ABS General System Description

PURPOSE
The Delphi Chassis ABS VI is designed to improve the controllability and steerability of a vehicle during braking that would cause one or more wheels to lock, thus improving the driver's control of the vehicle during braking. Improved stability and steerability allow the vehicle to be controlled around obstacles during a panic stop.

OPERATION
Under normal operating conditions, the brake system will operate using conventional braking by means of brake pedal force, the vacuum booster, and the master cylinder.

If any wheel(s) begins to approach lock-up, the EBCM will control the brake pressure to the affected wheel(s). Antilock braking occurs only when the brake switch is closed and the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) determines one or more wheels is about to lose traction during braking. The EBCM will then control the hydraulic modulator to change the brake pressures several times each second to keep the wheel(s) from locking and provide the driver with maximum vehicle controllability. The result is greatly improved braking, enabling the driver to more easily maintain steerability and to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. ABS VI provides effective braking and directional control over a wide range of road surfaces and driving conditions.

NOTE: ABS VI CANNOT INCREASE BRAKE PRESSURE ABOVE MASTER CYLINDER PRESSURE APPLIED BY THE DRIVER AND CANNOT APPLY THE BRAKES BY ITSELF. ABS operation is available from approximately 5 km/h (3 mph) to the maximum vehicle speed.