Traction Control Switch: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION

NOTE: The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may also be referred to as Electronic Stability Program (ESP) depending on the vehicle model year and configuration. Certain components may also reference ESP, ESC, or use the traction control symbol.

The ESC Off Switch is located in the Instrument Panel Switch Pod in the center of the instrument panel. The ESC Off switch turns the Electronic Stability Control off whenever the switch is depressed. Depressing the switch a second time turns the ESC back on. The switch resets itself each time the ignition is cycled.

When the ESC Off switch is depressed and released, turning ESC off, it does not completely turn the system off. The ESC system reduces torque management to a lesser amount, but ESC function can still occur if the system perceives the need.

Police Package equipped vehicles have what is known as three-mode ESC. When the ESC Off switch is depressed and quickly released, the system turns off ESC like any other model, but if the switch is held down for a period of five seconds or longer before releasing, the ESC system further reduces the amount of torque management provided. The system can be returned to "normal" by briefly pressing and releasing the ESC Off switch.

The ESC Off switch is serviced as part of the Instrument Panel Switch Pod.