Enhanced Stability Control
Warning: The Enhanced Stability Control system is intended only as an aid for a conscientious and alert driver and is not a substitute for safe driving procedures. Failure to drive safely, and use the system properly, could result in personal injury and/or death and property damage.
The Enhanced Stability Control (ESC) system offers the capability of complete directional stability (yaw control) in oversteer and understeer conditions to reduce the likelihood of drift-out or jackknife. The system determines where the driver is attempting to steer the vehicle and how much brake demand is required in order to more precisely control the vehicle in an emergency situation.
ESC works by constantly comparing the driver’s intention with the vehicles’ actual behavior. The system does this by monitoring systems such as wheel speed, steering angle, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, throttle position, and brake application. A central microcomputer analyzes the collected data and triggers a response to keep the vehicle on course when an unstable condition is detected.
When the system detects that the vehicle is at risk of rolling over, it applies individual tractor wheel end brakes and trailer brakes, activates the engine retarder (if equipped), and/or cuts engine power, depending on the severity. As a result, the driver has full control over the vehicle until the system detects a potential rollover and intervenes accordingly. ESC operates automatically; the driver does not monitor or activate the system.