DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS
3
Driving - 181
Electronic stability program
(ESC) with understeer control
and traction control
Electronic stability control ESC
This system helps you to keep control
of the vehicle in critical driving
conditions (avoiding an obstacle, loss
of grip on a bend, etc.).
Operating principle
A sensor in the steering wheel detects
the direction selected by the driver.
Other sensors throughout the vehicle
measure the actual direction.
The system compares the direction
selected by the driver and the actual
direction of the vehicle and corrects
this as necessary by applying the
brakes selectively and/or acting on the
engine power. If the system is
triggered, the warning light
flashes on the instrument panel.
Understeer control
This system optimises the action of the
ESC in the case of pronounced
understeering (loss of front axle road
holding).
Traction control
This system helps to limit wheelspin of
the drive wheels and to control the
vehicle when pulling away accelerating
or decelerating.
Operating principle
Using the wheel sensors, the system
measures and compares the speed of
the drive wheels at all times and slows
down their over-rotation. If a wheel is
starting to slip, the system brakes
automatically until the drive supplied
becomes compatible with the level of
grip under the wheel again.
The system also adjusts the engine
speed to the grip available under the
wheels, independently of the pressure
exerted on the accelerator pedal.
In some situations (driving on very soft
ground such as snow or mud, or
driving with snow chains fitted), the
system may reduce the engine power
to limit wheelspin.
Operating faults
When the system detects an operating
fault, the message "Check ESC" and
the warning lights and
appear on the instrument panel. In this
case, the ESC and the traction control
system are deactivated.
Consult an approved dealer.
Emergency brake assist
This system supplements the ABS and
helps reduce vehicle stopping
distances.
Operating principle
The system is for detecting an
emergency braking situation. In this
case, the braking system immediately
develops maximum power and may
trigger ABS control.
ABS braking is maintained as long as
the brake pedal is applied.
Brake lights come on
Depending on the vehicle, these may
flash in the event of sudden
deceleration.
Braking anticipation
Depending on the vehicle, when you
rapidly release the accelerator, the
system anticipates the braking
manoeuvre in order to reduce stopping
distances.
Special cases
When using the cruise control:
– if you use the accelerator pedal
when you release it, the system may
be triggered;
– if you do not use the accelerator, the
system will not be triggered.
Operating faults
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