Audi A6 Typ 4G: Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC)

Description

Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) supports driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and improves driving stability. ESC detects critical situations such as the vehicle oversteering and understeering or the wheels are spinning. The vehicle is stabilized by applying the brakes or reducing engine torque. As soon as the ESC is actively regulating, the indicator light blinks in the instrument cluster.

The following systems are integrated in the ESC:

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking when braking.

The vehicle can still be steered even during hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Do not pump the pedal. A pulsing in the brake pedal indicates that the system is acting to stabilize the vehicle.

Brake assist system

The brake assist system can decrease braking distance.

It increases braking power when the driver presses the brake pedal quickly in emergency situations.

You must press and hold the brake pedal until the dangerous situation is over. In vehicles with adaptive cruise control, the brake assist system is more sensitive if the distance detected to the vehicle driving ahead is too small. On vehicles with activated and functioning night vision assist, the brake assist system can respond more sensitively if there is a warning.

Anti-slip regulation (ASR)

ASR reduces engine power when the drive wheels begin spinning and adapts the force to the road conditions. This makes it easier to start, accelerate and drive up hills.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)

The EDL applies the brakes to a wheel that starts spinning and transfers the drive power to the other driving wheel or wheels (if the vehicle is equipped with all wheel drive). This function is not available at higher speeds.

In extreme cases, EDL automatically switches off to keep the brake on the braked wheel from overheating.

The vehicle is still working correctly. EDL will switch on again automatically when conditions have returned to normal.

Steering recommendation

The ESC helps to stabilize the vehicle by changing the steering torque.

In vehicles with dynamic steering, ESC also helps to stabilize the steering in critical situations.

Selective wheel torque control

Selective wheel torque control is used when driving on curves. The front wheel on the inside of the curve or both wheels on the inside of the curve are braked selectively as needed. This allows more precise driving in curves.

Automatic post-collision braking system

The "automatic post-collision braking system" can help to reduce the risk of sliding and of additional collisions after an accident. If the airbag control module detects a collision above a certain vehicle speed, the vehicle is braked by the ESC.

The vehicle does not brake automatically if:

• the driver presses the accelerator pedal, or
• the braking force generated by the pressed brake pedal is greater than the braking force that would be initiated by the system, or
• the ESC, the brake system or the vehicle electrical system are not functioning.

WARNING

• The ESC and its integrated systems cannot overcome the limits imposed by natural physical laws. This is especially important on slippery or wet roads. If the systems begin acting to stabilize your vehicle, you should immediately alter your speed to match the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the increased safety provided tempt you into taking risks. This could increase your risk of a collision.
• Please note the risk of a collision increases when driving fast, especially through curves and on slippery or wet roads, and when driving too close to objects ahead. The ESC and its integrated systems cannot always prevent collisions - there is still a risk of accidents!
• Press the accelerator pedal carefully when accelerating on even, slippery surfaces such as ice and snow. The drive wheels can spin even when these control systems are installed and this can affect driving stability and increase the risk of a collision.

Tips

• ABS and ASR only function correctly when all four wheels are equipped with identical tires. Different tire sizes can lead to a reduction in engine power.
• You may hear noises when the systems described are working.

Switching on/off

ESC turns on automatically when you start the engine.

Fig. 139 Center console: OFF button

The following examples are unusual situations where it may make sense to switch sport mode on in order to allow the wheels to spin:

• Rocking the vehicle to free it when it is stuck
• Driving in deep snow or on loose ground
• Driving with snow chains

ESC levels

WARNING

• Only switch sport mode on when your driving abilities and the traffic situation permit, because there is a risk of sliding.
• The stabilization function is limited when sport mode is switched on. The driving wheels could spin and the vehicle could swerve, especially on slick or slippery road surfaces.

Tips

• Sport mode cannot be switched on if the cruise control system or adaptive cruise control is switched on.

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