Kia Sportage: Electronic stability control
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) monitors information from various vehicle sensors and then compares the driver's commands with the actual behavior of the vehicle. If an unstable condition occurs - a sudden evasive movement for example - ESC intervenes within fractions of a second via the engine computer and brake system and attempts to stabilize the vehicle. ESC operation ESC ON condition • When the ignition is turned ON, ESC and ESC OFF indicator lights illuminate for approximately 3 seconds, then ESC is turned on. • Press the ESC OFF button for at least half a second after turning the ignition ON to turn ESC off. (ESC OFF indicator will illuminate). To turn the ESC on, press the ESC OFF button (ESC OFF indicator light will go off). • When starting the engine, you may hear a slight ticking sound. This is the ESC performing an automatic system self-check and does not indicate a problem. When operating When the ESC is in operation, ESC indicator light blinks. • When the Electronic Stability Control is operating properly, you can feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle. This is only the effect of brake control and indicates nothing unusual. • When moving out of the mud or slippery road, pressing the accelerator pedal may not cause the engine rpm (revolutions per minute) to increase. ESC operation off ESC OFF state • To cancel ESC operation, press the ESC OFF button (ESC OFF indicator light illuminates). • If the ignition switch is turned to LOCK position when ESC is off, ESC remains off. Upon restarting the engine, the ESC will automatically turn on again.
Indicator light When ignition switch is turned to ON, the indicator light illuminates, then goes off if ESC system is operating normally. The ESC indicator light blinks whenever ESC is operating. ESC OFF indicator light comes on when either the ESC is turned off with the button, or ESC malfunctions when turned on.
WARNING - ESC The Electronic Stability Control system is only a driving aid; use precautions for safe driving by slowing down on curved, snowy, or icy roads. Don’t attempt to accelerate excessively just because the ESC indicator light is blinking.
ESC OFF usage When driving • It’s a good idea to keep the ESC turned on for daily driving whenever possible. • To turn ESC off while driving, press the ESC OFF button while driving on a flat road surface. Never press ESC OFF button while ESC is operating (ESC indicator light blinks). If ESC is turned off while ESC is operating, the vehicle may slip out of control.
NOTICE • When measuring the vehicle speed with a chassis dynamo-meter, make sure the ESC is turned off (ESC OFF light illuminated). If the ESC is left on, it may prevent the vehicle speed from increasing, and cause a false diagnosis of a faulty speedometer. • Turning the ESC off does not affect ABS or brake system operation.
WARNING - ESC Never press the ESC OFF button while ESC is operating. If the ESC is turned off while ESC is operating, the vehicle may slip out of control. To turn ESC off while driving, press the ESC OFF button while driving on a flat road surface.
Instrument cluster
1. Tachometer 2.
Turn signal indicators 3. Speedometer 4.Warning and indicator lights 5. Shift position
indicator (Automatic transaxle only) 6. Odometer 7. Tripmeter/Trip computer (if
equipped) 8. Fuel gauge
Cruise control system
See also:
Parking Brake Lever
Parking Brake Lever (1) To set (2) To release (3) To release
The parking brake lever is located between the seats. To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and pull the parking brake lever all the way up. To release the parking br ...
Exterior care
Exterior general caution It is very important to follow the label directions
when using any chemical cleaner or polish. Read all warning and caution statements
that appear on the label. Finish maintenance Washing To help protect your vehicle’s ...
