Electronic Stability Control – Causes, Repair Cost & Fix
Electronic stability control was introduced in the mid-1990s, and driving safety took progressive steps. Famous German auto supplier Bosch developed the first system to use new safety systems; the BMW 7-series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class were the first cars.
More than 30 years ago, ESC was introduced, and now it’s known by many names according to the different feature systems of a company. Here is a small info table of that program about what various companies called it:
| Company | System Name |
|---|---|
| Audi | Electronic Stability Program, or ESP |
| Ford | Advance Trac |
| GM (General Motors) | Stabilitrak |
| Porsche | Porsche Stability Management |
What Is Electronic Stability Control Or ESC?
Electronic stability control (ESC) is a thoroughgoing technology that has been introduced in newer vehicles. When road traction is lost, the chances of accidents or car crashes are high. ESC helps prevent vehicles from “plowing out” or “spinning out” in those critical circumstances.
How ESC Works In A Car?
The term spinning out refers to oversteering that occurs when the driver enters the car at too extreme curves. In that condition, the vehicle may be out of the driver’s control and spin out of control. In that case, the ESC will help the driver stabilize the car precisely.
Plowing out is also considered understeering. Understeering occurs when the driver enters a curve at a high speed (even while braking). Due to high traction from oil, ice, and other road factors, the front wheel loses control. However, in that case, the driver needs to accurate the understeering; otherwise, an accident may occur.
The ESC program automatically applies brakes to all wheels to stabilize and prevent your vehicle from these troubles. This technological system cannot increase the road’s traction, but it can help the driver keep their vehicle under control during troublesome or unbalanced situations.
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How Much ESC Is Important In A Car?
It is undoubtedly essential. According to UK research, ESC can reduce the chances of fatal accidents by 25%. Swedish studies’ factual data shows that the chances of accidents that occur due to bad weather are 32% less if a car has an ESC system.
So, this is the remarkable importance of electronic stability programs, which provide road safety to you and others on the road.
The critical thing to know is that not all cars are equipped with the Electronic Stability Control system; only cars from 2014 have it installed. This happened because the European Union made the addition mandatory.
What Is The Difference Between ESC And ESP?
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) are two different names for the same thing. They have the same intent and no difference in purposes.
The difference is only in their names because the manufacturers use different branded names according to their stability control systems, like “PSM” for (Porsche), “DSC” for ( BMW, Jaguar, & Aston Martin), “MSP” for (Maserati) and more.
Also Read: Mercedes-Benz SOS Inoperative
Stability Control VS Traction Control: What’s The Difference?
The stability control can steer a car, while the traction control is limited to just managing the wheelspin. In other words, the stability control can operate the vehicle’s yaw rate, while the traction control only mitigates the wheelspin.
In Bourbon terms, all stability control is traction, but not all traction is stability control, and both can be lifesavers.
ESC Causes
The easiest way to determine the cause of the ESC warning light is to bring your vehicle to an authorized Mercedes Center for diagnosis. The mechanic will use different tools and scanners to decode codes and find the problem.
However, here is a list of some common causes that can trigger the ESC light to appear:
- Faulty Steering Angle Sensor
- Wiring Issues
- ABS Sensor Issues
- ESC Is Disabled
- Damaged Control Module
- Low Battery Or A Blown Fuse
- Slipping
ESC Components
Multiple devices work together to protect vehicles and passengers on the road. To perform its tasks and offer safety, it mainly uses two systems, such as ABS traction control, and also uses other sensors.
Before a decade ago, drivers were taught different methods and procedures for pumping the brake pedal to keep the brakes locked up. The invention of anti-lock brakes makes it easier to provide drivers with safety.
The ABS uses electronic functions to pump the brakes faster and prevent the vehicle from understeering or oversteering. It also uses this system to correct electronic problems. The formation of the ABS ensures that the vehicle is stabilized in troublesome situations and also uses traction control for a safe driving experience.
