Regal V6-3.8L VIN K (1997)
ABS Light: Description and Operation
Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light Indications
A solid amber Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) warning indicator indicates that a problem has been detected that affects the operation of ABS. No
antilock braking or traction control will be available. Normal, non-antilock brake performance will remain. In order to regain ABS braking ability and
electronic traction system (ETS) control if equipped, the ABS/ETS must be serviced.
The red BRAKE warning indicator will be illuminated when a low brake fluid level in the master cylinder is sensed, the parking brake switch is closed,
the bulb test switch section of the ignition switch is closed, or under control of the Electronic Brake Control Module/Electrical Brake Traction Control
Module (EBCM/EBTCM) when certain ABS/ETS DTCs are set. This indicator indicates to the driver a base brake problem may exist.
The amber ABS/ETS active indicator LOW TRAC is used to alert the driver when ABS or ETS is active. Anytime the EBCM/EBTCM determines that
the vehicle has entered a braking event where ABS is required, the amber LOW TRAC indicator will turn on to indicate that ABS is active. The amber
LOW TRAC indicator will remain on for approximately three to four seconds after the ABS event is completed.
The amber LOW TRAC indicator will be illuminated to alert the driver of a low traction situation and to inform the driver the ETS is operating. The
amber LOW TRAC indicator will remain on for approximately 3 to 4 seconds after the ETS event is completed. As a bulb check procedure, the EBTCM
will command the LOW TRAC indicator on via the Serial Data Line to the IPC for 3 seconds when the EBTCM receives power (ignition in RUN or
START positions).
Normal Indicator Operation
The standard brake system uses a single red BRAKE warning indicator located in the instrument panel cluster. The antilock brake system uses the
same red BRAKE warning indicator, an amber ABS warning indicator, (ANTI-LOCK) and an amber ABS/ETS active indicator, (LOW TRAC).
1. When the ignition is turned to the to RUN, position, the amber ABS warning indicator, the amber ABS/ETS active indicator, and the red
BRAKE warning indicators all turn on for approximately three seconds, then turn off.
2. As the engine is cranked, both the amber ABS warning indicator and the red BRAKE warning indicator will turn on and remain on.
3. After the engine is started, the amber ABS warning indicator, amber ABS/ETS active indicator, and red BRAKE warning indicator will be
on for approximately three seconds then turn off.
4. Anytime the EBCM/EBTCM determines that the vehicle has entered a braking event where ABS is required, the amber ABS/ETS active
indicator will turn on to indicate that ABS is active. The amber ABS/ETS active indicator will remain on for approximately three to four
seconds after the ABS event is completed.
5. Anytime the EBCM/EBTCM determines that the vehicle has entered a event where ETS is required, the amber ABS/ETS active indicator
will turn on to indicate that ETS is active. The amber ABS/ETS active indicator will remain on for approximately three to four seconds
after the ETS event is completed.
