2.27
DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS (3/5)
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 operat-
ing 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
If the vehicle is fitted with this function,
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 wheel-
spin. If this is not required, it is possible
to deactivate the function by pressing
switch 1.
The message “Traction control off” is
displayed on the instrument panel to
inform you. The traction control system offers ad-
ditional safety. It is recommended that
you do not drive with the function di-
sabled. Correct this as soon as pos-
sible by pressing the switch
1 again.
Note: the function is reactivated auto-
matically when the ignition is switched
on or when a speed of approximately
24 mph (40 km/h) is exceeded.
1
2.29
DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS (5/5)
Hill start assistance
This device assists the driver when
starting on hills (ascending or descend-
ing), and the warning light
may
be displayed on the instrument panel. It
prevents the vehicle from rolling back-
wards 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 released (the vehicle will move ac-
cording 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.
