2025 Genesis G90 Braking System User Manual

Braking System

Power-Assist Brakes
Your vehicle has power-assisted brakes that adjust automatically through normal usage.

If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the brakes does not work. You can still stop your vehicle by applying greater force to the brake pedal than typical. The stopping distance, however, may be longer than with power brakes.

When the engine is not running, the reserve brake power is partially depleted each time the brake pedal is depressed. Avoid pumping the brake pedal when the power assist has been interrupted.

Information

• When the brake pedal is depressed under certain driving conditions or weather conditions, you may temporarily hear a noise. This is normal and does not indicate a problem with your brakes.
• While driving on a road with deicing chemicals, brake noise or abnormal tire wear may occur due to deicing chemicals. In a safe traffic condition, additionally apply the brakes to remove deicing chemicals on the brake discs and pads.

WARNING
Take the following precautions:

• Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This creates abnormal high brake temperatures, excessive brake lining, and pad wear, and increased stopping distances.
• When descending down a long or steep hill, use the paddle shifter to a lower gear to control your speed without using the brake pedal excessively. Applying the brakes continuously can cause the brakes to overheat and may result in a temporary loss of braking performance.
• Wet brakes may impair the vehicle’s ability to safely slow down and the vehicle may also pull to one side when the brakes are applied. Applying the brakes lightly indicates whether they have been affected in this way. Always test your brakes in this fashion after driving through deep water. To dry the brakes, lightly tap the brake pedal to heat up the brakes while maintaining a safe forward speed until the brake performance returns to normal. Avoid driving at high speeds until the brakes function correctly.

Disc Brakes Wear Indicator
When your brake pads are worn and new pads are required, you may hear a high pitched warning sound from your front or rear brakes. You may hear this sound come and go or it may occur whenever you depress the brake pedal.

NOTICE
To avoid costly brake repairs, do not continue to drive with worn brake pads.

 Information
Always replace brake pads as complete front or rear axle sets.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)

Applying the parking brake

To apply EPB (Electronic Parking Brake):

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Pull up the EPB switch.

Make sure the Parking Brake warning light comes on.

EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) may be automatically applied when:

• Requested by other systems.
• The driver turns the vehicle off while Auto Hold is operating.

Emergency braking
If there is a problem with the brake pedal while driving, emergency braking is possible by pulling up and holding the EPB switch. Braking is possible only while you are holding the EPB switch. However, braking distance may be longer than normal.

WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious injury or death, do not operate the EPB while the vehicle is moving except in an emergency situation. It may damage the brake system and cause a collision.

Information
During emergency braking, the Parking Brake warning light illuminates and you may hear a clicking noise.

NOTICE
If you notice a noise or burning smell when the EPB is used for emergency braking, have the system inspected by an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products.

Releasing the parking brake

To release EPB (Electronic Parking Brake):

1. Press the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON or START position.
2. Press the EPB switch while depressing the brake pedal.

Make sure the Parking Brake warning light goes off.

To release EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) automatically do one of the following:

• With the engine running depress the brake pedal and shift out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) to R (Reverse) or D (Drive). Take your foot off the brake pedal after the Parking Brake warning light is off.
• Depress the accelerator pedal when all the conditions below are satisfied.
  • The engine is running
  • The seatbelt is fastened
  • The driver’s door, hood, and trunk is closed
  • The gear is in R (Reverse) or D (Drive)

Make sure the Parking Brake warning light is off before driving.

Information

• For your safety, you can engage EPB even though the Engine Start/Stop button is in the OFF position (only if battery power is available), but you cannot release it.
• For your safety, depress the brake pedal and release the parking brake manually with the EPB switch when you drive downhill or when backing up the vehicle.

NOTICE

• If the Parking Brake warning light is still on even though the EPB has been released, have the system inspected by an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products.
• Do not drive your vehicle with EPB applied. It may cause excessive brake pad and brake rotor wear.

Warning messages

To release EPB, fasten seatbelt and close door, hood and trunk

• If you try to drive with EPB applied, a warning will sound and a message will appear.
• If the driver’s seat belt is unfastened and the engine hood or trunk is opened, a warning will sound and a message will appear.
• If there is a problem with the vehicle, a warning may sound and a message may appear.

If the situation occurs, depress the brake pedal and release EPB by pressing the EPB switch.

