Electronic stability control

Electronic Stability Control (ESC1) helps the driver to avoid skidding and improves the car's traction.
P5-1507-Symbol-ESC 19x19

The driver display shows this symbol when the system is engaged.

Braking from the system may be heard as a pulsing sound, and the car may accelerate more slowly than expected when applying the throttle.

The system consists of the following subfunctions:
  • Stability function2
  • Spin control and traction control system
  • Engine Drag Control
  • Trailer stability assist
  • Roll Stability Control

 Warning

  • The function is supplementary driver support intended to facilitate driving and make it safer – it cannot handle all situations in all traffic, weather and road conditions.
  • The driver is advised to read all sections in the Owner's Manual that relate to this function to learn about factors such as its limitations and what the driver should be aware of before using the system.
  • Driver support functions are not a substitute for the driver's attention and judgement. The driver is always responsible for ensuring the car is driven in a safe manner, at the appropriate speed, with an appropriate distance to other vehicles, and in accordance with current traffic rules and regulations.

Stability function2

The function checks the driving and brake force of the wheels individually in order to stabilise the car.

Spin control and traction control system

The function is active at low speed and brakes the drive wheels that spin so that additional traction shall be transferred from the drive wheels that are not spinning.

The function can also prevent the driving wheels from spinning against the road surface during acceleration.

Engine Drag Control

Engine Drag Control (EDC3) can prevent involuntary wheel locking, e.g. after shifting down or engine braking when driving in low gear on slippery road surfaces.

Involuntary wheel locking while driving can, amongst other things, impair the driver's ability to steer the car.

Trailer stability assist*4

Trailer stability assist (TSA5) stabilises a car towing a trailer in situations where they begin snaking.

 Note

Trailer Stability Assist is deactivated if ESC Sport Mode is activated.

Roll Stability Control

This function reduces the risk of overturning, for example during a sudden evasive manoeuvre or if the car skids. The system registers if and how much the car's lateral inclination changes. This information is used to calculate the risk of the car overturning. If the car is at risk, its electronic stability control system engages, the engine torque is reduced and one or more wheels are braked until the car has regained its stability.

 Warning

Under normal driving conditions, the system improves the car's road safety, but this must not be taken as a reason to increase speed. Always follow the normal precautions for safe driving.
  1. 1 Electronic Stability Control
  2. 2 Also known as Active Yaw Control.
  3. 3 Engine Drag Control
  4. * Option/accessory.
  5. 4 Trailer stability assist is included when the Volvo genuine towbar is installed.
  6. 5 Trailer Stability Assist