2009 Dodge Nitro Owner Manual - Page 294

292 STARTING AND OPERATING Electronic Stability Program (ESP) This system enhances directional 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 than appropriate for the steering wheel position. • Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position. ESP/TCS Indicator Light The ЉESP/TCS Indicator LightЉ located in the instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes active. The ЉESP/TCS Indicator LightЉ also flashes when TCS is active. If the ЉESP/TCS Indicator LightЉ begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.