Get Driving dynamics -> Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) Guide for Audi Q8 SUV First Generation (2018-2026)

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 oversteering and understeering of

the vehicle, the drive wheels spinning, or the risk

of the vehicle tipping.

– 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:

– 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.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

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.

– As the vehicle load increases, especially the

roof load, the vehicle's center of gravity also

increases along with the risk of the vehicle

tipping. To reduce the risk of an accident, al-

ways adapt your driving style to the current

conditions and avoid sudden driving maneu-

vers.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)

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.

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.

Tips

– 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.

Selective wheel torque control

– You may hear noises when the systems de-

scribed are working.

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.

Operation

The  button (or , depending on the model)

for controlling the ESC is located in front of the



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Driving dynamics

transmission selector in the center console. ESC

turns on automatically when the ignition is

turned on.

heavy vehicle load and sudden driving ma-

neuvers, it may not be possible to prevent

the vehicle from tipping under certain cir-

cumstances, which increases the risk of an

accident.

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

chains. The ESC can also be limited to provide

more sporty driving characteristics with fewer

stabilizing corrective actions.

– Because of the increased risk of an accident,

only drive with the ESC turned off or limited

when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC as

soon as possible.

Tips

– If you select the Audi drive select* offroad

mode, hill descent assist will turn on.

– If the ESC is limited, turned off, or malfunc-

tioning, systems with an automatic braking

intervention function may not be fully avail-

able.

– To limit the ESC, press the  button briefly.

The  indicator light will turn on.

– To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization

function, press the button again. The indicator

light turns off.

– If malfunctions occur in other systems or

certain driver assistance systems are active,

the ESC must be turned on by the system.

The ESC may turn on automatically and can-

not be operated with the button.

Depending on the Audi drive select mode that is

selected, one of the following ESC modes will be

selected automatically:

– sport – this mode is designed for driving on a

level surface. It is used in all Audi drive select

modes except offroad.

Messages

– offroad – this mode is suited for driving offroad

and is designed for uneven terrain or loose

ground. If you select the offroad Audi drive se-

lect mode, the offroad ESC mode will be auto-

matically used.

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

  /   Stabilization control (ESC/

ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual

Turning off ESC

There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This al-

so causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still

function with their normal power, but ABS is not

active.

For a more active control of the vehicle where the

stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene,

the ESC can be turned off.

Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized

Audi Service Facility immediately to have the

malfunction corrected.

– To turn off the ESC, press and hold the  but-

ton for more than three seconds. The  and

  indicator lights turn on.

– To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization

function, press the button again. The indicator

lights turn off.

Other indicator lights

If  blinks while driving, the ESC is actively reg-

ulating. Operating noises may occur. If the indica-

tor light stays on, the ESC has been turned off

due to system needs. The indicator light turns off

when the system is fully functional.

WARNING

– When the ESC is turned off or limited, there

will be no vehicle stabilization or it will be

limited. The driving wheels could spin and

the vehicle could swerve, especially on slick

or slippery road surfaces. When there is a

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Driving dynamics -> Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) for Your Audi Q8 SUV First Generation (2018-2026)

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