2011 Jeep Patriot Owner Manual - Page 327

STARTING AND OPERATING 325 ESC Operating Modes The ESC system has three available operating modes for This system enhances directional control and stability of four-wheel drive equipped vehicles and two available the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC coroperating modes for two-wheel drive equipped vehicles. rects for over-steering or under-steering of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in Full On (Four-Wheel Drive Models) Or On (Two-Wheel counteracting the over-steering or under-steering condi- Drive Models) tion. Engine power may also be reduced to help the This is the normal operating mode for ESC. Whenever vehicle maintain the desired path. ESC uses sensors in the vehicle is started the ESC system will be in this "On" the vehicle to determine the vehicle path intended by the mode. This mode should be used for most driving driver and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. situations. ESC should only be turned to "Partial Off" or When the actual path does not match the intended path, "ESC Off" for specific reasons as noted below. ESC applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist Partial Off (Four-Wheel Drive Models) Or On in counteracting the over-steer or under-steer condition (Two-Wheel Drive Models) • Over-steer - when the vehicle is turning more than This mode is entered by momentarily pressing the "ESC appropriate for the steering wheel position. Off" switch. When in "Partial Off" mode, the "ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light" will be illumi• Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than nated. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is appropriate for the steering wheel position. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 5