Driving dynamics
Power steering
Electronic Stabilization
Control (ESC)
The ESC can also support vehicle stability
through steering.
Description
WARNING
Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) supports
driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and
improves driving stability. ESC detects critical sit-
uations, such as if the vehicle is oversteering or
understeering, or if the wheels are spinning.
– The ESC and its integrated systems cannot
overcome the limitations imposed by natu-
ral physical laws. This is especially impor-
tant on slippery or wet roads. If the systems
begin acting to stabilize your vehicle, you
should immediately alter your speed to
match the road and traffic conditions. Do
not let the increased safety provided cause
you to take risks. This could increase your
risk of a collision.
The brakes are applied or the engine torque is re-
duced in order to stabilize the vehicle.
The following stabilization functions are inte-
grated into the ESC, among others:
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
– Please note the risk of a collision increases
when driving fast, especially through curves
and on slippery or wet roads, and when driv-
ing too close to objects ahead. There is still
a risk of accidents because the ESC and its
integrated systems cannot always prevent
collisions.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking when brak-
ing. The vehicle can still be steered even during
hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
A pulsing in the brake pedal indicates that the
system is acting to stabilize the vehicle.
– Accelerate carefully when driving on
smooth, slippery surfaces such as ice and
snow. The drive wheels can spin even when
these control systems are installed and this
can affect driving stability and increase the
risk of a collision.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin
spinning and adapts the power to the road condi-
tions. This will increase the driving stability.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Tips
The EDL applies the brakes to wheels that are
slipping and transfers the drive power to the oth-
er wheels. This function is not available at higher
speeds.
The ABS and ASR only function correctly when
all four wheels have a similar wear condition.
Different tire sizes can result in a reduction in
engine power.
In extreme cases, EDL automatically turns off to
keep the brake on the braked wheel from over-
heating. The vehicle is still functioning correctly.
EDL will turn on again automatically when condi-
tions have returned to normal.
Operation
The button (or , depending on the model)
for controlling the ESC is located in the center
console in front of the transmission selector. ESC
turns on automatically when the ignition is
turned on.
Selective wheel torque control
Selective wheel torque control is used when driv-
ing on curves. Braking is targeted toward the
wheels on the inside of the curve as needed. This
allows more precise driving in curves.
Limiting ESC
In some situations, it may make sense to limit
the stabilizing function of the ESC so that the
wheels can spin, for example to rock the vehicle
to free it when it is stuck or to drive with snow
122
English 
