Audi Q7: Electronic Stabilization
Control
Description
Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) supports
driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and
improves driving stability. ESC detects critical situations,
such as if the vehicle is oversteering or
understeering, or if the wheels are spinning.
The brakes are applied or the motor torque is reduced
in order to stabilize the vehicle.
The following stabilization functions are integrated
into the ESC, among others:
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.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin
spinning and adapts the power to the road conditions.
This will increase the driving stability.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL applies the brakes to wheels that are
slipping and transfers the drive power to the other
wheels. 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 functioning correctly.
EDL will switch on again automatically when conditions
have returned to normal.
Selective wheel torque control
Selective wheel torque control is used when driving
on curves. Braking is targeted toward the
wheels on the inside of the curve as needed. This
allows more precise driving in curves.
Power steering
The ESC can also support vehicle stability
through steering.
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. There is still
a risk of accidents because the ESC and its integrated systems cannot always
prevent
collisions.
- Accelerate carefully when driving on
smooth, 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.
- As the vehicle load increases, especially the
roof load, the vehicle's center of gravity also
increases along with the risk of the vehicle
tipping. To reduce the risk of an accident, always
adapt your driving style to the current
conditions and avoid sudden driving maneuvers.
Tips
The ABS and ASR only function correctly when
all four wheels have a similar wear condition.
Different tire sizes can lead to a reduction in
motor power.
Operation
The button (or
, depending on the model)
for controlling the ESC is located in the center
console, in front of the selector lever. The ESC is
automatically switched on when the ignition is
switched on.
Limiting ESC
In some situations, it may make sense to limit
the stabilizing function of the ESC so that the
wheels can spin, for example to rock a vehicle to
free it when it is stuck or to drive with snow
chains. The ESC can also be limited to provide
more sporty driving characteristics with fewer
stabilizing corrective actions.
Depending on the Audi drive select mode that is
selected, one of the following ESC modes will be
selected automatically:
- sport - this mode is designed for driving ona
level surface. It is used in all Audi drive select
modes except offroad.
- offroad - this mode is suited for driving offroad
and is designed for uneven terrain or loose
ground. If you select the offroad Audi drive select
mode, the offroad ESC mode will be automatically
used.
Switching off ESC
For a more active control of the vehicle where the
stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene,
the ESC can be switched off.
- To switch off the ESC, press and hold the
button for more than three seconds. The
and indicator lights turn on.
- To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
lights turn off.
WARNING
- When the ESC is switched off or limited,
there will be no vehicle stabilization or it
will be limited. The driving wheels could
spin and the vehicle could swerve, especially
on slick or slippery road surfaces, which increases
the risk of an accident.
- Because of the increased risk of an accident,
only drive with the ESC switched off or Limited
when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC
as soon as possible.
Tips
- If you select the Audi drive select* offroad
mode, hill descent assist will switch on.
- If the ESC is limited, switched off, or malfunctioning,
systems with an automatic
braking intervention function may not be
fully available.
- If malfunctions occur in other systems or
certain driver assist systems are active, the
ESC must be switched on by the system. The
ESC may switch on automatically and cannot
be operated with the button.
Messages
The following messages may appear depending
on the vehicle equipment:
Stabilization control (ESC/
ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual
There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This also
causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still
function with their normal power, but ABS is not
active.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
Other indicator lights
If blinks while driving, the
ESC is actively regulating.
Operating noises may occur. If the indicator
light stays on, the ESC has been switched off
due to system needs. The indicator light turns off
when the system is fully functional.
READ NEXT:
General information
Your vehicle is primarily intended for transporting
people and luggage. However, if you drive
with a trailer, follow the technical requirements,
the operation and driving tips, and
Introduction
Only use a trailer hitch with a removable ball
hitch mount and ball hitch. The trailer hitch must
be permitted for the vehicle, the trailer and the
permitted total weight of the trailer b
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Removing
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Note
For vehicles without a cover in the luggage compartment side
trim panel, the side trim panel (left and/or right) is to be
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