If the ESC light stays on, it means that your vehicle is not under control. Of course, if the ESC light comes on, you can continue to drive your car. However, be aware that the ESC light may be an indicator that you are driving on a slippery road, and you may need to slow down to improve your control. Under normal conditions, the ESC light should only be on when you start the car for a couple of seconds and then turn it off.
Since electronic stability control is essentially an extension of ABS and TCS, it is normally safe to drive a vehicle that has a malfunctioning ESC. Electronic stability control systems are made up of a series of sensors that compare information from the driver with the way the vehicle is moving. Individual brake calipers can be activated to correct oversteer or understeer, engine power can be modulated and other measures can be taken to help the driver maintain control. The reduction in fatal single-vehicle rollovers is the most dramatic, and drivers with ESC are 75% more likely to survive such accidents than drivers without ESC.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) came about as a consequence of the advancement of anti-lock braking systems (ABS) in new cars over the years. But ads are also how we keep the garage doors open and the lights on here at Autoblog - and keep our stories free for you and everyone else. The second most common problem that triggers the stability control light is a faulty steering angle sensor. The light on the dashboard can have multiple meanings, so it's important to understand how your particular system works.
Electronic stability control (ESC) can also be called electronic stability programme (ESP) or dynamic stability control (DSC). If you notice your DSP, ESP or ESC light coming on, it's a good idea to have it checked by a qualified mechanic. If your vehicle is still under warranty, take your car to the dealer to have the ESC problem properly diagnosed. All major car manufacturers offer some form of ESC; these systems can be found in cars, trucks, SUVs and even motorhomes.
Generally, the light illuminates when the computer is actively trying to maintain traction control. It is important to understand how your particular control system works because the ESC light on the dashboard could have multiple meanings.
