Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Electronic Stability Program (Esp): Notes
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), which includes Hydraulic Brake Assist, Traction Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and Brake Lock Differentials is standard on all vehicles. ESP® aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability. ESP will do whatever can be done, within the limits of available traction, to keep the car on course.
ESP® uses the ABS with Traction Control (MK25E) along with the following components to operate:
- Dynamics (ESP) Sensor
- Steering Angle Sensor (SAS)
The Dynamics Sensor that is mounted under the center console, which is near the center of gravity of the car for effective sensing. See DESCRIPTION . The Steering Angle Sensor is located in the steering column . See DESCRIPTION .
On this vehicle, ESP® has three modes: Full-On, Partial and Full-Off. The ESP® default mode is Full-On with every key-on. Pressing the ESP Off switch button in the center stack once activates the Partial mode. In Partial mode, Traction Control is deactivated and ESP® operates at a higher threshold, therefore, it will not come on as aggressively as in the Full-On mode. Pressing and holding the ESP Off switch button for five seconds or longer turns the system completely off. This condition is confirmed by a single warning chime and a text message in the odometer display "ESP FULL OFF." The system can be returned to "normal" Full-On mode by briefly pressing and releasing the ESP Off switch.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.