Opel Insignia: Brakes

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

This vehicle has an Antilock Brake System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a braking skid.

When the vehicle begins to drive away, ABS checks itself.

A momentary motor or clicking noise may be heard while this test is going on, and it may even be noticed that the brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.

If there is a problem with ABS, this warning light stays on.

If driving safely on a wet road and it becomes necessary to slam on the brakes and continue braking to avoid a sudden obstacle, a computer senses the wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel.

ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.

As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.

Using ABS

Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let ABS work. You may hear the ABS pump or motor operating and feel the brake pedal pulsate. This is normal.

Braking in Emergencies

ABS allows you to steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than even the very best braking.

Electric Parking Brake

The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always be activated, even if the ignition is off. To prevent draining the battery, avoid repeated cycles of the EPB when the engine is not running.

The system has a red parking brake status light and an amber parking brake warning light. There are also parking brake-related Driver Information Center (DIC) messages.

In case of insufficient electrical power, the EPB cannot be applied or released.

Before leaving the vehicle, check the red parking brake status light to ensure that the parking brake is applied.

EPB Apply

To apply the EPB:

1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.

2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.

The red parking brake status light will flash and then stay on once the EPB is fully applied. If the red parking brake status light flashes continuously, then the EPB is only partially applied or there is a problem with the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release the EPB and try to apply it again. If the light does not come on, or keeps flashing, have the vehicle serviced.

Do not drive the vehicle if the red parking brake status light is flashing.

See your dealer.

If the amber parking brake warning light is on, pull the EPB switch.

Continue to hold the switch until the red parking brake status light remains on. If the amber parking brake warning light is on, see your dealer.

If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long as the switch is pulled. If the switch is pulled until the vehicle comes to a stop, the EPB will remain applied.

The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB in some situations when the vehicle is not moving. This is normal, and is done to periodically check the correct operation of the EPB system.

If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear wheels to prevent vehicle movement.

EPB Release

To release the EPB:

1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.

2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.

3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.

The EPB is released when the red parking brake status light is off.

If the amber parking brake warning light is on, release the EPB by pressing and holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the switch until the red parking brake status light is off. If either light stays on after release is attempted, see your dealer.

Caution: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts.

Make sure that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving.

Automatic EPB Release

The EPB will automatically release if the vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration when the EPB is applied, to preserve parking brake lining life.

Brake Assist

The Brake Assist feature is designed to assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the stability system hydraulic brake control module to supplement the power brake system under conditions where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied the brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic brake control module increases brake pressure at each corner of the vehicle until the ABS activates.

Minor brake pedal pulsation or pedal movement during this time is normal and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates. The Brake Assist feature will automatically disengage when the brake pedal is released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased.

Hill Start Assist (HSA)

The Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature will activate when the vehicle is stopped on a moderate to steep grade to help prevent it from rolling in an unintended direction. After the brake pedal has been released and before the accelerator pedal has been pressed, HSA uses braking pressure to hold the vehicle stationary. If HSA is holding the vehicle, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message displays. HSA will not activate in a forward drive gear when facing downhill, or in R (Reverse) when facing uphill.

Select the duration of the HSA feature through vehicle personalization. See "Extended Hill Start Assist" under "Comfort and Convenience" in Vehicle Personalization. When Standard Hold is selected, the vehicle is held stationary for up to two seconds after the brake pedal is released. When Extended Hold is selected, the vehicle is held stationary for up to five minutes after the brake pedal is released. In either case, override the hold feature by pressing the accelerator pedal and attempting to drive away.

If Standard Hold is selected, it will hold the vehicle for two seconds unless the driver door is opened or the driver seat belt is unbuckled after releasing the brake pedal.

If Extended Hold is selected, it will hold the vehicle for five minutes unless the driver door is opened and the driver seat belt is unbuckled prior to releasing the brake pedal.

When deactivated after five minutes, or if it is deactivated when the driver seat belt is unlatched or the driver door is opened, the Electric Parking Brake will engage to prevent vehicle movement.

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