Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic brake control system commonly referred to as ESP. This system includes Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). These systems work together to enhance both vehicle stability and control in various driving conditions.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased vehicle stability and brake performance under most braking conditions. The system automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent wheel lock-up.

When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some related motor noises. These noises are the system performing its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS is working properly. This self check occurs each time the vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).

ABS is activated during braking under certain road or stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can include ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose debris, or panic stops.

You also may experience the following when the brake system goes into Anti-lock: • The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a short time after the stop).

• The clicking sound of solenoid valves.

• Brake pedal pulsations.

• Aslight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end of the stop.

These are all normal characteristics of ABS.

WARNING:
• The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equipment that may be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. This interference can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capability.

Installation of such equipment should be performed by qualified professionals.

• Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.

Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or stop.

• The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.

• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.

Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.

• The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and type and tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate signals for the computer.

Anti-Lock Brake Light

The Anti-Lock Brake Light
monitors the ABS.

The light will turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for as long as four seconds.

If the ABS Light remains on or comes on while driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required. However, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the Brake System Warning Light is not on.

If the ABS Light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock brakes. If the ABS Light does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the light repaired as soon as possible.

If both the Brake System Warning Light and the ABS Light remain on, the ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not functioning. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.

Brake Assist System (BAS)

The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The system detects an emergency braking situation by sensing the rate and amount of brake application and then applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the ABS. Applying the brakes very quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the system, you must apply continuous braking pressure during the stopping sequence, (do not “pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.

WARNING:
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

Traction Control System (TCS)

This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS functions similar to a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.

This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP are in the “Partial Off” mode. Refer to “ESP (Electronic Stability Program)” in this section for more information.

Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)

This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by monitoring the driver’s steering wheel input and the speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle’s speed are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then applies the appropriate brake and may also reduce engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only intervene during very severe or evasive driving maneuvers. ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It cannot prevent wheel lift due to other factors, such as road conditions, leaving the roadway, or striking objects or other vehicles.

WARNING:
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road conditions, and driving conditions, influence the chance that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or rollovers, especially those that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects or other vehicles. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

This system enhances directional control and stability of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP corrects for over-steering and under-steering the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the desired path.

The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match the intended path, the ESP applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the condition of over-steer or under-steer.

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

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

ESP/TCS Indicator Light

The ESP/TCS Indicator Light
located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes active. The ESP/TCS Indicator Light also flashes when TCS is active. If the ESP/TCS 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:
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

ESP Operating Modes

The ESP system has two available operating modes.

Full On

This is the normal operating mode for ESP. Whenever the vehicle is started the system will be in this mode. This mode should be used for most driving situations. ESP should only be turned to “Partial Off” for specific reasons as noted. Refer to “Partial Off” for additional information.

Partial Off

The ESP OFF button is located in the switch bank above the climate Control. To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily press the ESP OFF button and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light will illuminate. To turn the ESP on again, momentarily press the ESP OFF button and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light will turn off. This will restore the normal “ESP On” mode of operation.

ESP OFF Button

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 ESP OFF button. Once the situation requiring “Partial Off” mode is overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily pressing the ESP OFF button. This may be done while the vehicle is in motion.

ESP/BAS Warning Light and ESP/TCS Indicator Light

The malfunction indicator for
the ESP is combined
with the BAS indicator. The ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light in the instrument cluster both turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. They should both turn off with the engine running. If the ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light turns on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the BAS system, or both. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.

NOTE:
• The ESP/TCS Indicator Light and the ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light will turn on momentarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.

• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System will be ON even if it was turned off previously.

• The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the maneuver that caused the ESP activation.

Trailer Sway Control (TSC)

TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an excessively swaying trailer. TSC activates automatically once the excessively swaying trailer is recognized. When TSC is functioning, the ESP/TCS Indicator Light will flash, the engine power will be reduced, and you will feel the brake being applied to individual wheels in an attempt to stop the trailer from swaying.

NOTE: The TSC is disabled when the ESP system is in the “Partial Off” mode.

WARNING:
• TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always use caution when towing a trailer and follow the tongue weight recommendations. Refer to ”Vehicle Loading” and “Trailer Towing” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.

• If TSC activates while towing a trailer, stop the vehicle at the nearest safe location and adjust the trailer load to eliminate the trailer sway.

• Failure to follow these warnings can result in an accident or serious personal injury.