- When the ESP system is turned on, the indicator lamp for poor road traction, located on the dashboard, begins to flash.
- When only the TCS traction control system, which is part of the ESP system, is activated, the indicator lamp for deteriorating road grip also begins to flash.
- If the road traction warning light flashes, this means that the vehicle is driving on a slippery road.
ESP system failure warning
If the normal functioning of the ESP system is disrupted, the indicator lamp for deterioration of road adhesion properties and the indicator for turning off the dynamic stabilization system light up (ESP OFF), located on the dashboard. As long as these lamps are on, the vehicle's dynamic stabilization system will not function.
Vehicle Dynamic Stability System (ESP) uses an active braking system for a slipping drive wheel (Active Brake Limited Slip ABLS) in order to improve the traction properties of the car. ABLS operates similarly to a limited-slip differential and is activated when one of the drive wheels encounters a low-traction surface and begins to slip. The ABLS system, by braking the slipping wheel, provides a corresponding increase in torque on the other wheel of the axle, which has better traction with the supporting surface. When the ESP system is turned off, all functions of the system are turned off. When the ESP system is switched off, the ABLS and ABS systems continue to operate. When the ABLS or ABS system is activated, the SUP warning light flashes, a characteristic noise is heard and/or a pulsation is felt in the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a system malfunction.
During operation of the dynamic stabilization system (ESP) You may feel a pulsation of force on the brake pedal and hear a characteristic noise or feel vibration from under the hood of the car. This is normal and confirms that the ESP system is functioning properly.
The diagnostic program built into the ESP control unit checks the serviceability of the system every time the engine is started and the vehicle is driven at low speed in forward or reverse gear. During self-diagnosis of malfunctions, you may hear a characteristic noise and/or feel a pulsation in the force of the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a system malfunction.
In some cases it may be useful to turn off the ESP system so that the wheels can spin with slippage:
- When driving through deep snow or mud;
- When the car rocks back and forth when stuck in the snow;
- When driving with snow chains installed.
Stability control switch
- Dynamic Stability Control should be turned on under normal vehicle driving conditions.
- When stuck in deep snow or mud, the ESP system reduces engine power in an attempt to reduce wheel slip. The engine speed will be reduced even when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed. If you need maximum power to pull out a stuck car, turn off the ESP system.
- To turn off the ESP system, press the ESP OFF switch. After this, the ESP OFF indicator will turn on.
- Press the ESP OFF switch again or restart the engine to turn the system on.