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 and Traction Control 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. Hill Start Assist (HSA) is available on some vehicles.

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

Dynamics (ESC) Sensor
Steering Angle Sensor (SAS)
Brake Pressure Sensor

The Dynamics Sensor includes the Yaw Rate Sensor and the lateral Acceleration Sensor. It 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 .

The Brake Pressure Sensor is located in the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and is not serviceable separate from the HCU.

The ESC default mode is Full-On with every key-on. Pressing the ESC Off button once activates what is referred to as 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. The system can be returned to "normal" Full-On mode by pressing and releasing the ESC Off switch. The ESC function lamp is illuminated in the cluster whenever the ESC system is turned off.