2.22
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.
DRIVING CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS (2/5)
Understeer control
This system optimises the action of the
ESC in the case of pronounced un-
dersteer (loss of front axle road hol-
ding).
Traction control
This system helps to limit wheelspin of
the drive wheels and to control the vehi-
cle 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.
These functions are an ad-
ditional aid in the event of
critical driving conditions,
enabling the vehicle beha-
viour to be adapted to suit the dri-
ving conditions.
However, the functions do not take
the place of the driver. They do
not increase the vehicle’s limits
and should not encourage you
to drive more quickly. Therefore,
they can under no circumstances
replace the vigilance or responsibi-
lity of the driver when manoeuvring
the vehicle (the driver must always
be ready for sudden incidents which
may occur when driving).
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.
2.25
DRIVING CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS (5/5)
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 acce-
lerator pedal.
System operation
It only operates when the gear lever is
in a position other than neutral 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 rol-
ling backwards in all situa-
tions (extremely steep gradients,
etc.).
In all cases, the driver may depress
the brake pedal to prevent the
vehicle from rolling forwards or
backwards.
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.
