Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

PROCEDURE
Most customer complaints will require a test drive of the vehicle as a part of the diagnostic procedure. The purpose of the test drive is to duplicate the condition.

NOTE: Remember conditions that result in the turning on of the Red Brake Warning Lamp may~ indicate reduced braking ability. The following procedure should be used to test drive a complaint vehicle.

Before test driving a brake complaint vehicle, note whether the Red or Amber Brake Warning Lamp is turned on. If it is the Red Brake Warning Lamp, refer to Brakes Testing and Inspection. If the Amber Antilock Warning light was/is on, read record and erase the fault. While the Amber ABS Warning Lamp is on the ABS system is not functional. When the Amber Antilock Warning Lamp is on only the Antilock function of the brake system if affected. The standard brake system and the ability to stop the car is not be affected if only the Amber Antilock Warning Lamp is on.
1. Turn the key to the off position and then back to the on position. Note whether the Amber ABS Warning Lamp continues to stay on. Refer to the Diagnostic Charts.
2. If the Amber ABS Warning Lamp goes out shift into gear and drive the car to a speed of 10 mph to complete the ABS start up cycle. If at this time the Amber ABS Warning Lamp goes on, refer to Diagnostic Charts.
3. If the Amber ABS Warning Lamp remains OUT, drive the vehicle a short distance. During this test drive be sure that the vehicle achieves at least 25 mph. Brake to at least one complete stop and again accelerate to 25 mph.
4. If a functional problem with the ABS system is determined while test driving a vehicle. Refer to Diagnostic Charts.