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Driver correction devices and aids

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Driver correction devices and aids

Depending on the vehicle, they may include:
  • an anti-lock braking system (ABS);
  • the electronic stability control (ESC) with understeer control, side winds assistance and traction control;
  • driver assistance with a trailer;
  • emergency brake assist;
  • the traction control;
  • hill start assistance.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

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.).
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.).
Tip
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 lit up on the instrument panel accompanied by the messages "Check ABS" and "Check ESC": this indicates that the ABS, the ESC and the emergency brake assist are deactivated. Braking is always enabled;
  • , , and lit on the instrument panel accompanied by the "WARNING: Braking System" message: this indicates a fault with the braking system.
In both cases, please contact an approved dealer.
WARNING
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).

Assistance with side winds

This system optimises the action of the ESC and also helps to control the vehicle in case of variation of side winds. It helps maintain the vehicle trajectory through the use of the brakes.
If the system is triggered, the warning light appears on the instrument panel.
WARNING
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).

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 the and warning lights appear on the instrument panel. In this case, the ESC and traction control system are deactivated.
Consult an approved dealer.

Driver assistance with a trailer

This system helps to maintain control over the vehicle while using a trailer. It detects shaking caused by towing a trailer under certain driving conditions.

Operating conditions

  • The towbar must be approved by an authorised dealer;
  • the harness must be approved by an authorised dealer;
  • the towbar must be connected to the vehicle.

Operating principle

The function stabilises the vehicle by:
  • asymmetric braking of the front wheels to reduce shaking caused by the trailer;
  • braking of all four wheels and limitation on engine torque to reduce the vehicle speed until the shaking has stopped.
Warning light flashes on the instrument panel to inform the driver.

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.

Hazard warning lights switching on

Depending on the vehicle, these may flash in the event of sudden deceleration.

Operating faults

When the system detects an operating fault, the message "Check ABS" appears on the instrument panel together with the warning light.
Consult an approved dealer.

Traction control - "Extended grip"

If fitted on the vehicle, traction control makes it easier to control the vehicle on low grip surfaces (soft ground, etc.).
WARNING
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).

"Automatic" mode

The default "Automatic" mode enables optimal use under normal road conditions (dry, wet, light snow, etc.).
"Automatic" mode uses traction control functions.
Tip
After the engine stops, the vehicle will always restart in "Automatic" mode.

"Soft ground" mode

Press and hold switch 4: the warning light and, depending on the vehicle, the warning light appear on the instrument panel accompanied by the "Grip Extend Loose Surface ON" message. 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.
If switch 4 is pressed again, the warning light and, depending on the vehicle, the warning light go out and the message "Grip Extend Traction Control" appears on the instrument panel to warn you.

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, depending on the slope, by automatically applying the brakes when the driver releases the brake pedal to press 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 two seconds. The brakes are then gradually released (the vehicle will move according to the slope).
WARNING
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 Assist 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.