OTHER FEATURES
Warning: When descending significant grades,
use the service brake as little as possible. If the
engine does not slow the vehicle to a safe
speed, apply service brake and shift to a lower
range. Let the engine (and engine brake) slow
the vehicle. Keep brakes cool and ready for
emergency stopping.
Note: Each time the engine brake system is in
operation, the stoplights automatically illuminate.
ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
The purpose of the Antilock Braking System
(ABS) is to maintain vehicle stability and control
during braking and to minimize the stopping
distance in any road condition.
On slippery roads and more generally in
emergency situations, over-braking frequently
induces wheel locking. Wheel locking greatly
increases breaking distance on any road
surface. Locked wheels also impede directional
control and cause severe tire abrasion. An
antilock braking system provides maximum
braking performance while maintaining adequate
control on slippery roads.
The basis of ABS is constant monitoring of
wheel parameters during braking. Sensors on
each wheel of the front and drive axles
constantly measure wheel speed during braking.
This information is transmitted to a four-channel
electronic processor which senses when any
wheel is about to lock. Modulating valves quickly
adjust brake pressure (up to 5 times every
second) to prevent wheel lock. Each wheel is
therefore controlled according to the available
grip.
In this way, the vehicle is brought to a stop in the
shortest possible time while remaining stable
and under the driver's control.
Warning: Vehicles following ABS-equipped
vehicles may not be able to brake as fast on
slippery roads.
KNEELING SYSTEM
This system lowers the front end, enabling
passengers to get on and off the coach without
any difficulty.
Note: This coach is equipped with an
interlock system which automatically applies the
parking brake when the kneeling system is
activated.
To operate, stop the coach, set the transmission
to neutral(N), then push down the rocker switch
located on the dashboard. (Refer to "Controls &
Instruments" chapter). The parking brake will be
applied automatically and a warning flasher will
indicate that the front of the coach is being
lowered.
To raise the front of the coach to its normal
height, push up the rocker switch. The front end
will rapidly rise up. The system will release the
parking brake and shift the transmission to the
previously selected range.
Caution: Avoid parking the coach too close
to the sidewalk or to other obstacles which could
damage the coach during kneeling.
Note: The kneeling system does not operate
when the coach is traveling over 5 mph (8 km/h).
Consequently, the driver cannot inadvertently
operate the kneeling system at higher speeds.
Note: Kneeling is disabled when the entrance
door is open.
HI-BUOY
The coach may be equipped with the optional
front Hi-Buoy or full Hi-Buoy. The front Hi-Buoy
system has the same functions as front kneeling.
In addition it enables passengers to get on or off
the coach easily by raising the front end about 4
inches (100 mm), which may prove useful when
the dock is higher than usual. The front Hi-Buoy
is combined with front kneeling to increase
flexibility of the system. Refer to "Controls &
Instruments" chapter.
The full Hi-Buoy system raises the whole coach
about 4 inches (100 mm). It can be used to
enable passengers to get on or off the coach
easily, and to safely travel roads with high
obstacles. Refer to "Controls & Instruments"
chapter.
Note: The Hi-Buoy system does not operate
when the coach is traveling over 5 mph (8 km/h).
Consequently, the driver cannot inadvertently
operate the Hi-Buoy system at higher speeds.
LOW-BUOY
This system lowers the coach about 4 inches
(100 mm). It enables the coach to drive through
underpasses where the height is less than 12
feet (3.7 m).
Low-Buoy operation is controlled by a valve
located on the right lateral console. The valve
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