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 ESC system is engaged.

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

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

 Warning

  • The stability system ESC is supplementary driver support intended to facilitate driving and make it safer – it cannot handle all situations in all traffic, weather and road conditions.
  • ESC is 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 also prevents the driving wheels from spinning against the road surface during acceleration.

Engine Drag Control

Engine Drag Control (EDC3) prevents 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. Also see section "Trailer stability assist" for more information.

 Note

The TSA function is deactivated if ESC Sport Mode is activated.
  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