Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps protect the vehicle when cornering or performing evasive maneuvers to maintain stable conditions. ESC compares the steering wheel angle with the actual movement of the vehicle.

ESC can brake individual wheels and takes control of engine output. The indicator light illuminates when the vehicle is stabilized.

WARNING

Always adjust your speed to road conditions and never take curves at high speed. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system may not prevent accidents. Excessive speed in curves, sudden steering movements and hydroplaning can also lead to serious accidents, even in vehicles equipped with ESC. Simply avoiding driving maneuvers that cause the vehicle to lose traction with the road can be safe, and attentive drivers prevent accidents. Also, on vehicles with ESC, observe the usual safe driving rules; in particular, adjust driving speed to suit the situation.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a system that helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle in adverse circumstances. It does not replace safe driving habits. Factors such as speed, road conditions and the angle of steering wheel input can cause loss of control that the ESC system cannot prevent. The vehicle is still under your responsibility. Drive, take curves at a reasonable speed and maintain sufficient safety margins.

When you brake under conditions where wheel lock may occur, you will hear a ticking sound from the brakes or feel a corresponding pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and shows that the ESC system is active.

NOTICE

A click may be heard from the engine compartment when the vehicle starts to move after the engine is started. This is normal and indicates that the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is operating properly.

Cruise Control Operation

ESC On Condition

• After the ignition is turned ON, the ESC warning lamp and the ESC OFF lamp illuminate for approximately 3 seconds. After this, the ESC system is on.
• Press the button to turn off Stability Control after turning the ignition key to the ON position. (The ESC OFF indicator lamp lights.) To activate Stability Control again, press the ESC OFF button (the ESC OFF indicator lamp goes out).
• A faint ticking sound may be audible when the engine is started. This noise occurs during the automatic self-diagnosis of the ESC control unit and is not a malfunction.

During ESC operation

When the ESC system is active, the ESC indicator lamp flashes.

• If the Electronic Stability Control is operating properly, you may feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle. This is the effect of brake control and is not a malfunction.
• When driving off on a slippery or smooth road, engine speed may increase without pressing the accelerator pedal. This is to maintain stability and traction of your vehicle and is not a problem.

ESC OFF Status

Canceling ESC operation:

• Status 1

Briefly press the ESC OFF button (the ESC OFF indicator lamp lights and a message appears). In this state, the engine control function operates, but the traction control does not operate. In other words, traction control is inactive, and the brake control function remains active.

• Status 2

Press and hold the ESC OFF button for more than 3 seconds. The ESC OFF indicator lamp lights and a warning buzzer sounds to indicate ESC is turned off. In this state, the engine control function and the brake control function are not active. In other words, the Electronic Stability Control no longer operates.

If the ignition key is turned to the LOCK/OFF position while ESC is turned off, ESC remains off. When the engine is restarted, ESC is automatically turned on again.

indicator

After the ignition is turned ON, the indicator lamp lights briefly and then goes out. This indicates that the ESC system is in normal working condition.

The ESC indicator lamp keeps flashing when ESC is operating or when it has no function.

The ESC OFF indicator lamp lights when ESC has been turned off with the switch.

DANGER

Using tires of different types or different sizes may cause a malfunction of the ESC system. When replacing a tire, make sure the size of the new tire is equivalent to the size of the original tire.

WARNING

Electronic Stability Control is only a driving aid. Observe safety instructions. Be sure to slow down when driving on snowy or icy roads, take curves carefully, and do not attempt to accelerate while the ESC indicator lamp is flashing or when the road surface is smooth or slippery.

Using the ESC OFF button

While driving

• If possible, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) should be on for everyday driving.
• If you need to turn off ESC while driving, press the ESC OFF button only while driving on a level road surface.

Never press the ESC OFF button while the stability control is operating (ESC indicator lamp flashing).

If the ESC system is turned off during active control (ESC indicator lamp flashing), the vehicle may go out of control and cause an accident.

NOTICE

• Make sure the ESC system is turned off (ESC OFF lamp lights) when the vehicle is to be tested on a dynamometer.
• Turning off the ESC system does not affect the ABS or the braking system functionality.

WARNING

Never press the ESC OFF button while stability control is active.

If the ESC system is turned off during active control, the vehicle may go out of control.

If you need to turn off ESC while driving, press the ESC OFF button only while driving on a level road surface.