Electronic Stability Control: Notes

NOTE: The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may also be referred to as Electronic Stability Program (ESP) depending on the vehicle model year and configuration. Certain components may also reference ESP, ESC, or use the traction control symbol.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC®), which includes Hydraulic Brake Assist, Traction Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and Brake Lock Differentials is standard on all vehicles. ESC® aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability. ESC will do whatever can be done, within the limits of available traction, to keep the car on course.

ESC® uses the ABS with Traction Control (MK25E) along with the following components to operate:

Dynamics (ESC) Sensor
Steering Angle Sensor (SAS)

The Dynamics Sensor that is mounted under the center console, which is near the center of gravity of the car for effective sensing. See Brakes/Electrical/SENSOR, Dynamics - Description . The Steering Angle Sensor is located in the steering column. See Brakes/Electrical/SENSOR, Steering Wheel Angle - Description .

On this vehicle, ESC® has three modes: Full-On, Partial and Full-Off. The ESC® default mode is Full-On with every key-on. Pressing the ESC Off switch button in the center stack once activates the Partial mode. In Partial mode, Traction Control is deactivated and ESC® operates at a higher threshold, therefore, it will not come on as aggressively as in the Full-On mode. Pressing and holding the ESC Off switch button for five seconds or longer turns the system completely off. This condition is confirmed by a single warning chime and a text message in the odometer display "ESC FULL OFF." The system can be returned to "normal" Full-On mode by briefly pressing and releasing the ESC Off switch.