Electronic Stability Program (ESP) - Dodge Caravan Owners Manual

This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP corrects
for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path.
ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropriate
wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or

• understeer condition.Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than appropriate for the steering wheel position.

• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position.

ESP ON
This is the normal operating mode for ESP on 2WD
vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESP system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used for most
driving situations. ESP should only be turned off for
specific reasons as noted below.

ESP Partial OFF
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the ESP
OFF switch (located in the center switch bank, next to the
hazard flasher switch).
When in Partial OFF mode, the TCS portion of
ESP, except for the “limited slip” feature described
in the TCS section, has been disabled
and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light will be illuminated.
All other stability features of the ESP function
normally. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle
is in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and more
wheel spin than ESP would normally allow is required to  gain traction. To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress
the ESP OFF switch. This will restore the normal ESP 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 ESP OFF switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the Partial OFF mode is
overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the ESP OFF switch. This may be done while the vehicle
is in motion.

ESP/BAS Warning Light
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with BAS. The ESP/BAS Warning
light and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light in the
instrument cluster both come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position. They should
go out with the engine running. If the ESP/BAS Warning Light comes on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles/
kilometers at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:

• The ESP/TCS Indicator Light and the ESP/BASWarning Light come on momentarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.

• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System will be ON even if it was turned off previously.

• The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clickingsounds when it is active, this is normal. The sounds will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the maneuver that caused the ESP activation.