2.37
DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS (3/5)
Electronic stability control
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 the direction se-
lected by the driver and the actual di-
rection 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
indicator light flashes on the in-
strument panel. 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 operat-
ing fault the message “Check ESC” and
warning light
© and appear
on the instrument panel.
In this case, the ESC and traction con-
trol system are deactivated. Consult an
authorised dealer.
2.39
DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS (5/5)
Hill start assistance
Depending on the gradient of the in-
cline, this system assists the driver
when starting on a hill. It prevents the
vehicle from rolling backwards by au-
tomatically applying the brakes when
the driver lifts his/her foot off the brake
pedal to depress the accelerator 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 vehi-
cle from rolling 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.
