Does "ESC Off" Even Work??

[Viking]

I really enjoy having a rear-wheel drive car (again) and I especially enjoy kicking the back end out around turns occassionally. But when I engage the "Esc Off" botton, it doesn't seem to stop the ESC from engaging(?). Has anyone else noticed this?

Today I engaged the ESC off, then accelerated hard from a stop around a turn. About midway through the turn, the "ESC" light came on briefly on the dash - (ironically - just to the left of the "ESC off" light which was on), and the car seemed to slow - although the RPMs were still revving high.

If the ESC cannot be turned completely off then why does the Genesis even have the ESC off switch?

 

[darammer]

I dont think you can completely defeat the esc. I know the magazines complain about the lack of ability to defeat ESC in the Lexus. I think there are very few cars (if not only the porsche) that allows you to completely turn it off... I know that the Porsche dealers tell those who drive the car that unless you are a professional, you really shouldnt turn it off, as it makes the car very dangerous in the wrong hands.

 

[PINGGOLF]

No. Not until someone figures out a certain code to turn it off...if there is one.

For example...hold the brake, push the start button, depress and release the emergency brake 100 times...

The button does absolutely nothing. I turned mine off and put it to the floor and it came on just as quick as it did with it on.

That STINKS...especially in my V8!

 

[EdVoylesHyundai]

From an engineering standpoint, the ESC off switch allows more wheelspin/slip angle/etc before kicking in, but it does not turn the system off completely. There is a numerical difference in the calculations done in the computer that tell the system when to kick in, but it may not "feel" like it makes much difference to your butt. Someone will come out with a crack for it soon.

We have been promised that the Coupe will have a fully functional ESC off button.

 

[Gencat]

No. Not until someone figures out a certain code to turn it off...if there is one.

For example...hold the brake, push the start button, depress and release the emergency brake 100 times...

The button does absolutely nothing. I turned mine off and put it to the floor and it came on just as quick as it did with it on.

That STINKS...especially in my V8!

PINGGOLF, this is OT ... but where did you get your 2008 Genesis?

 

[ConceptVBS]

Unfortunately, there is a new federal regulation that prohibits manufacturer's from installing a COMPLETE off "ESC" switch starting from model year '09. This includes the Genesis Sedan. I read this information from a review of the Dodge Challeneger on edmunds.com. Even that car didnt have a complete off switch and its suppose to be a sports car.

 

[PINGGOLF]

Gencat:

Decatur, Alabama. I got the only (v8) and they will not get another v8 until spring of 09...well...that is what the GM said to me.

ConceptVBS:

You are correct...however...dont quote me on this but I think I read where the "federal regulation" was that every car in 09 has to be equipped with the ESC function/system and that it will be ON after every start of the car. However, the government left it up to the car manufacturer as to whether or not to allow disabling of the system for car enthusiast or track racers in stock vehicles. Hmmm...not sure though. I will look into it deeper. Give me a day.

Matt

 

[PINGGOLF]

GOT IT!

From: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/staticfiles/DOT/NHTSA/Rulemaking/Rules/Associated%20Files/ESC_FR_03_2007.pdf

Here are some quotes from NHTSA:

Second, NHTSA is concerned that if a control is not provided to permit drivers to disable ESC when they choose to, some drivers may find their own, permanent way to disable ESC completely. This permanent elimination of this important safety system would likely result in the driver losing the benefit of ESC for the life of the vehicle. However, as currently designed, ESC systems retain some residual safety benefits when they are “switched off” and they also become operational again at the next ignition cycle of the vehicle. NHTSA feels that provision of this type of temporary “ESC Off” control is the best strategy for dealing with such situations.


(b) Switch for Complete ESC Deactivation Consumers Union stated that for certain sporty models, NHTSA could permit a separate mode (perhaps activated with a switch) which would give the driver discretion to completely disable the ESC for race track use (similar comments by Mr. Cheah and Mr.Kiefer). Mr. Kiefer added that this disablement mechanism, which would fully and permanently disable the vehicle’s ESC system, should shut down any vehicle subsystem that intervenes in the vehicle’s performance, although he agreed that exceptions may be warranted (e.g., where the driver wishes to keep ABS operative). The proposed regulatory text states that the “manufacturer may include a driverselectable switch that places the ESC system in a mode in which it will not satisfy the 178 performance requirements” specified by NHTSA (see S5.4 of the NPRM). Because NHTSA is permitting, rather than requiring such a switch and is not specifying the extent to which ESC function must be reduced via the switch, manufacturers have the freedom to provide drivers with a switch that has the ability to completely disable ESC. Thus, NHTSA believes that the regulatory text as originally drafted sufficiently addresses the commenters’ concerns regarding this issue.

Well I think Hyundai opted for the safest thing...either way...someone will figure out how to disable it.

Hope this helps and clears up a LOT of peoples questions...even mine.

 

[ConceptVBS]

GOT IT!

