The ESP warning light is a warning indicator that appears on your dashboard when you turn on the ignition but turns off immediately if no anomaly is detected.
The light turns on when the ESP control unit detects oversteering or to indicate a failure in the anti-skid system. It is often represented by the ESP symbol, which stands for Electronic Stability Program.
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What does the ESP warning light look like?
Represented by the ESP symbol or by a skidding car icon. It is an orange light that signals a potential danger.
It indicates the proper functioning of the ESP system, which helps control your vehicle’s trajectory in case of understeering or oversteering.
What exactly is ESP?
ESP is a safety system that improves, monitors, and corrects a vehicle’s trajectory when needed.
ESP: The history of the anti-skid system
Introduced in 1995 by BOSCH, this system was initially reserved for BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
It later expanded to other brands and became available to the general public. Over time, it has evolved significantly by integrating various electronic management systems, such as ABS.
ESP has been mandatory on all newly registered vehicles since November 2014.
How to check if your car is equipped with ESP?
To determine if your vehicle has ESP, consider these three factors:
- The vehicle’s age: ESP was introduced in 1995, so older cars do not have it.
- The presence of an activation button (refer to the vehicle’s manual).
- The ESP warning light appearing on the dashboard when you turn on the ignition.
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ESP: How it works and its role
ESP acts on the brakes based on data collected by its various sensors (wheel sensors, lateral acceleration sensor, speed sensor, and steering angle sensor).
ESP is a trajectory correction system that activates when it detects an obstacle or a loss of grip, helping prevent accidents.
It works alongside other driver assistance systems such as:
- ABS, which prevents wheels from locking during sudden braking.
- ASR, which prevents wheel spin.
- EBD, which manages braking power distribution on each wheel.
Together, these driver assistance systems help prevent and reduce accidents.
ESP warning light: Why does it turn on?
There are several reasons why the ESP warning light appears on your dashboard:
- At vehicle startup, all warning lights turn on to ensure everything is in order.
- The car is experiencing understeering or oversteering; the light will turn off once the system is no longer active.
- In case of a malfunction, a system diagnosis is necessary.
ESP warning light: How to turn it off?
An engine diagnostic scan can detect faults, including issues related to ESP.
A diagnostic scan helps identify errors, and the Car Diagnostics Scanner will allow you to pinpoint the problem and determine whether repairs are needed. If the issue is electronic, the diagnostic scanner can clear the ESP error message (but ensure that no faults remain).
If an unresolved issue remains, the warning light will automatically turn back on.
Conclusion
ESP is an anti-skid system that helps maintain vehicle control in case of stability loss, and its warning light ensures the system is functioning correctly.
To learn more
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