2.24
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 condi-
tions (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 driver input to
the actual trajectory of the vehicle and
corrects the trajectory if necessary by
controlling the braking of certain wheels
and/or engine power. In the event that
the system is engaged, indicator light
flashes on the instrument panel.
DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS (2/4)
Understeer control
This system optimises the action of the
ESC in the case of pronounced under-
steer (loss of front axle road holding).
Traction control
This system helps to limit wheelspin of
the drive wheels and to control the ve-
hicle 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 au-
tomatically until the drive supplied be-
comes 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.Operating faults
When the system detects an operating
fault the message “CHECK ESC” and
warning light
© and appear
on the instrument panel. In this case,
the ESC and traction control system
are deactivated.
Consult an approved dealer.
Disabling the traction control
system
In some situations (driving on very wet
ground: snow, mud, etc. or driving with
snow chains fitted), the system may
reduce the engine output to limit whee-
lspin.
2.26
DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS (4/4)
Hill start assistance
This function assists the driver when
starting on hills. It prevents the vehicle
from rolling backwards, depending on
the slope, by automatically applying the
brakes when the driver lifts his/her foot
off the brake pedal to depress the ac-
celerator pedal.
System operation
It only operates when the gear lever is
in a position other than neutral (other
than N or P for automatic transmis-
sions) and the vehicle is completely
stationary (brake pedal depressed)
The system holds the vehicle for ap-
proximately 2 seconds. The brakes are
then gradually released (the vehicle will
move according to the slope).The hill start assistance
system cannot completely
prevent the vehicle from
rolling backwards in all sit-
uations (extremely steep gradients,
etc.).
In all cases, the driver may depress
the brake pedal to prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling forwards or back-
wards.
The hill start assistance function
should not be used for prolonged
stops: use the brake pedal.
This function is not designed to im-
mobilise the vehicle permanently.
If necessary, use the brake pedal to
stop the vehicle.
The driver must remain particularly
vigilant when driving on slippery or
low-grip surfaces and/or on hills.
Risk of serious injury.
