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 Description
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) has the following main functions.
- ABS/EBD
ABS is that four wheel brake forces are independently varied with referring each wheel slip condition. EBD is that front and rear wheel braking forces are varied with referring loading distribution of the vehicle.
ABS improves the vehicle stability, controllability and braking performance.
For the details, refer to ABS DESCRIPTION .
- Traction control system
Traction control system function is that engine torque is controlled and brake is applied with referring wheel spin condition during vehicle starting and accelerating.
- Stability control system
Stability control system is that engine torque is controlled and brake is applied with referring vehicle condition (over steering, under steering) during cornering.
- Hill descent control (If equipped)
This function controls running of the vehicle on the down-slope stably at a constant low speed without tires being locked. The ESP® control module activates the pump motor and each solenoid valves to operate to increase, retain or reduce the brake pressure applied to 4 wheels.
This function enables the vehicle to run on the down-slope with such large gradient where the engine brake alone cannot provide enough deceleration, or where the road surface is rough or slippery, without driver's brake operation.
- Hill hold control (If equipped)
This function prevents occurrence of creeping down which may occur at the driver's foot shift from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal operation when starting the vehicle parked on the up-slope. The ESP® control module activates each solenoid valve to operate to keep the brake pressure provided by the driver's brake operation. The vehicle can be stopped by this function for no more than 2 seconds.
NOTE: ESP is a registered trademark of Daimler AG.
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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.
