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 to assist in counteracting the oversteering or understeering 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.

• Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than appropriate for the steering wheel position.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position.

ESC Off Switch (Manual Transmission)

ESC Off Switch (Automatic Transmission)

WARNING!

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

ESC Operating Modes

The ESC system has two available operating modes.

Full On

This is the normal operating mode for ESC. Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC system will be in On mode.

This mode should be used for most driving situations.

ESC should only be turned to Partial Off for specific reasons as noted below.

Partial Off

This mode is entered by momentarily pressing the ESC Off switch. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESC would normally allow is required to gain traction.

To turn ESC on again, momentarily press the switch again. This will restore the normal ESC On mode of operation.

NOTE: To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the Partial Off mode by pressing the switch. Once the situation requiring ESC to be switched to the Partial Off mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by momentarily pressing the switch. This may be done while the vehicle is in motion.

WARNING!

When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS portion of ESC has been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will be illuminated. All other stability features of ESC function normally. When in “Partial Off” mode, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC system is reduced.