Traction Control / Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

What does it mean?

Electronic Stability Control and traction control help maintain vehicle stability and traction when wheel slip or loss of control is detected. The warning can mean different things depending on whether it is flashing, showing that the system is switched off, or remaining continuously illuminated.

What should I do?

1. Determine whether the indicator is flashing or continuously illuminated.
2. If it flashes briefly while driving, the system is normally intervening to maintain traction or stability. Drive according to the road conditions.
3. If the indicator shows that ESC or traction control is OFF, check whether the system has been deliberately switched off.
4. If appropriate, reactivate the system according to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
5. If the warning remains continuously illuminated when the system has not intentionally been disabled, drive cautiously and arrange professional inspection.
6. Allow extra distance and take particular care on wet, icy or loose surfaces.
7. If other brake or stability warnings appear, the vehicle behaves abnormally, or you have concerns about its handling, stop somewhere safe and seek assistance.
8. Consult the owner's manual because operation and indicators vary between vehicles.

Possible causes

• Traction control or ESC deliberately switched off
• Wheel-speed sensor fault
• Steering-angle or other stability-system sensor fault
• ABS-related fault
• Wiring or electrical fault
• ESC or traction-control system fault
• Low system voltage
• Other stability-control malfunction