DRIVING CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS
Depending on the vehicle, this is composed of:
- the ABS (anti-lock braking system);
- electronic stability program (ESC) with understeer control and traction control;
- emergency brake assist;
- grip control;
- hill start assistance.
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 roadholding. 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.).
Operating faults:
- If the x warning light on the instrument panel comes on while driving, braking is still operational;
- If the x and D warning lights on the instrument panel come on when driving, this indicates a fault with the braking system.
In such cases, ABS, ESC and emergency brake assist are also deactivated and, depending on the vehicle, the messages “WARNING: Check ABS” and “WARNING: Check ESC” appear on the instrument panel.
Consult an approved dealer.
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).
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.
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. Contact an approved dealer.
Electronic stability program ESC with understeer control and traction control
Electronic stability control 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 understeer (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 “WARNING: Check ESC” and warning light © appear on the instrument panel. In this case, the ESC and traction control system are deactivated.
Consult an approved dealer.
Disabling the traction control system
(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 the switch 1 again.
Note: The function is reactivated automatically when the ignition is switched on or when a speed of approximately 24 mph (40 km/h) is exceeded.
Emergency brake assist
This is an additional system to ABS which helps reduce vehicle stopping distances.
Operating principle
The system detects 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 not released.
Hazard warning lights switching on
Depending on the vehicle, these may light up in the event of sudden deceleration.
Operating faults
When the system detects an operating fault the message “BRAKING FAULT” appears on the instrument panel along with the © warning light.
Consult an approved dealer.
Braking anticipation
Depending on the vehicle, when you rapidly release the accelerator, the system anticipates the braking manoeuvre in order to reduce stopping distances.
Special cases
When using the cruise control:
- if you use the accelerator, when you release it, the system may be triggered;
- if you do not use the accelerator, the system will not be triggered.
Grip control
If fitted on the vehicle, grip control makes it easier to control the vehicle on low grip surfaces (soft ground, etc.).
Tyres
When they need to be replaced, only tyres of the same make, size, type and profile should be used.
Tyres fitted to the vehicle should either be identical to those fitted originally or conform to those recommended by your approved dealer.
“Road” mode
Upon starting up the vehicle, the “STANDARD HIGHWAY MODE” message is displayed on the instrument panel. Warning light on the instrument panel is out.
This position enables optimal usage under normal driving conditions (dryness, humidity, light snow, etc.).
“Road” mode uses traction control functions.
“Soft ground” mode
Press switch 1: the indicator light on the instrument panel comes on accompanied by the message “VARIABLE HIGHWAY MODE”.
This position enables optimal usage on soft ground (mud, sand, dead leaves, etc.). In this position, engine speed is left under the driver’s control. The system automatically switches to “Road” mode at speeds above 31 mph (50 km/h), and warning light on the instrument panel goes out.
Hill start assistance
This function assists the driver when starting on hills. It prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards, depending on the slope, 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 and the vehicle is completely stationary (brake pedal depressed).
The system holds the vehicle for approximately 2 seconds. The brakes are then gradually 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.