Ford Fiesta: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control / Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control - Overview. Description and Operation

The ABS and stability control systems are comprised of the following subsystems which assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle:

• ABS
• EBD
• Traction control
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Hill start assist

The ABS helps maintain steering control by preventing the wheels from locking up during hard braking. The ABS also includes a brake assist function that provides maximum brake system pressure during a severe braking event.

The EBD system helps maintain vehicle control by keeping a balanced braking condition between the front and rear wheels.

The traction control system helps prevent loss of traction by reducing drive wheel spin during acceleration.

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system helps prevent skids or lateral slides by modulating brake fluid to the brake calipers and reducing engine torque.

The hill start assist system is designed to assist the driver during hill starts. Using the ABS , the hill start assist system holds the vehicle on an incline for a short time, allowing the driver to release the brake pedal and press the accelerator pedal without using the parking brake.

Some noise from the system and pulsations in the brake pedal are normal conditions during most ABS and stability control events. Longer than normal brake pedal travel may be experienced immediately following an ABS or stability control activation.