 - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control With Lane Centering - System Operation and Component Description .
The ABS supports the collision avoidance system by monitoring information and precharging the brake system allowing 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 traction control system helps prevent loss of traction by reducing drive-wheel spin during acceleration.
The trailer sway control system helps maintain vehicle stability while towing a trailer by detecting and aiding in the reduction of conditions causing trailer sway.
Torque vectoring control uses the rear brakes to adjust the speed between the driven wheels while accelerating through a corner, forcing the front end to hug the inside of the curve and improve tire grip.
Some noise from the system and pulsations in the brake pedal are normal conditions during most ABS and stability control system activations. Longer than normal brake pedal travel may also be experienced immediately following an ABS or stability control system 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:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.