Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumBrake Failure Management

While approaching a busy intersection on a level roadway, your service brake pedal goes completely to the floor without slowing the vehicle. What immediate action should you take first to attempt to restore brake pressure?

  1. Pump the brake pedal rapidly several times.Answer
  2. B
    Pull the parking brake lever upward abruptly to lock the rear wheels immediately.
  3. C
    Turn the ignition key to the off position to eliminate engine acceleration power.
  4. D
    Shift the automatic transmission shifter directly into the park position.

Answer

Pumping the brake pedal rapidly several times is the correct immediate action to attempt restoring hydraulic pressure.
Pumping the brake pedal rapidly several times is the primary action recommended because it can build up enough temporary hydraulic fluid pressure within dual-circuit master cylinders to provide functional stopping power.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Detect brake pedal failure when the pedal travels to the floorboard without resistance.
Identify a loss of fluid pressure in the primary service braking system.
Immediate recognition of hydraulic failure triggers the proper emergency protocol.
2
Rapidly pump the brake pedal multiple times.
May build up sufficient residual fluid pressure in a dual-master cylinder system to slow down.
Pumping compresses remaining fluid or air pockets to momentarily restore stopping power.
3
Prepare to downshift to a lower gear and apply the emergency brake gradually if pumping fails.
Engine braking and controlled friction slow the vehicle to a complete stop.
Sequential deceleration techniques prevent loss of vehicle stability and steering control.

Key Concept

Restoration of hydraulic line pressure during sudden service brake failure.
Rate this question

Topics

Brake Failure Management

More questions from this topic