Volvo XC90: Driver support / Electronic Stability Control

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC¹) function helps the driver avoid skidding and improves the vehicle's directional stability.

This symbol will be displayed in the instrument panel when the system is intervening.

When the system has intervened to apply the brakes, a pulsing sound may be heard and the vehicle may accelerate more slowly than expected when the accelerator pedal is depressed.

The system consists of the following sub-functions:

• Stability control²
• Spin control and active yaw control
• Engine drag control
• Trailer Stability Assist
• Roll Stability Control

WARNING

• The function is supplementary driver support intended to facilitate driving and help 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 about this function to learn of its limitations, which the driver must be aware of before using the function.
• Driver support functions are not a substitute for the driver's attention and judgment. The driver is always responsible for ensuring the vehicle 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 control²

This function helps control the driving and braking force of each individual wheel in an attempt to stabilize the vehicle.

Spin control and active yaw control

This function is active at low speeds and brakes the wheels that are spinning to transfer additional power to wheels that are not spinning. This function can also help prevent the wheels from spinning while the vehicle is accelerating.

Engine drag control

Engine drag control (EDC³) can help prevent inadvertent wheel lock, e.g. after downshifting or using engine braking when driving at low speeds on a slippery surface.

Inadvertent wheel lock while driving could impair the driver's ability to steer the vehicle.

Trailer Stability Assist*⁴

Trailer Stability Assist (TSA⁵) is designed to help stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailer if the vehicle and trailer have begun to sway.

NOTE

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

Roll Stability Control

This function helps reduce the risk of a rollover in the event of e.g. a sudden evasive maneuver or if the vehicle begins to skid. The system monitors the lateral angle at which the vehicle is leaning and registers any changes. Using this information, the system calculates the likelihood of a rollover. If there is an imminent risk of a rollover, Electronic Stability Control is activated, engine torque is reduced and brakes are applied to one or more of the wheels until the vehicle has regained stability.

WARNING

The vehicle’s stability systems help improve vehicle safety but do not replace the driver’s responsibility for operating the vehicle in a safe manner. Speed and driving style should always be adapted to the current road, traffic and weather conditions. Posted speed limits should always be respected.

¹ Electronic Stability Control

² Also called traction control.

³ Engine Drag Control

⁴ Trailer Stability Assist is included if the vehicle is equipped with a Volvo original towbar.

⁵ Trailer Stability Assist

⁶ Electronic Stability Control