DRIVING CORRECTION DEVICES
Depending on the vehicle, they will consist of:
- ABS (anti-lock braking system) ;
- ESC (electronic stability control) with understeer control and traction control;
- emergency brake assist;
- advanced traction control;
- hill start assistance.
These functions are an additional aid in the event of critical driving conditions, enabling the vehicle behaviour to be adapted to suit the driving conditions.
The functions do not take the place of the driver. They do not increase the vehicle’s limits and should not encourage you to drive more quickly. Therefore, they can under no circumstances replace the vigilance or responsibility of the driver when manoeuvring the vehicle (the driver must always be ready for sudden incidents which may occur when driving).
ABS (anti-lock braking system)
Under heavy braking, the ABS prevents the wheels from locking, allowing the stopping distance to be managed and keeping control of the vehicle.
Under these circumstances, the vehicle can be steered to avoid an obstacle whilst braking. In addition, this system can increase stopping distances, particularly on roads with low surface grip (wet ground, etc.).
You will feel a pulsation through the brake pedal each time the system is activated. The ABS does not in any way improve the vehicle's physical performance relating to the road surface and road-holding. It is still essential to follow the rules of good driving practice (such as driving at a safe distance from the vehicle in front, etc.).
In an emergency, apply firm and continuous pressure to the brake pedal. There is no need to pump it repeatedly. The ABS will modulate the force applied in the braking system.
Operating faults:
- © and x lit up on the instrument panel accompanied by the messages “Check ABS”, “WARNING: Check Braking System” and “Check ESC”: this indicates that the ABS, the ESC and the emergency brake assist are disabled. Braking is always enabled;
- x, D, © and ® lit on the instrument panel accompanied by the message “WARNING: Braking System”: this indicates a fault with the braking system.
In both cases, please consult an Authorised Dealer.
For your own safety, the ® warning light requires you to stop immediately, as soon as traffic conditions allow. Switch off the engine and do not restart it. Call an approved Dealer.
Your braking systems are partially operational. However, it is dangerous to brake suddenly and it is essential to stop immediately, as soon as traffic conditions allow. Call an approved Dealer.
Electronic stability control ESC with understeer control and traction control
Electronic stability program ESC
This system helps you to keep control of the vehicle in critical driving conditions (avoiding an obstacle, loss of grip on a bend, etc.).
Operating principle
A sensor in the steering wheel detects the direction selected by the driver.
Other sensors throughout the vehicle measure the actual direction.
The system compares driver input to the actual trajectory of the vehicle and corrects the trajectory if necessary by controlling the braking of certain wheels and/or engine power. In the event that the system is engaged, indicator light flashes on the instrument panel.
Understeer control
This system optimises the action of the ESC in the case of pronounced understeering (loss of front axle road holding).
Traction control
This system helps to limit wheelspin of the drive wheels and to control the vehicle when pulling away accelerating or decelerating.
Operating principle
Using the wheel sensors, the system measures and compares the speed of the drive wheels at all times and slows down their over-rotation. If a wheel is starting to slip, the system brakes automatically until the drive supplied becomes compatible with the level of grip under the wheel again.
The system also adjusts the engine speed to the grip available under the wheels, independently of the pressure exerted on the accelerator pedal.
Operating faults
When the system detects an operating fault the message “Check ESC” and warning light © and appear on the instrument panel.
In this case, the ESC and traction control system are deactivated. Call an approved Dealer.
Deactivating the function
(depending on vehicle)
In some situations (driving on very wet ground: snow, mud, etc. or driving with snow chains fitted), the system may reduce the engine output to limit wheelspin. If this is not required, it is possible to deactivate the function by pressing switch 1.
The message “TRACTION CONTROL OFF” is displayed on the instrument panel to inform you.
The traction control system offers additional safety. It is recommended that you do not drive with the function disabled. Correct this as soon as possible by pressing switch 1 again.
Note: the function is reactivated automatically when the ignition is switched on or when a speed of approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) is exceeded.
Emergency brake assist
This system supplements the ABS and helps reduce vehicle stopping distances.
Operating principle
The system is for detecting an emergency braking situation. In this case, the braking assistance immediately develops maximum power and may trigger ABS regulation. ABS braking is maintained as long as the brake pedal is applied.
Brake lights come on
Depending on the vehicle, these may flash in the event of sudden deceleration.
These functions are an additional aid in the event of critical driving conditions, enabling the vehicle behaviour to be adapted to suit the driving conditions.
The functions do not take the place of the driver. They do not increase the vehicle’s limits and should not encourage you to drive more quickly. Therefore, they can under no circumstances replace the vigilance or responsibility of the driver when manoeuvring the vehicle (the driver must always be ready for sudden incidents which may occur when driving).
Advanced traction control
If fitted on the vehicle, traction control makes it easier to control the vehicle on low grip surfaces (soft ground, etc.).
For your safety and to comply with the law.
When they need to be replaced, only tyres of the same make, size, type and profile should be used on a single axle.
They must: either have a load capacity and speed rating at least equal to those of the original tyres, or conform to those recommended by an authorised dealer.
Failure to heed these instructions could endanger your safety and affect your vehicle’s roadworthiness.
Risk of loss of control of the vehicle.
“Road” mode
When the vehicle is started up, the warning light on the selector 2 comes on, along with the instrument panel message “Grip Extend Traction Control”.
This position enables optimal usage under normal driving conditions (dryness, humidity, light snow, etc.).
“Road” mode uses traction control functions.
“Soft ground” mode
Turn the selector 2: the integrated warning light comes on, accompanied by a message on the instrument panel “Grip Extend Loose Surface ON”. This position enables optimal usage on soft ground (mud, sand, dead leaves, etc.).
“Soft ground” mode uses traction control functions. The system automatically switches to “Road” mode above around 25 mph (40 km/h), and the integrated warning light on the selector 2 comes on.
“Expert” mode
Turn the selector 2: the integrated warning light comes on, accompanied by a message on the instrument panel “Grip Extend Expert Mode ON”. This position enables optimum usage in extreme conditions (very snowy or muddy roads). The engine speed is left under the control of the driver.
The system automatically switches to “Road” mode above around 25 mph (40 km/h), and the integrated warning light on the selector 2 comes on.
Hill start assistance
Depending on the gradient of the incline, this system assists the driver when starting on a hill. It prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards by automatically applying the brakes when the driver lifts his/her foot off the brake pedal to depress the accelerator pedal.
System operation
It only operates when the gear lever is in a position other than neutral (other than N or P for automatic transmissions) and the vehicle is completely stationary (brake pedal depressed).
The system holds the vehicle for approximately 2 seconds. The brakes are then released (the vehicle will move according to the slope).
The hill start assistance system cannot completely prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards in all situations (extremely steep gradients etc.).
In all cases, the driver may depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards.
The hill start assistance function should not be used for prolonged stops: use the brake pedal.
This function is not designed to immobilise the vehicle permanently.
If necessary, use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
The driver must remain particularly vigilant when driving on slippery or low-grip surfaces.
Risk of serious injury.
DRIVING AIDS
ACTIVE EMERGENCY BRAKING
HILL START ASSISTANCE
