Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in the Kia Opirus provides added safety by intervening in a targeted manner in unstable driving situations. Sensors continuously monitor vehicle dynamics and control the engine and brakes accordingly. Numerous safety notes explain when the system can intervene actively, for example during evasive maneuvers or on slippery surfaces. Nevertheless, defensive driving remains the top priority, because ESP cannot override the laws of physics.

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) continuously receives information from various vehicle sensors and compares the driver's inputs with the current driving situation of the vehicle. If an unstable driving situation occurs, for example a sudden evasive maneuver, the ESP system intervenes within fractions of a second via the engine control unit and the brake system and attempts to bring the vehicle back into a stable driving condition.

Remember that the ESP system cannot override the laws of physics, and therefore always adapt your driving to the prevailing conditions.

ESP operation

ESP activation conditions

• After the ignition is switched on, the ESP and ESP OFF indicator lights come on for approx. 3 seconds. After that, the ESP system is switched on.
• To switch off the ESP system, press and hold the ESP OFF button for at least half a second after the ignition is switched on. The ESP OFF indicator light then comes on. To switch the ESP system back on, press the ESP OFF button. The ESP OFF indicator light then goes out.
• When the engine is started, a faint ticking noise may be audible. This noise is generated during the automatic self-diagnosis of the ESP system and does not indicate a malfunction.

During ESP operation

When the ESP system is active, the ESP indicator light flashes.

• When the Electronic Stability Program is operating properly, you may feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle. This is an effect of ESP brake control and does not indicate a malfunction.
• When driving out of mud or on slippery surfaces, the engine speed may not increase further with the accelerator pedal fully pressed, due to ESP control.

Switching off the ESP system

ESP switched off

• To switch off the ESP system, press the ESP OFF button. The ESP OFF indicator light then comes on.
• When the engine is started, the electronic stability control is automatically switched on, even if it was switched off in the previous driving cycle.

Indicator lamp

After the ignition is switched on, the indicator light comes on briefly and then goes out. This indicates that the ESP system is in proper working condition.

Whenever the electronic stability control is active, the ESP indicator light flashes.

The ESP OFF indicator light stays on continuously if either the ESP system has been switched off or a malfunction in the ESP system has been detected.

The Electronic Stability Program is only an additional driving aid. Observe the safety notes for safe driving when braking in curves or on snowy or icy roads.

Drive slowly and do not try to accelerate while the ESP indicator light is flashing or when the road surface is slippery.

Notes on switching off the ESP system

While driving

• It is recommended to leave the Electronic Stability Program switched on at all times during everyday driving.
• To switch off the ESP system while driving, press the ESP OFF button while driving on a level road surface.

Never press the ESP OFF button while the system is active (ESP indicator light flashing).

If the ESP system is switched off during an active control phase (ESP indicator light flashing), the vehicle may lose control and skid.

NOTE

• Make sure the ESP system is switched off (ESP OFF indicator light on) when vehicle speed is to be measured on a suitable test bench. If the ESP system is switched on during the measurement, the result may be distorted, because the ESP system can suppress engine acceleration.
• When the ESP system is switched off, this has no effect on the functions of the ABS system and the brake system.

Never press the ESP button while the system is active (ESP indicator light flashing).

If the ESP system is switched off during an active control phase (ESP indicator light flashing), the vehicle may lose control and skid.

To switch off the ESP system while driving, press the ESP button while driving on a level road surface.

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) of the Kia Opirus 2003–2011 assists the driver in critical driving situations and helps keep the vehicle stable on the road. It reacts instantly to unstable driving conditions and intervenes in the engine and braking system.

By working together with other safety systems, ESP helps reduce the risk of accidents. The Kia Opirus thus becomes a reliable partner on every journey.

When should the ESP system in the Kia Opirus 2003–2011 not be switched off?
As a general rule, it should always remain switched on, except for test purposes or special situations on test benches.

What does the flashing ESP indicator light mean?
The system is active and currently intervening to maintain vehicle stability.