Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (if equipped)

The Electronic Stability Program (ESC) system is designed to improve vehicle stability when cornering. The ESC monitors the steering angle and the actual path of the vehicle, individually applying the wheel brakes and intervening in the engine management system to ensure vehicle stability.

WARNING Never drive at speeds higher than road conditions allow or at excessive speed in curves. The Electronic Stability Program (ESC) does not prevent accidents. Cornering at excessive speed, abrupt maneuvers and aquaplaning on wet roads can still cause serious accidents. Only careful and attentive driving can prevent accidents by avoiding maneuvers that could cause the vehicle to lose grip. Even on vehicles with ESC, always observe the normal driving precautions, including adapting your driving speed to road conditions.

The Electronic Stability Program (ESC) is an electronic system designed to help the driver keep control of the vehicle in adverse conditions, but it must still be combined with careful driving. Factors such as speed, road surface conditions and the driver's steering input may affect the ESC's ability to prevent loss of control of the vehicle. It is the driver's responsibility to drive and take corners at an appropriate speed, always allowing a safe margin.

When braking in conditions that may cause the wheels to lock, the driver may feel a slight vibration in the brake pedal and hear a kind of rattling from the braking system. These conditions are part of the normal operation of the ESC.

NOTE When the vehicle starts moving again after the engine has been stopped, you may hear a clicking sound from the engine compartment.

This condition is normal and indicates the correct operation of the Electronic Stability Program system.

ESC Operation

ESC on

• When the ignition switch is turned to ON, the ESC and ESC OFF indicator lights come on for approximately 3 seconds, then the ESC system is activated.
• To turn it off, press and hold the ESC OFF button for at least half a second after turning the ignition switch to ON.

(The ESC OFF indicator light will come on). To turn it on, press the ESC OFF button (the ESC OFF indicator light goes off).

When the engine starts, a slight ticking sound may be heard. This is due to the ESC automatically performing a system check and is not a sign of a problem.

When it intervenes

When the ESC intervenes, the ESC indicator light flashes.

• When the Electronic Stability Program is operating correctly, slight pulsations may be felt in the vehicle.

This is caused solely by the effect of the brake control and does not indicate a malfunction.

When trying to free a vehicle stuck in mud or when driving on slippery surfaces, the engine speed (rpm) may not increase even when the accelerator pedal is pressed. This is not a problem; it serves to maintain the stability and traction of the vehicle.

Deactivating the ESC

ESC off

• To deactivate it, press the ESC OFF button (the ESC OFF indicator light comes on).
• If the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position while the ESC is deactivated, it remains in that state.

When the engine is restarted, the ESC will turn on automatically.

Indicator light When the ignition switch is turned to ON, the indicator light comes on and then goes off if the ESC system is working properly.

The ESC indicator light flashes each time ESC intervenes, or it comes on when the system has a malfunction.

The ESC OFF indicator light comes on when ESC is deactivated using the button.

WARNING Driving with tires of a different type or size may affect the proper operation of the ESC. When replacing tires, make sure that their size is the same as the original tires. CAUTION The Electronic Stability Program is only a driving aid; always drive carefully, reducing speed on winding, snowy or icy roads. When the ESC indicator light flashes or when the road surface is slippery, proceed at reduced speed without accelerating.

Using the ESC OFF Button

While Driving

• For normal driving, it is recommended to keep the ESC system switched on.
• To deactivate the system while driving, press the ESC OFF button while driving on well-paved roads.

Never press the ESC OFF button while the system is intervening (ESC indicator light flashing).

If the ESC system is deactivated while it is operating, you may lose control of the vehicle.

NOTE

• When testing the vehicle on a dynamometer, make sure the ESC system is deactivated (ESC OFF indicator light on).
• Deactivating the ESC system does not affect the operation of the ABS or the braking system.

CAUTION Never press the ESC OFF button while the system is intervening.

If the ESC system is deactivated while it is operating, you may lose control of the vehicle.

To deactivate the system while driving, press the ESC OFF button while driving on a smooth, paved road.