The ESC sensor automatically measures the actual slide direction when the TCS (Traction Control System) detects the car’s slippage. If it finds any difference between the direction of the sliding and the angle of the steering wheel, then the ESC will work with the traction control system to control the vehicle’s speed.
Sensors
Here are three types of sensors that are used to fed the ESC information into the car’s central computer:
- Wheel-speed sensors: A sensor is fitted at each car wheel, and the wheel-speed sensor measures the wheel’s speed so that the computer can compare that speed to the vehicle’s engine speed.
- Steering-angle sensors: This sensor calculates the direction intended to be aimed by the driver. ESC will kick in if it’s different from the direction.
- Rotational-speed sensor: The rotational speed sensor, also known as the yaw sensor, performs a simple task and measures the car’s side-to-side motion.
How To Fix Electronic Stability Control?
Before I start explaining how to fix electronic stability control on a vehicle, it is important to discuss that some steps can be difficult to handle, so you should seek help from a professional for more complicated problems.
Here are some initiatives that you can do to fix that warning light:
- Lookup for error codes
- Inspection of wheel speed sensors
- Examination of wiring & connectors
- Professional Diagnostics
Look for error codes
When the ESC light illuminates, make a car’s computer diagnosis to find problem codes. This checkup will accurately identify the problem plaguing the ESC system.
Inspect wheel speed sensors
Your vehicle’s ESC system regularly measures problems with the wheel speed sensors. Check for faults or damage to these sensors and ensure their replacement.
Examine the wiring and connectors
Inspect the wiring and connectors that are linked to the ESC system. Mistakes may cause faulty cables or connections to be lost, so reconnect or change them (If necessary).
Professional Diagnostics
Complex problems in the ESC system may require special tools and knowledge. If the problem or warning light still exists after these checks, it is recommended that you bring your vehicle to a licensed Mercedes shop for a detailed professional diagnosis.
What Is Electronic Stability Control Repair Cost?
The replacement of the steering angle sensor can typically cost $100-$300 or more, depending on the car. Sometimes, a software reset or update can fix your ESC problem. At the same time, labor rates can also be low or high, depending on the vehicle model and your location.
Conclusion
The ESC is an automatic vehicle system that monitors steering and enhances safety. Electronic stability control is a tool that decreases the unfortunate vehicle’s tyres skid and helps the driver control the car. The ESC system may cause problems like slipping, faulty sensors, and wiring issues.
So whenever the ESC warning light is displayed, resolve it soon. Your vehicle will feel like it’s on cloud nine after this service.
Frequently Asked Questions By Drivers
Is Any Other Name For This Feature?
The other two common names for the ESC system are dynamic stability control (DSC) and vehicle stability control (VSC).
What Is The Primary Function Of ESC?
This system’s primary function is to help the driver stabilize the vehicle when it detects any loss of control, such as the car going around a corner too fast or slipping. It helps to maintain control of the car in hard steering maneuvers.
Is It Safe to Drive With The ESC Light On?
Well, you can drive even if the ESC light appears, but according to the facts, it’s not a good practice. In any emergency, if the light is illuminating and it is impossible to get quick service, you can drive slowly.
What Happens When ESC Fails?
If the ESC system fails, a warning light/message will appear on the instrument cluster. In that case, you can still drive the car, but it will likely cause the sensor to fail, so it is advised to take the vehicle to the repair center for diagnosis and maintenance.
Can A Bad ESC Burn Up A Motor?
Yes, a bad ESC may burn the motor. Always use a current limiter to prevent motors and ESCS from burning and other issues for calibration, testing, programming, and the first power-up.
Martin Lee is an ASE-certified mechanic and contributing author at SincereMechanic. He uses his expertise to create captivating articles that align with our content strategy. Using his deep automobile knowledge, he does in-depth research, puts expertise into articles, and makes them very informative. That information ensures our readers receive many valuable insights about the Vehicles.