You can turn it off altogether as well for off road. So three modes: full on, partial off, and full off.
I read this in the manual after I failed to exit my driveway in about a foot of un-plowed snow. after I turned it to partial off I was able to get up the driveway and drive on un-plowed roads. I have not tried the full off mode yet, but I'm keen to try it out on some logging roads come summer.
Cheers,
Dave
How do you get the "full off" mode you mention?
Reading my "manual" there's real only two modes; not that any of us haven't found plenty of errors in the thing...
Traction Control System (TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS) monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine power is reduced, to provide en- hanced acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS functions similarly to a limited-slip differential, and controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the
system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning. This feature remains active even if the ESC is in the “Partial Off” mode.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (in the instrument cluster) will start to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin. This indicates that the TCS is active. If the indicator light flashes 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, and do not switch off the ESC or TCS.
ESC Operating Modes
The “ESC Off” switch is located in the center switch bank, next to the hazard flasher switch.
ESC On
This mode is the normal operating mode for ESC equipped vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC system will be in this mode. This mode should be used for most driving situations. ESC should only be turned off for specific reasons as noted below.
ESC Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pressing the “ESC Off” switch.
When in the “Partial Off” mode, the TCS portion of ESC, except for the “limited slip” feature described in the TCS section, has been disabled and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” will be illuminated. When in the “Partial Off” mode, ESC will operate without engine torque manage- ment. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESC would normally allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESC on again, momentarily press the “ESC Off” switch. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of operation.
NOTE: To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off” mode by pressing the “ESC Off” switch. Once the situation requiring ESC to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by momentarily pressing the “ESC Off” switch. This may be done while the vehicle is in motion.
