This system enhances directional control and stability of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match the intended path, ESC applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition.
The "ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light" located in the instrument cluster will start to flash as soon as the ESC system becomes active. The "ESC Activation/ Malfunction Indicator Light" also flashes when the TCS is active. If the "ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light" begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!
|
ESC Operating Modes
NOTE: Depending upon model and mode of operation, the ESC system may have multiple operating modes.
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC. Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC system will be in this mode. This mode should be used for most driving conditions. Alternate ESC modes should only be used for specific reasons as noted in the following paragraphs.
Partial Off
The "Partial Off" mode is intended for times when a more spirited driving experience is desired. This mode may modify TCS and ESC thresholds for activation, which allows for more wheel spin than normally allowed.
This mode may be useful if the vehicle becomes stuck.
To enter the "Partial Off" mode, momentarily push the "ESC Off" switch and the "ESC Off Indicator Light" will illuminate. To turn the ESC on again, momentarily push the "ESC Off" switch and the "ESC Off Indicator Light" will turn off.
NOTE: For vehicles with multiple partial ESC modes a momentary button push will toggle the ESC mode.
Multiple momentary button pushed may be required to return to ESC On.
NOTE:
Full Off - If Equipped
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use only and should not be used on any public roadways. In this mode, TCS and ESC features are turned OFF. To enter the "Full Off" mode, push and hold the "ESC Off" switch for five seconds while the vehicle is stopped with the engine running. After five seconds, a chime will sound, the "ESC Off Indicator Light" will illuminate, and the "ESC OFF" message will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). To turn ESC ON again, momentarily push the "ESC Off" switch.
NOTE: System may switch from ESC Full Off to Partial mode when vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed.
When the vehicle speed slows below the predetermined speed the system will return to ESC Full Off.
ESC modes may also be affected by drive modes - if equipped.
WARNING!
|
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and ESC OFF Indicator Light
The "ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator
Light" in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. It should go out with the engine
running. If the "ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light" comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been
detected in the ESC system. If this
light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the
vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at
speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
The "ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light" (located in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active.
The "ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light" also flashes when TCS is active. If the "ESC Activation/ Malfunction Indicator Light" begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
The "ESC OFF Indicator Light"
indicates the
customer has elected to have the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) in a reduced mode.