WARNING

• Whenever leaving the vehicle or parking, always come to a complete stop and continue to depress the brake pedal.
  Shift the gear into P (Park), pull the EPB switch, and press the Engine Start/Stop button to the OFF position. Take the Key with you when leaving the vehicle.
  Vehicles not fully engaged in P (Park) with the parking brake set are at risk for moving inadvertently and causing injury to yourself or others.
• NEVER allow anyone who is unfamiliar with the vehicle to touch the EPB switch. If EPB is released unintentionally, serious injury may occur.
• Only release EPB when you are seated inside the vehicle with your foot firmly on the brake pedal.

NOTICE

• Do not apply the accelerator pedal while the parking brake is engaged. If you depress the accelerator pedal with EPB engaged, a warning will sound and a message will appear. Damage to the parking brake may occur.
• Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the braking system and cause premature wear or damage to brake parts. Make sure EPB is released and the Parking Brake warning light is off before driving.

Information

• A clicking sound may be heard while operating or releasing the EPB. These conditions are normal and indicate that EPB is functioning properly.
• When leaving your keys with a parking attendant or assistant, be sure to inform him/her how to operate the EPB.

AUTO HOLD turning Off! Press brake pedal
When the conversion from Auto Hold to EPB is not working properly, a warning sounds and a message appears.

Parking brake automatically engaged
When EPB is applied while Auto Hold is activated, a warning sounds and a message appears.

EPB malfunction
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning light illuminates if the Engine Start/Stop button is pressed to the ON position and goes off in about 3 seconds if the system is operating normally.

If the EPB warning light remains on, comes on while driving, or does not come on when the Engine Start/Stop button is pressed to the ON position, the EPB may have malfunctioned.

If this occurs, have the system inspected by an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products.

The EPB warning light may illuminate when the ESC indicator light comes on to indicate that ESC is not working properly, but it does not indicate a malfunction of EPB.

NOTICE

• If the EPB warning light is still on, have the system checked by an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products.
• If the Parking Brake warning light does not illuminate or blinks even though the EPB switch was pulled up, EPB may not be applied.
• If the Parking Brake warning light blinks when the EPB warning light is on, press the switch, and then pull it up. Repeat this one more time. If the EPB warning does not go off, have the system checked by an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products.

Parking brake warning light
Check the Parking Brake warning light by pressing the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
This light illuminates when the parking brake is applied with the Engine Stop/Start button in the START or ON position.

Before driving, make sure the parking brake is released and the Parking Brake warning light is OFF.

If the Parking Brake warning light remains on after the parking brake is released while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction in the brake system.

If possible, stop driving the vehicle immediately. If that is not possible, use extreme caution while operating the vehicle and only continue to drive the vehicle until you can reach a safe location.

When the EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) does not release
If the EPB does not release normally, contact an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products by loading the vehicle on a flatbed tow truck and have the system checked.

Auto Hold
Auto Hold maintains the vehicle in a standstill even though the brake pedal is not depressed after the driver brings the vehicle to a complete stop by depressing the brake pedal.

Information
The Auto Hold On or Off setting is maintained when the vehicle is turned off. When the vehicle is restarted the last setting for Auto Hold is applied.

To apply:

1. With the driver’s door, and hood closed, depress the brake pedal and then press the AUTO HOLD switch. The white AUTO HOLD indicator will come on and the system will be in the standby position.
   A : White,
   B : Green
2. When you stop the vehicle completely by depressing the brake pedal, Auto Hold maintains the brake pressure to hold the vehicle stationary. The indicator changes from white to green.
3. The vehicle will remain stationary even if you release the brake pedal.
4. If EPB is applied, Auto Hold will be released.

To release:
If you depress the accelerator pedal with the gear in D (Drive), R (Reverse) or Manual shift mode, the Auto Hold will be released automatically and the vehicle will start to move. The AUTO HOLD indicator changes from green to white.

WARNING
When Auto Hold is automatically released by depressing the accelerator pedal, always take a look around your vehicle.
Slowly depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.

To cancel:

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Press the AUTO HOLD switch.

The AUTO HOLD indicator will turn off.

WARNING
To prevent unintended vehicle movement, always depress your foot on the brake pedal to cancel the Auto Hold before you:

• Drive downhill.
• Drive the vehicle in R (Reverse).
• Park the vehicle.

Information

• The Auto Hold does not operate when:
  • The driver’s door is opened
  • The engine hood is opened
  • The gear is in P (Park)
  •  EPB is applied
• For your safety, the Auto Hold automatically switches to EPB when:
  • The driver’s door is opened
  • The engine hood is opened
  • The vehicle is in a standstill for more than 10 minutes
  • The vehicle is standing on a steep slope
  • The vehicle moved several times

In these cases, the Parking Brake warning light comes on, the AUTO HOLD indicator changes from green to white, and a warning sound and a message will appear to inform you that EPB has been automatically engaged. Before driving off again, depress the brake pedal, check the surrounding area near your vehicle and release the parking brake manually with the EPB switch.

