Driving -> Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for Your Honda CR-V SUV Second Generation (2001-2005)

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Table of Contents  
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)  
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)  
helps prevent the brakes from  
locking up, and helps you retain  
steering control by pumping the  
brakes rapidly, much faster than a  
person can do it.  
You will feel a pulsation in the brake  
pedal when the ABS activates, and  
you may hear some noise. This is  
normal: it is the ABS rapidly  
ABS Indicator  
If this indicator comes on, the anti-  
lock function of the braking system  
has shut down. The brakes still work  
like a conventional system, but  
without anti-lock. You should have  
your dealer inspect your vehicle as  
soon as possible.  
pumping the brakes. On dry  
pavement, you will need to press on  
the brake pedal very hard before the  
ABS activates. However, you may  
feel the ABS activate immediately if  
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.  
The ABS also balances the front-to-  
rear braking distribution according  
to vehicle loading.  
If the ABS indicator comes on while  
driving, test the brakes as shown on  
page 235 .  
You should never pump the brake pedal.  
Let the ABS work for you by always  
keeping firm, steady pressure on the  
brake pedal. This is sometimes  
referred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’  
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Table of Contents  
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)  
If the ABS indicator and the brake  
system indicator come on together,  
and the parking brake is fully  
released, the front-to-rear braking  
distribution system may also be shut  
down.  
Important Safety Reminders  
ABS does not reduce the time or  
distance it takes to stop the  
vehicle. It only helps with the  
steering control during braking.  
A vehicle with ABS may require a  
longer distance to stop on loose or  
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or  
snow, than a vehicle without anti-  
lock. Slow down, and allow a greater  
distance between vehicles under  
those conditions.  
ABS will not prevent a skid that  
results from changing direction  
abruptly, such as trying to take a  
corner too fast or making a sudden  
lane change. Always drive at a safe  
speed for the road and weather  
conditions.  
Test your brakes as instructed on  
page  
. If the brakes feel normal,  
235  
drive slowly and have your vehicle  
repaired by your dealer as soon as  
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking  
which could cause the rear wheels to  
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of  
control.  
ABS cannot prevent a loss of  
stability. Always steer moderately  
when you are braking hard. Severe  
or sharp steering wheel movement  
can still cause your vehicle to veer  
into oncoming traffic or off the road.  
The VSA indicator will come on  
along with the ABS indicator.  
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