DeVille d Elegance V8-4.6L VIN Y (1998)
Brake Warning Indicator: Description and Operation
Brake Warning System Operation
The brake system continuously monitors all of its components and uses several methods of determining a fault and notifying the driver of a system
malfunction. When the vehicle is started, a functional check of the ABS electrical circuitry is performed. As the vehicle speed reaches 4 mph (6 Km/h),
an additional check of the speed sensors and hydraulic modulator takes place. During this check each valve is cycled and the pump motor is turned on
briefly. The clicking sound of the valves and buzzing noise of the motor pump may be heard by the driver when the vehicle begins to move. This test will
occur only once per ignition cycle and should be considered normal operation. Two methods are used to inform the driver that a malfunction has
occurred in the brake system. The red BRAKE warning light and amber ANTILOCK warning light, both located on the front of the instrument panel. If a
problem exists the warning lights will notify the driver.
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT
The BRAKE warning light in the instrument panel cluster will illuminate to warn the driver of conditions in the brake system which may result in
reduced braking ability. It will also illuminate when the parking brake is applied or not fully released. Conditions in which turn on the BRAKE
warning light may include some of the following:
1. The parking brake is not fully released.
2. The brake fluid is low.
3. An instrument bulb check may be occurring.
ANTILOCK INDICATOR
The ANTILOCK indicator in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) will illuminate to warn the driver of conditions in the Antilock Brake System (ABS)
or Traction Control System (TCS) which may result in turning off one or both of these systems. If only the ANTILOCK indicator is on, normal
braking with full power assist is available. If the BRAKE and ANTILOCK indicators are on, a problem may exist in the hydraulic brake system. The
EBTCM only controls the ANTILOCK indicator when a TCS Diagnostic Trouble Code T072, SERIAL DATA-LINK FAULT is current. The IPC
controls the light in all other instances Conditions for the ANTILOCK indicator to turn on as follows.
1. When an ABS/TCS Malfunction is detected.
2. During diagnostic troubleshooting the TECH 1 may be used. The ANTILOCK indicator will turn on if TECH as in use.
IMPORTANT: The ABS and TCS will remain disabled (ANTILOCK indicator on) when the TECH 1 is removed from the ALDL connector. It is
necessary to cycle the ignition off to resume normal ABS/TCS operation.
3. The ANTILOCK indicator will turn on for approximately four seconds and then turn off when the ignition is turned to RUN.
4. The power to the ABS System is removed.
IMPORTANT:
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Illumination of the BRAKE warning light may indicate reduced braking ability.
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Illumination of the ANTILOCK light without the BRAKE warning light on indicates that antilock braking is no longer available. Power
assisted braking without antilock control is still available.
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Refer to Antilock Brake System and Enhanced Traction for diagnosis of any conditions which cause the ANTILOCK warning light to
illuminate.
