Regal V6-3.8L VIN K (1997)
ABS Light: Description and Operation
Antilock Brake System (ABS) With Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Indicator Operation
NORMAL INDICATOR OPERATION
The standard brake system uses an 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), an amber TCS warning indicator (TRAC OFF) and an amber
ABS/TCS active indicator (LOW TRAC).
1. When the ignition is turned to the to RUN, position, the amber ABS warning indicator, the amber ABS/TCS active indicator, the ambler TCS
warning indicaotr and red BRAKE warning indicator all turn on for approximately three seconds, then turn off.
2. As the engine is cranked, both the amber ABS warning indicator, the amber ABS indicator, the ambler TCS active indicator, the amber TCS
warning indicator and red BRAKE warning indicator turn on and remain on.
3. After the engine is started, the amber ABS warning indicator, the amber ABS/TCS active indicator, the amber TCS warning indicator and red
BRAKE warning will be on for approximately three seconds then turn off.
4. Anytime the Electronic Brake Traction Control Module (EBTCM) determines that the vehicle has entered a braking event where ABS or TCS is
required, the ambler ABS/TCS active indicator (LOW TRAC) will turn on to indicate that ABS/TCS is active. The amber ABS/TCS active
indicator (LOW TRAC) will remain on for approximately 3 to 4 seconds after the ABS/TCS event is completed.
Warning Indicators
The Electronic Brake Traction Control Module (EBTCM) continuously monitors itself and the other Antilock Brake System/Traction Control System (
ABS/TCS) components. The EBTCM controls the red BRAKE warning indicator directly. The amber ABS warning indicaotr (ANTI-LOCK), the amber
ABS/TCS active indicator (LOW TRAC) and the amber TCS warning indicator (TRAC OFF) are controlled by the EBTCM via the serial data line to the
Electronic Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). The EBTCM sends a message to the electronic instrument panel cluster(IPC) and the IPC will illuminate the
indicator lamp(s). If the EBTCM detects a problem with the system, the amber ABS warning indicator will either flash or light continuously (solid
indicator) to alert the driver of the problem. The amber ABS warning indicator will flash if the EBTCM attempts to turn on the red BRAKE warning
indicator in conjunction with the amber ABS warning indicator and is unable to do so. The amber ABS warning indicator is flashed to warn the driver
that an ABS malfunction exists which may have degraded base brake performance. The vehicle must be serviced immediately to regain full base and
ABS operation.
CAUTION: The base braking system may not be working properly if the amber ABS warning indicator is flashing. Driving with a flashing
amber ABS warning indicaotr can lead to an accident. If the amber ABS warning indicator is flashing, pull safely off the road and have the
vehicle towed for service.
A solid amber 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
control if equipped, the ABS VI/TCS 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 EBTCM when certain ABS/TCS Diagnostic Trouble Controls (DTCs)
are set. This indicator indicates to the driver a base brake problem may exist.
The amber ABS/TCS active indicator (LOW TRAC) is used to alert the driver when ABS is active. Anytime the 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 TCS 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 for 3 seconds when the EBTCM receives power (ignition in RUN or START positions).
