Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP):

[Fast Freddie]

Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP): A fully automatic electronic program that provides the driver with an enhanced ability to maintain control of the vehicle. Using existing ABS, ASR, and EDL system components, and additional sensors, ESP monitors the vehicle?s actual dynamic status, compares it to the driver?s intended course and, when necessary, generates corrective forces to help keep the vehicle on that intended course. Especially effective in assisting the driver when taking evasive action during sudden accident-avoidance maneuvers.

[bcruzin]

So has anyone considered reversing their ESP.. so instead of it always being on, its off by default and you can turn it ON when you want?? Is this possible? Because I hate when I'm not quick enough to turn it off during a spontaneous drag race.. etc etc... anyone?

[UnitedGrayGTi06]

Yeah that sounds like a good idea. I never hear anyone saying that they love to leave the ESP on. Everytime someone tells a story they always say that they turn ESP off anyway.

[nitroburn]

I find it's not that much of a hassle to hit the button to shut it off. Plus, if anyone else ever has to drive the car, maybe it is best left on.

[BlueFrogPosse]

I had this same question with my last car, 2001 Toyota Solara, and never found an answer for that one. Hopefully some genius out there has managed it and can report. As it is, I can feel the ESP a couple times a week just driving to and from work or around town. Sometimes I'm sitting at a stoplight or sign and just decide I want to get on it a little-3 chugs from the ESP later and I find myself wishing I could change the default. The best for me would be to have it hold my last setting when I turn the car off.

[jgo]

Aren't you guys happy that you drive one of the safest cars on the road. Your insurance company is. But...you know those damn insurance execs really don't care if you are inconvenienced a little by having to push a button. They, probably, didn't think of that drag racing thing. You should tell them and set them straight.

[blackgti06]

i turn my esp off some of the time but mostly it stays on. I love it

[dawar]

Originally Posted by BlueFrogPosse

I had this same question with my last car, 2001 Toyota Solara, and never found an answer for that one. Hopefully some genius out there has managed it and can report. As it is, I can feel the ESP a couple times a week just driving to and from work or around town. Sometimes I'm sitting at a stoplight or sign and just decide I want to get on it a little-3 chugs from the ESP later and I find myself wishing I could change the default. The best for me would be to have it hold my last setting when I turn the car off.

I dont have that problem because NO ONE will ever drive my car, even if i break my leg on top of the mountain, i will be rolling with the car down the hill.HEHE

[RANDYO]

I am glad that esp stays on . . . . i have a hard sweeping right hand turn and I take if between 40 and 50 sometimes and the trac control has saved me from pushing to hard . . . .The first time I took the turn I didn't realize how fast i was going until the esp kick in and after pulling my heart out of my shoes I was Relieved...

[Kiss My Fast]

This might be a stupid question but I'm going to ask anyway..........How do I know it is in "on" mode, does it appear in the dash board?

[bcruzin]

Ironically, its "monitoring" when the light is off, it is "working" when the light is flashing and it is "off" when the light is steady on. Silly Germans

[kryptonkid07]

Originally Posted by Bcruzin

Ironically, its "monitoring" when the light is off, it is "working" when the light is flashing and it is "off" when the light is steady on. Silly Germans

What flashes the little swerving car on the speedometer? Because it's come on a couple of times when my ESP is on. I've pushed the gas a little and it seems to come on as the gears shift. Like from 2nd to 3rd if I'm pushing it a little hard, it'll come on for like a second. Does that mean it's working?


Edit: I read it over and I didn't mean pushed the gas a little as in that I hardly push on the gas. I'm almost flooring it, not quite redlining it but, the RPMs go up.

[bcruzin]

Yes. Thats your car saying, "Easy there lead foot." Personally I'd rather not have the car thinking for me.. and this will probably spark a few arguments! I usually turn it off (light constant on)

[kryptonkid07]

Originally Posted by Bcruzin

Yes. Thats your car saying, "Easy there lead foot." Personally I'd rather not have the car thinking for me.. and this will probably spark a few arguments! I usually turn it off (light constant on)

hahaha, "lead foot". Hmmm... i wonder what my car thinks of me. Anyway, I think I'll take "lead foot" as a compliment.

[Red Stripe]

Originally Posted by jgo

Aren't you guys happy that you drive one of the safest cars on the road. Your insurance company is.

They shouldn't be. Volkswagens are designed to surrender themselves to save the passengers. When a VW is involved in an accident it should be written off -- period. This is something insurance companies don't want VW owners to know.

Now you know the REST of the story.

[BlueFrogPosse]

Originally Posted by Red Stripe

Now you know the REST of the story.

Not really; can you elaborate?

[Red Stripe]

http://myfastgti.com/vwgti/index.php....html#msg16759

[Dragon]

I did a lil ESP test today (first real rain we've had) on an uphill tight right hander that is off camber on ramp... I was impressed.

The ESP is only gonna get shut off in launch mode

[jgo]

Originally Posted by Red Stripe

They shouldn't be. Volkswagens are designed to surrender themselves to save the passengers. When a VW is involved in an accident it should be written off -- period. This is something insurance companies don't want VW owners to know.

Now you know the REST of the story.

Really? How much is your car worth? What are your life and medical benefits. The insurance companies will gladly pay for a car that saves a life.

[Gunny]

All new cars are designed with energy absorption in mind. Don't bust on the dub for something that 1) all makers do, 2) that they do it with you safety in mind, and 3) that they do a better job at, ok so may be a fourth point you could bust on 4) It sure sells a few extra cars via replacements...

[FASTV 06]

My ESP came on when I blew one of my tires and it really made a huge difference.
Unless I go for the kill and race I'm not gonna turn mine off!