Electronic Stability Program

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Dodge Journey and 2015 Dodge Journey. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) enhances control and stability of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP corrects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the over/under steer condition. Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the desired path. ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition.

Oversteer - When the vehicle is turning more that appropriate for the steering wheel position.
Understeer - When the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position.

The "ESP/TCS" indicator light located in the instrument cluster starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes active. The "ESP/TCS" indicator light also flashes when the TCS is active.

The ESP® default mode is Full-On with every key-on. Pressing the ESP Off button once activates what is referred to as Partial mode. In Partial mode, Traction Control is deactivated and ESP® operates at a higher threshold, therefore, it will not come on as aggressively as in the Full-On mode. The system can be returned to "normal" Full-On mode by pressing and releasing the ESP Off switch. The ESP function lamp is illuminated in the cluster whenever the ESP system is turned off.