If you bothered to read the users manual, you would know about the 5 electronic systems and what they do. What is up with MEN not reading manuals or directions for that matter? One of the first things I did when I bought my CRD is read the manual from front to back. Anyway, here are the five systems:
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic brake control system that includes
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
TCS (Traction Control System)
BAS (Brake Assist System)
ERM (Electronic Rollover Mitigation)
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
All five sysstems work together to enhance vehicle stability and control in various driving conditions are commonly referred to as ESP.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking conditions. The system control hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and helps avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
TCS (Traction Control System) This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similiar to a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning. This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP are in the "Partial Off" mode. Refer to "ESP (Electronic Stability Program)" in this section.
BAS (Brake Assist System) The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle's braking capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The system detects and emergency braking maneuvers. The system detects and emergency braking situation by sensing the rate and amount of brake application and then applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the system, you must apply continuous braking pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer desired, Once the brake pedal is releaced, the BAS is deactivated.
ERM (Electronic Rollover Mitigation) This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by monitoring the dirver's steering wheel input and the speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed are sufficent to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the appropriate brake and may reduce engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only intervene during a very severe or evasive driving maneuvers. ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It can not prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or other vehicles.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) This system enhances directional control and stability of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP corrects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applyingthe brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the over/under steer condition. Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the desired 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 for the steering wheel position.
ESP/TCS Indicator LightThe "ESP/TCS Indicator Light" located in the instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires loose traction and the ESP system becomes active, The "ESP/TCS Indicatior Light" also flashes when TCS is active. If the "ESP/TCS Indicator Light" begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
The ESP system has 2 availiable operating modes in 2WD, 4WD Part Time, 4WD Full Time (Selec-Trac Only), and on 2WD vehicles. The system has a single operating mode in 4WD Low Range.
High Range (4WD Part Time, 4WD Full Time) or 2WD Models
ESP On This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 2WD, 4WD Part Time, 4WD Full Time (Selec-Trac Only), and on 2WD vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is started or the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 4WD low range or neutral back to 4WD high range or 2WD, the ESP system will be in this mode. This mode should be used for most all driving situations. ESP should only be turned off for specific reasons as noted below.
Partial Off This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the "ESP Control Switch" (located on top of the steering column). When in "Partial Off" mode, the TCS portion of ESP, except for the "limited slip" feature described in the TCS section, has been disabled and the "ESP/TCS Indicator Light" will be illuminated. All other stability features of ESP function normally. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel condtions and more wheel spin than ESP would normally allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESP on again, momentarilly depress the "ESP Control Switch". Thsi will restor the normal "ESP On" mode of operation.
4WD Low Range
Partial Off This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4WD low range. Whenever the vehicle is started in 4WD low range or the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 2WD, 4WD high range, or neutral to 4Wd low range, the ESP system will be in this mode. In 4WD low range, ESP and TCS, except for the "limited slip" feature described in the TCS section, are turned off until the vehicle reaches a speed of 30 mph. At 30 mph, the normal ESP stability function returnes but TCS remains off. When the vehicle speed drops below 25 mph the ESP ssytem shuts off. ESP is off at low vehicle speeds in 4WD low range so that it will not interfere with off-road driving but ESP function returns to provide the stability feature at speeds above 30 mph. The "ESP/TCS Indicator Light" will always be illuminated in 4WD low range when ESP is off.