• While operating Auto Hold, you may hear mechanical noise. However, it is normal operating noise.

NOTICE
If the AUTO HOLD indicator changes to yellow, Auto Hold is not working properly. Contact an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products.

WARNING

• Depress the accelerator pedal slowly when you start the vehicle.
• For your safety, cancel Auto Hold when you drive downhill, back up the vehicle or park the vehicle.

NOTICE
If there is a malfunction with the driver’s door or engine hood open detection system, Auto Hold may not work properly.
Contact an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products.

Warning messages

Parking brake automatically engaged
When EPB is applied while Auto Hold is activated, a warning will sound and a message will appear.

AUTO HOLD turning Off! Press brake pedal
When the conversion from Auto Hold to EPB is not working properly a warning will sound and a message will appear.
When this message is displayed, Auto Hold and EPB may not operate. For your safety, depress the brake pedal.

Press brake pedal to deactivate AUTO HOLD
If you did not apply the brake pedal when you release Auto Hold by pressing the AUTO HOLD switch, a warning will sound and a message will appear.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

WARNING
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system does not prevent accidents due to improper or dangerous driving maneuvers. Even though vehicle control is improved during emergency braking, always maintain a safe distance between you and objects ahead of you. Vehicle speeds should always be reduced during extreme road conditions. The braking distance for vehicles equipped with ABS or ESC may be longer than for those without these systems in the following road conditions:

Drive your vehicle at reduced speeds during the following conditions:

• Rough, gravel, or snow-covered roads.
• On roads where the road surface is pitted or has different surface height.
• Tire chains are installed on your vehicle.

The safety features of ABS or ESC equipped vehicle should not be tested by high speed driving or cornering. This could endanger the safety of yourself or others.

ABS is an electronic braking system that helps prevent a braking skid. ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same time.

Using ABS
To obtain the maximum benefit from your ABS in an emergency situation, do not attempt to modulate your brake pressure and do not try to pump your brakes. Depress your brake pedal as hard as possible.

When you apply your brakes under conditions that may lock the wheels, you may hear sounds from the brakes, or feel a corresponding sensation in the brake pedal. This is normal and it means your ABS is active.

ABS does not reduce the time or distance to stop the vehicle.
Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

ABS does not prevent a skid that results from sudden changes in direction, such as trying to take a corner too fast or making a sudden lane change. Always drive at a safe speed for the road and weather conditions.

ABS cannot prevent a loss of stability. Always steer moderately when braking hard. Severe or sharp steering wheel movement can still cause your vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic or off the road.

On loose or uneven road surfaces, operation of the anti-lock brake system may result in a longer stopping distance than for vehicles equipped with a conventional brake system.

The ABSwarning light stays on for several seconds after the Engine Start/Stop button is in the ON position.

During that time, ABS goes through self-diagnosis and the light will go off if everything is normal. If the light stays on, contact an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products as soon as possible.

WARNING
If the ABSwarning light is on and stays on, you may have a problem with the ABS. Your power brakes work normally. To reduce the risk of serious injury or death, contact an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products as soon as possible.

NOTICE
When you drive on a road having poor traction, such as an icy road, and apply your brakes continuously, ABS is active continuously and the ABS warning light may illuminate. Pull your vehicle over to a safe place and turn off the engine.

Restart the vehicle. If the ABS warning light is off, your ABS system is normal.

If not, contact an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products as soon as possible.

Information
When you jump start your vehicle because of a drained battery, the ABSwarning light may turn on at the same time. It does not mean your ABS is malfunctioning. Have the battery recharged before driving the vehicle.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Electronic Stability Control helps stabilize the vehicle during cornering maneuvers.

ESC checks where you are steering and where the vehicle is actually going. ESC applies braking pressure to any one of the vehicle’s brakes and intervenes in the engine management system to assist the driver with keeping the vehicle on the intended path. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Always adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.

WARNING
Never drive too fast for the road conditions when cornering. ESC does not prevent a collision.

Excessive speed in turns, abrupt maneuvers, and hydroplaning on wet surfaces may result in severe collisions.

ESC operation

ESC ON condition
When the Engine Start/Stop button is in the ON position, ESC and the ESC OFF indicator lights illuminate for about three seconds. After both lights go off, ESC is enabled.