From: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/staticfiles/DOT/NHTSA/Rulemaking/Rules/Associated%20Files/ESC_FR_03_2007.pdf

Here are some quotes from NHTSA:

Second, NHTSA is concerned that if a control is not provided to permit drivers to disable ESC when they choose to, some drivers may find their own, permanent way to disable ESC completely. This permanent elimination of this important safety system would likely result in the driver losing the benefit of ESC for the life of the vehicle. However, as currently designed, ESC systems retain some residual safety benefits when they are “switched off” and they also become operational again at the next ignition cycle of the vehicle. NHTSA feels that provision of this type of temporary “ESC Off” control is the best strategy for dealing with such situations.


(b) Switch for Complete ESC Deactivation Consumers Union stated that for certain sporty models, NHTSA could permit a separate mode (perhaps activated with a switch) which would give the driver discretion to completely disable the ESC for race track use (similar comments by Mr. Cheah and Mr.Kiefer). Mr. Kiefer added that this disablement mechanism, which would fully and permanently disable the vehicle’s ESC system, should shut down any vehicle subsystem that intervenes in the vehicle’s performance, although he agreed that exceptions may be warranted (e.g., where the driver wishes to keep ABS operative). The proposed regulatory text states that the “manufacturer may include a driverselectable switch that places the ESC system in a mode in which it will not satisfy the 178 performance requirements” specified by NHTSA (see S5.4 of the NPRM). Because NHTSA is permitting, rather than requiring such a switch and is not specifying the extent to which ESC function must be reduced via the switch, manufacturers have the freedom to provide drivers with a switch that has the ability to completely disable ESC. Thus, NHTSA believes that the regulatory text as originally drafted sufficiently addresses the commenters’ concerns regarding this issue.

Well I think Hyundai opted for the safest thing...either way...someone will figure out how to disable it.

Hope this helps and clears up a LOT of peoples questions...even mine.

WOW! Your on the ball too! LOL. Thanks for the GREAT information. This definitely helps out. The possibility of the Gen coupe having a complete (and temporary) off switch for track use might be real. SWEET!!

 

[PINGGOLF]

Your not kidding about the coupe!

Instead of me getting a truck i may opt for the coupe as well!!

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[considering]

The ESC is not off that is for sure!
Good find on the above about the law on ESC!

Maybe you can find this one out as well. It has been my understanding that every automobile with ESC needs to have the ability to turn it off completely to allow the car on a rolling rig for emissions testing. I have a Mercedes SL500 and Mercedes ESC has never been able to turn off completely (from single button). But it can be turned off for said purpose. Its complicated on not conveient if you just want to shut it off quickly but it is something.

I have been looking but I can't seem to find anything. Depending on how complicated i.e. hold button for 5 seconds or depress 15 buttons and weight 5 minutes, a hack of the ECU to make the button do what it is supposed to would be great!!!!

Note in another thread the video of the V8 Genesis burnout attempt. They managed to get if off. So there is a way.

Having an easy complete off button is very useful for the simple task of merging into traffic. The times when I use it the most is coming out of a parking lot where you are crossing multiple plains the ESC invariably thinks this is a bad traction momement and cuts power right as you are trying to merge. But when you can't get it off it still assumes you are sliding out of control! I hate that. I know better then the computer and I want to shut if off. But I don't mind it coming back on after a engine restart.

 

[Calvin]

Is there a fuse for just the ESC, if so maybe a bypass switch at the fuse could totally disable the system. I am not saying that it is right to bypass the entire system but it might be a way to shut the system down if your on the track. I would try removing the fuse and see if the system seems to shut down then go from there.

 

[PINGGOLF]

GUYS HELP ME!

I made a BURNOUT video and I am trying to download it to youtube but it wants me to somehow make it a WMV file. The only way I know how to download it to my CPU is through movie maker. Youtube does not accept movie maker files.

Guys...i am not computer savvy.

 

[zedbyers]

rocketbuilder? must have figured out the video thing....

are you like homer simpson when he got marge the bowling ball for her birthday, but it had 'HOMER' etched into the ball

i thought this car was for your wife?????

don't worry, mine says she doesn't even want to drive it, if i ever get it...we will see how long that lasts....

nice videos. keep the coming.......i will have to live through you for a while....

 

[PINGGOLF]

rocketbuilder? must have figured out the video thing....

are you like homer simpson when he got marge the bowling ball for her birthday, but it had 'HOMER' etched into the ball

i thought this car was for your wife?????

don't worry, mine says she doesn't even want to drive it, if i ever get it...we will see how long that lasts....

nice videos. keep the coming.......i will have to live through you for a while....

Yep! Thats me!

Yes, you may call me Homer! That was a GREAT analogy!

Somehow, I have to convince somone to hold the camera for me while I do things so that you can see the outside of the car. It was kinda hard to tell when I did the burnout besides the sound itself. I know those are kinda boring but I will try harder!

 

[PINGGOLF]

Here is my burnout...im sorry that it stinks.

I will do better next time with some OUTSIDE THE CAR shots.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QVFKXaZh1c"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QVFKXaZh1c[/ame]

 

[considering]

My car will not do that. The ESC litteraly hits the breaks and allows no wheel spin on or off. And I actually suspect that turning off the ESC makes ESC engage sooner! I will have to have my car checked out.

 

[PINGGOLF]

Hmmmm...weird!

Well, I had to start my burnout by holding the brake until the wheels spun. Once they did I just let off and actually got a little sideways.