Kia Picanto: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) : (if equipped) / ESC operation. Indicator light

ESC operation

ESC ON condition

• When the ignition is switched ON, the ESC and ESC OFF indicator lights illuminate for approximately 3 seconds. ESC then becomes active automatically, ready to assist when the driving conditions require it.

• After switching the ignition ON, use the ESC OFF button to disable ESC functions as described below. The ESC OFF indicator illuminates to confirm the selected off state. Press the button again to restore ESC operation; the ESC OFF indicator then goes out.

• You may hear a faint ticking sound when starting the engine. This comes from the automatic ESC self-check and is a normal part of system operation, rather than a sign of a problem.

When operating

While ESC is actively intervening, the ESC indicator light flashes to show that the system is working.

• You may feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle as Electronic Stability Control operates. This sensation results from the system controlling the brakes and is a normal response during intervention.

• When pulling out of mud or travelling on a slippery road, engine speed may not increase even if you press the accelerator firmly. ESC can limit the increase in engine rpm to help preserve traction and vehicle stability. This response is intentional and does not indicate an engine or accelerator fault.

ESC OFF condition

The Kia Picanto provides the following two ESC OFF states, selected according to how long you press the button:

• State 1

  A: Traction Control disabled

  Briefly press the ESC OFF button. The ESC OFF indicator illuminates and the corresponding message appears. In this state, ESC no longer uses engine management to control traction. The traction control function is disabled, but the brake control function remains available.

• State 2

  A: Traction and Stability Control disabled

  Press and hold the ESC OFF button for more than 3 seconds. The ESC OFF indicator illuminates, a message appears and a warning chime sounds. Both the engine-control and brake-control functions of ESC are disabled in this state, so the system no longer provides vehicle stability control assistance.

  If you turn the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to LOCK/OFF while ESC is disabled, the system remains off while the vehicle is switched off. When you restart the engine, ESC turns on automatically again.

Indicator light

Figure 1. ESC indicator light

Figure 2. ESC OFF indicator light

When the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button is set to ON, the ESC indicator illuminates briefly. It then goes out if the system is operating normally.

A flashing ESC indicator means the system is actively intervening to help maintain stability. An indicator that remains illuminated indicates that ESC has failed to operate correctly.

The separate ESC OFF indicator illuminates when you disable ESC functions using the button, allowing you to distinguish a selected off state from active system intervention.

CAUTION

Using tyres or wheels of different sizes can cause the ESC system to malfunction. When replacing the tyres on your Kia Picanto, make sure the replacements match the size of the original tyres so that the system can operate as intended.

WARNING

Electronic Stability Control is a driving aid, and safe control of the vehicle remains your responsibility. Reduce your speed on bends and on snowy or icy roads. If the ESC indicator is flashing, drive slowly and do not attempt to accelerate. Apply the same caution whenever the road surface is slippery, even if the indicator is not flashing.