When operating
When ESC is in operation, the ESC indicator light blinks:

• When you apply your brakes under conditions which may lock the wheels, you may hear sounds from the brakes, or feel a corresponding sensation in the brake pedal. This is normal and it means your ESC is active.
• When ESC activates, the engine may not respond to the accelerator as it does under routine conditions.
• If Smart Cruise Control was in use when ESC activates, Smart Cruise Control automatically disengages. Smart Cruise Control can be reengaged when the road conditions allow. See “Smart Cruise Control
  (SCC)” section in chapter 7 (if equipped).
• When moving out of the mud or driving on a slippery road, the engine RPM (revolutions per minute) may not increase even if you press the accelerator pedal deeply. This is to maintain the stability and traction of the vehicle and does not indicate a problem.

ESC OFF condition

To cancel ESC operation:

• State 1

Press the ESC OFF button briefly. The ESC OFF indicator light and the message, “Traction and Stability Control limited” illuminate. The traction control function of ESC (engine management) is disabled, but the brake control function of ESC (braking management) still operates.

• State 2

Press and hold the ESC OFF button continuously for more than 3 seconds. The ESC OFF indicator light and the message, “Traction & Stability Control disabled” illuminate and a warning chime sounds. In this state, both the traction control function of ESC (engine management) and the brake control function of ESC (braking management) are disabled.

If the Engine Start/Stop button is pressed to the OFF position when ESC is off, ESC remains off. Upon restarting the vehicle, ESC automatically turns on again.

Indicator lights

When the Engine Start/Stop button is pressed to the ON position, the ESC indicator light illuminates, then goes off if the ESC system is operating normally.

The ESC indicator light blinks whenever ESC is operating.

If the ESC indicator light stays on, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products as soon as possible.

The ESC OFF indicator light comes on when ESC is turned off.

WARNING
When ESC is blinking, this indicates ESC is active:
Drive slowly and NEVER attempt to accelerate. NEVER turn ESC off while the ESC indicator light is blinking or you may lose control of the vehicle resulting in an accident.

NOTICE
Driving with wheels and tires with different sizes may cause the ESC system to malfunction. Before replacing tires, make sure all four tires and wheels are the same size. Never drive the vehicle with different sized wheels and tires installed.

ESC OFF usage

When Driving
The ESC OFF mode should only be used briefly to help free the vehicle if stuck in snow or mud, by temporarily stopping operation of ESC, to maintain wheel torque.

To turn off ESC while driving, press the ESC OFF button while driving on a flat road surface.

NOTICE
To prevent damage to the transmission:

• Do not allow wheel(s) of one axle to spin excessively while the ESC, ABS, and Parking Brake warning lights appear. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively while these lights appear.
• When operating the vehicle on a dynamometer, make sure ESC is turned off (ESC OFF light illuminated).

Information
Turning off ESC does not affect ABS or standard brake system operation.

Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
Vehicle Stability Management is a function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. It helps the vehicle stay stable when accelerating or braking suddenly on wet, slippery, and rough roads where traction over the four tires can suddenly become uneven.

WARNING
Take the following precautions when using Vehicle Stability Management:

• ALWAYS check the speed and the distance to the vehicle ahead. VSM is not a substitute for safe driving practices.
• Never drive too fast for the road conditions. VSM will not prevent accidents. Excessive speed in bad weather, on slippery and uneven roads can result in severe accidents.

VSM operation

When operating
When you apply your brakes under conditions that can activate ESC, you may hear sounds from the brakes, or feel a corresponding sensation in the brake pedal. This is normal and it means your VSM is active.

Information
VSM does not operate when:

• Driving on a banked road such as gradient or incline.
• Driving in reverse.
• The ESC OFF indicator light is on.
• The MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) warning light is on
  or blinks.

VSM OFF condition
To cancel VSM operation, press the ESC OFF button. ESC OFFindicator light illuminates.

To turn on VSM again, press the ESC OFF button again. The ESC OFF indicator light will goes out.

WARNING
If the ESC
indicator light or MDPS
warning light stays illuminated or blinks, your vehicle may have a malfunction with the VSM system. Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products as soon as possible.

NOTICE
Driving with wheels and tires with different sizes may cause the VSM system to malfunction. Before replacing tires, make sure all four tires and wheels are the same size. Never drive the vehicle with different sized tires and wheels installed.

Useful Links:

2024 GENESIS G90 Review, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

2025 Genesis G90 Automatic Transmission User Guide