Brake Vacuum Sensor
To make sure that the brake system is never compromised, a brake vacuum sensor is installed to monitor vacuum reserves in the brake booster.
The brake vacuum sensor is mounted to the brake booster and hardwired to the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control module.
If the brake vacuum decreases below a set threshold while auto stop/start is enabled, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) either:
- Restarts the engine to replenish the vacuum reserves.
- Inhibits the engine shutting down if vacuum reserves are not sufficient.
An example of vacuum reserves depleting, is by the driver repeatedly pressing the brake pedal while the engine is shutdown during an auto stop/start stop. This action will initiate an engine restart when vacuum reserves decrease below the set threshold.
If a fault develops with the brake vacuum sensor a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be logged in the PCM.