This system enhances directional control and stability of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the desired path.

ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match the intended path, ESC applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition.

• Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than appropriate for the steering wheel position.

• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position.

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” located in the instrument cluster will start to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” also flashes when the TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.

WARNING!
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent collisions, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabilities of an ESC equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

ESC Operating Modes

Depending upon model and mode of operation, the ESC system has up to three operating modes: “ESC On” “Partial Off,” and “Full Off.”

ESC On – Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles And Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles In 2WD And 4WD High Range

This is the normal operating mode for ESC when operating a two-wheel drive vehicle. It is also the normal mode for operating a four-wheel drive vehicle in 2WD or 4WD HIGH range. The ESC system will be in “ESC On” mode whenever the vehicle is started or the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted out of 4WD LOW range. This mode should be used for most driving situations. ESC should only be turned to “Partial Off” or “Full Off” for specific reasons as noted. Refer to “Partial Off” and to “Full Off” for additional information.

Partial Off – Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles And Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles In 2WD And 4WD High Range

The “Partial Off” mode is intended for driving in deep snow, sand, or gravel. This mode raises the threshold for TCS and ESC activation, which allows for more wheel spin than what ESC normally allows.

The “ESC Off” button is located in the lower switch bank below the climate control. To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily press the “ESC Off” button and the ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will illuminate.

To turn the ESC on again, momentarily press the ESC Off button and the ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will turn off. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of operation.

NOTE: To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with snow chains, or when starting off in deep snow, sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off” mode by momentarily pressing the “ESC Off” button. Once the situation requiring “Partial Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by momentarily pressing the “ESC Off” button. This may be done while the vehicle is in motion.

Full Off – Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles In 4WD High And 4WD Low Range

The “Full Off” mode is intended for off-highway and off-road use when ESC stability features could inhibit vehicle maneuverability due to trail conditions.

The “ESC Off” button is located in the lower switch bank below the climate control panel. To enter “Full Off” mode, press and hold the “ESC Off” button for five seconds while the vehicle is stopped with the engine running. After five seconds, the “ESC Activation/ Malfunction Indicator Light” will illuminate and an “ESC OFF” message will appear in the odometer. Press and release the trip odometer button located on the instrument cluster to turn off this message.

In this mode, ESC and TCS are turned off (except for the “limited slip” feature described in the TCS section) until the vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph (64 km/k). At speeds over 40 mph (64 km/k), the system automatically switches to “Partial Off” mode, described above. When the vehicle speed returns to less than 35 mph (56 km/h), the ESC system will return to “Full Off” mode. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” is always illuminated when ESC is off. To turn ESC on again, momentarily press the “ESC Off” button. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of operation.

NOTE:
• “Full Off” is the only operating mode for ESC in 4WD LOW range. The ESC system will be in this mode whenever the vehicle is started in 4WD LOW range or the transfer case is shifted into 4WD LOW range.

• The “ESC OFF” message will display and a chime will sound when the shift lever is moved from any position to the PARK position and then moved out of the PARK position. This will occur even if the message was cleared previously.

WARNING!
With the ESC switched off, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESC is unavailable. In an emergency evasive maneuver, the ESC system will not engage to assist in maintaining stability. “Full Off” mode is only intended for off-highway or off-road use.