Module 10 Drivers ED

Total Brake Failure

Pump the brake pedal to try to build up brake pressure - after 3 or 4 pumps you will know if the brakes are going to hold.

Engine Failure

Shift to neutral ✓ Look for escape path ✓ DO NOT BRAKE HARD ✓ Pull off roadway ✓ Restart engine ✓ If unsuccessful, raise hood and turn on emergency flashers.

ABS light

The ABS light comes on when you start the vehicle indicating the ABS system is functioning normally. If the light stays on, or comes on while you are driving, there is a problem which should be checked by a qualified mechanic.

Low fuel light

The fuel gauge measures how much fuel is in the vehicle's fuel tank. When the fuel level is low, the fuel warning light will come on and stay on until you add more fuel to the tank.

Power Brake Failure

is the loss of power when the booster unit assisting the brakes no longer functions.

Car Catches Fire

• Quickly steer the vehicle out of traffic and away from buildings and people. • Get everyone out of the vehicle and have them move at least 100 feet away. • If the engine is on fire, call the fire department and leave the hood closed. • If the passenger compartment is on fire, smother it, use a fire extinguisher, or call the fire department.

Handling Special Vehicles

▶ Right turns ▶ Move farther from the curb or edge of pavement. ▶ Delay turning until well beyond curb line. ▶ Left turns ▶ Proceed farther into the intersection. ▶ Check left outside mirror to see that vehicle clears any vehicles at the intersection.

Backing a Trailer by Turning Steering Wheel in Direction Driver Wants to Turn

● Back slowly and look directly over your shoulder through the rear window. ● Keep your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. ● To move the trailer left, move your hand to the left. ● To back to the right, move your hand to the right .

Jackknifing a Trailer

● Common when backing - will damage the hitch and the trailer. ● Occurs when angle between vehicle and trailer is less than 90 degrees. ● Back slowly and keep steering wheel movements to a minimum. ● If you get in trouble, pull forward.

Tire Blowout

● Grip the wheel firmly. ● Foot off accelerator. ● DO NOT BRAKE. ● Allow vehicle to slow. ● Check traffic. ● Turn on flashers. ● Drive to a protected area. ● Change tire.

Brake Failure

● Rapidly pump the brakes. ● Shift to lower gear. ● Apply parking brake. ● Find "soft" crash area.

Temperature light or gauge

- warns you when the coolant in the engine is too hot or too low. - if temperature warning light comes on or the gauge reads too hot, don't drive the vehicle - seek professional help.

Oil Pressure light or gauge

- warns you when the oil is not circulating at proper pressure or there is not enough oil. - when the oil warning light comes on it is recommended that you stop at the nearest service center and have the oil level checked.

Brake System light

This warning light serves two purposes: (1) indicates the parking brake is set; and (2) alerts you that part or all of the braking system is not working properly; or, in some vehicles, the brake fluid is low.

Door Ajar light

This warning light will illuminate when starting the engine and then goes out. If this light remains on, one or more of the vehicle doors is not completely latched. If it comes on while driving, someone has opened a door or the door latch was not properly fastened. In either case, pull off the road as soon as possible to secure the door.

Alternator/Generator light or gauges

When the "ALT" light comes on or the gauge shows "discharge" while the engine is running the vehicle's electrical system is not functioning properly. - The alternator is not generating enough electricity to charge the battery. - The engine must now use electricity stored in the battery. - Turn off as many electrical devices as possible. (i.e., the radio, heater/AC, etc.)

Air Bag light

When you start the engine, this light should illuminate momentarily indicating the system is activated. If the air bag readiness light stays on or comes on while you are driving, it is a warning that there is a problem. If the air bag system in your vehicle is not working properly it can be dangerous as the air bags: - may NOT inflate in a crash or - may spontaneously inflate while you are driving.

Backing a Trailer by Turning Steering Wheel in the Opposite Direction

● To back to the left, turn the steering wheel to the right. ● Straighten the wheel. ● Turn the wheel in the opposite direction. ● Straighten the wheel. ● Turn the steering wheel to the right. ● Straighten the wheel and back the towing vehicle and trailer.

Engine Overheats

● Turn off AC. ● Turn on heater. ● Pull off roadway if all else fails. ● Turn engine off. ● DO NOT OPEN RADIATOR. ● Seek help.

Errors to Avoid When Backing

● Turning the steering wheel too far. ● Holding the steering wheel in a turned position too long. ● If trailer starts to jackknife, stop and pull ahead to straighten, then begin again.

Accelerator Failure

✓ Shift to Neutral (engine may race but no harm done). ✓ Search for an escape path. ✓ Steer smoothly and brake gently. ✓ Pull off the roadway and park. ✓ Turn off the vehicle. Caution — DO NOT turn the ignition off while the vehicle is moving--this may lock the steering wheel. ✓ Have the pedal repaired before driving again.

Power Steering Failure

✓ The vehicle can still be steered, It will require much more effort on the driver's part.

Service Engine light

The SERVICE ENGINE or CHECK ENGINE light should flash for a few seconds when you start the engine and then go out. If the light stays on, there may be a problem - make an appointment to get it checked.