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► Basic anti-lock brake systems control hydraulic pressure hold and release via solenoid valves, but cannot function independently of the driver’s applied brake pressure.

► Traction control systems minimize wheel slip by automatically applying brake pressure to a slipping wheel’s brake unit and reducing engine output.

► Electronic stability control systems use steering wheel position sensors, yaw sensors, and wheel speed sensors to independently monitor vehicle stability and apply brakes as necessary.

► Primary components of an anti-lock braking system are: ABS master cylinder, electronic brake control module/electronic control unit, hydraulic control unit/modulator, power booster, wheel speed sensor, and brake switch.

► Braking force and wheel lock-up are affected by friction of road surface and type, condition, and loading of each tire.

► Maximum traction occurs with 10–20% tire slip.

► Wheel speed sensors signal the EBCM, which sends current to the solenoid valve, which then holds or releases hydraulic braking pressure.

► ABS master cylinders are integral (mainly in older vehicles) or nonintegral with the HCU.

► Solenoid valves provide three operating conditions: apply, hold, and release.

► The hydraulic control unit executes the commands of the ABS control module.

► Hydraulic control units differ by number of channels (one, two, three, or four), number of solenoid valves (single or dual), and type of accumulator (low or high pressure).

► Wheel speed sensors send electric signals to the EBCM to determine speed and rate of deceleration for each wheel.

► Wheel sensor assemblies are comprised of a toothed tone wheel and a pickup assembly, separated by an air gap.

► Types of wheel speed sensors are: variable reluctance, magneto-resistive, and Hall effect.

► The EBCM is comprised of electronic circuitry, electronic data processor, computer memory, and output drivers.

► The EBCM receives input signals from: the brake switch, ignition switch, vehicle speed sensor, wheel speed sensors, and sometimes the battery.

► The ESC system includes a yaw sensor (directional rotation), steering angle sensor (driver’s directional intent), and roll-rate sensor (rate and amount of vehicle roll).