Proportioning Valve Description

On vehicles without ABS, the proportioning valve is located along the right side of the engine compartment bulkhead. ABS equipped vehicles have the proportioning valve attached to the hydraulic modulator. The proportioning valve limits outlet pressure to the rear brakes after a predetermined pressure has been reached.

The valve has a by-pass feature which ensures full system pressure to the rear brakes in the event of a front brake failure. Conversely, full front pressure is retained in the event of a rear brake pressure failure.

BRAKE WARNING LAMP DESCRIPTION

IMPORTANT:
^ The illumination of the BRAKE indicator may indicate reduced braking ability.
^ If the BRAKE indicator lights when the brake fluid level is normal and the parking brake circuit is functioning properly, then a malfunction with the braking system exists. Refer to Brake System Diagnosis (Brake Indicator On).
^ On vehicles equipped with Antilock Brake System (ABS), the BRAKE indicator will also alert the driver if an ABS system malfunction has affected the base brake system operation. For diagnosis of the ABS, refer to ABS SYSTEM DESCRIPTION in Antilock Brake System

The BRAKE indicator is located in the instrument cluster. The BRAKE indicator illuminates in order to warn the driver of conditions in the brake system (base braking) which may result in reduced braking capability.

The BRAKE indicator illuminates when the parking brake is applied or not fully released.

The following conditions will turn on the BRAKE indicator:
^ The parking brake is not fully released. If the parking brake is applied or the lever is not fully released, the switch on the parking brake lever assembly will ground the BRAKE indicator circuit and cause it to illuminate.
^ The brake fluid level is low. If the brake fluid level drops in the master cylinder reservoir, the fluid level sensor will ground the BRAKE indicator circuit, causing the BRAKE indicator to illuminate.
^ During engine cranking the BRAKE indicator remains on. This condition notifies the driver that the warning circuit is operating properly.