2.24
DRIVING CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS (2/5)
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.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.
These functions are an ad-
ditional aid in the event of
critical driving conditions,
enabling the vehicle behav-
iour to be adapted to suit the driving
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 responsibil-
ity 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
© and warn-
ing lights come on and, depending on
the vehicle, the message “Check ESC”
appears on the instrument panel. In
this case, the ESC and traction control
system are deactivated.
Consult an approved dealer.
2.27
DRIVING 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, de-
pending on the slope, by automatically
applying the brakes when the driver lifts
his/her foot off the brake pedal to de-
press 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 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 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.
