DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES, AIDS
Depending on the vehicle, they comprise:
- the ABS (anti-lock braking system);
- the electronic stability program ESC with understeer control and traction control;
- emergency braking assistance with (depending on the vehicle) braking anticipation;
- hill start assist;
- regenerative braking system.
Other driving assistance systems are detailed on the following pages.
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.).
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.
However, 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.
Operating faults
- © and x are lit on the instrument panel accompanied, depending on the vehicle, by the messages “Check ABS”, “WARNING: Check Braking System” and “Check ESC”: the ABS, the ESC and the emergency brake assist are deactivated. Braking is always enabled;
- x, D, © and ® lit on the instrument panel accompanied by the message “Braking system fault”: this indicates a fault in the braking system.
In both cases, please consult an Authorised 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.
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.
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.
Consult an approved dealer.
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 system 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.
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.
Operating faults
When the system detects an operating fault the message “WARNING: Check Braking System” appears on the instrument panel along with the © warning light.
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.
These 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).
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 N 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.
Regenerative braking system
When braking, the regenerative braking system can convert the energy produced by the vehicle deceleration into electric energy.
This will recharge the 400 V traction battery and provide greater vehicle range.
Operating faults
- © lights up on the instrument panel, alongside the message “WARNING: Check Braking System”: braking assistance is available at all times.
Under these conditions, the feel of applying the brake pedal may be different.
You are recommended to apply strong continuous pressure to the pedal.
Please see an authorised dealer.
- ® lit on the instrument panel accompanied by the message “Braking system fault”: this indicates a fault in the braking system.
Please call an authorised dealer.
The ® warning light requires you to stop immediately, for your own safety, as soon as traffic conditions allow. Switch off the engine and do not restart it. Call an approved Dealer.
