DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS
3
Electronic stability control
(ESC) with understeer control
and traction control
Electronic stability control ESC
This system helps you to keep con-
trol 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 de-
tects the direction selected by the
driver.
Other sensors throughout the vehi-
cle measure the actual direction.
The system compares driver input to
the actual trajectory of the vehicle
and corrects the trajectory if neces-
sary by controlling the braking of
certain wheels and/or engine power.
In the event that the system is trig-
gered, the warning light flash-
es 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 accel-
erating 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 pres-
sure exerted on the accelerator ped-
al.
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 pow-
er to limit wheelspin.
Operating faults
When the system detects an operat-
ing fault, the "Check ESC" message
and the and warning
lights appear on the instrument pan-
el. In this case, the ESC and 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 emer-
gency braking situation. In this case,
the braking system immediately de-
velops maximum power and may
trigger ABS regulation.
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 deceler-
ation.
Braking anticipation
Depending on the vehicle, when you
rapidly release the accelerator, the
system anticipates the braking ma-
noeuvre 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
206 - Driving
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