Extra Sensory Perception? That's the Idea.

In recent years, technologies like the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) have reached new levels of advancement to help keep vehicles on the driver’s intended path.

Many Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles built today are equipped with an advanced electronic brake control system that includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS) and a Brake Assist System (BAS). These systems complement the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) by optimizing the vehicle braking capability during emergency braking maneuvers.

What is ESP?

Electronic Stability Program enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all driving conditions. It provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations such as turns and is especially valuable when driving on slippery surface conditions such as snow, ice or gravel. If there’s a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering wheel and the vehicle’s path, ESP will apply selective braking and throttle input to put the vehicle back onto the driver’s intended path.

ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition.

• Oversteer: When the vehicle is turning more than appropriate for the steering
  wheel position.
• Understeer: When the vehicle is turning less than appropriate forthe steering
  wheel position.

What To Look For On The Instrument Panel

Let’s review ESP in the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.

ESP ON

This is the normal operating mode for ESP. Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESP system will be in this mode. This should be used for most driving situations. ESP should only be turned off for specific reasons as noted below.

ESP Partial OFF

This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the ESP OFF switch (located in the center stack lower switch bank, just above the radio).

When in Partial OFF mode, the Traction Control System (TCS) portion of ESP, except for “limited slip” feature, has been disabled and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light will be illuminated. All other stability features of the ESP function normally. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESP would normally allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the ESP OFF switch. This will restore the normal ESP ON mode of operation.

NOTE:

To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the Partial OFF mode by pressing the ESP OFF switch. Once the situation requiring ESP to be switched to the Partial OFF mode is overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing the ESP OFF switch. This may be done while the vehicle is in motion.

ESP / BAS
Warning light

The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is combined with the Brake Assist System (BAS). The ESP/BAS Warning light and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light in the instrument cluster both come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. They should go out with the engine running. If the ESP/BAS Warning Light comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the BAS system. 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 Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.

NOTE:

• The ESP/TCS Indicator Light and the ESP/BAS Warning Light come 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.

 

Which 2008 Chrysler LLC vehicles offer ESP?

 

Adaptive ESP® available on the Dodge Sprinter

Setting the new commercial standard, while taking electronic stability programs to the next level, Adaptive ESP® features additional sensors that now take into consideration vehicle payload. With an advanced self-learning algorithm, this all-new standard safety system determines the mass and center of gravity of the vehicle based on acceleration, speed, accelerator pedal position and brake pressure, allowing Adaptive ESP to intervene with even greater sensitivity and precision in crucial situations.