I wanted to start a thread discussing ESP.

Today I turned it off in 2wd, so it was only paritially off, and approached a steep hill after it had rained. I hit the hill after a turn, so I was in second gear around 15 mph. I put the pedal to the floor and it downshifted into first while breaking the tires loose. Not only did they break loose, but they really spun. I let off the gas quickly after it shifted back into second and approached redline. As soon as they tires started spinning, the back of the truck kicked out to the left. The ESP did not do anything to control the spinning or the fishtail.

What I want to discuss is what people want out of ESP. If I can start to go sideways and fully spin the tires with it partially off, what does everyone want to see out of turning it 100% off?

This thread can also discuss anything to do with the ESP.

 

An effective way to turn it all the way off is by disconnecting one of the wheel sensors. This also disables the ABS. I've had one of my rear wheel sensors disconnected for about a month because of a recurring ABS/ESP issue that I don't have time to bring the truck back in for a 3rd time.

Pulling the fuses for the ABS system results in the disabling of the speedometer/odometer, so that was not a good solution for me.

When mine was still hooked up, I didn't notice any ESP activity with the switch shut off. I had to turn it off to get down a road that was full of deep mud.

 

Yes, wheel speed sensors are the only *easy* way to disable it, along with the ABS system.

Another method is to unhook the dynamic sensor, but to hook it back up requires a trip to the dealership.

If the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Module, Steering Angle Sensor (SAS), or the Dynamics Sensor was replaced, it must be initialized using the scan tool. If not initialized, the ABS indicator will flash continuously with no DTCs. To initialize the ABS Module and clear offsets have wheels pointing straight ahead and follow the directions on the scan tool. The drive test requires a 90° turn. If the Dynamics Sensor was replaced, test drive the vehicle by turning the vehicle left or right in a curving manner at a velocity between 10 and 25 km/h (6 and 15 mph).

 

how do you disconnect a wheel sensor?
i may want to see what the differance is in performance.

 

The only reason I wanted it off was for fun in the snow. With 6 in of snow on my driveway I could not spin my tires without esp kicking in slowing the wheels while making that horrible grinding noise. It did it with "ESP off" and I couldn't tell much difference in either mode.
Of course I didn't have the speed sensor tip back then so this year will be different.

 

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but if you are in 4x4 and ESP off it is completely off correct? Wait, that may be 4x4 low though....

 

You just unplug the wiring harness from the wheel sensor. Just make sure that you zip tie it up out of the way so that it doesn't get damaged.

 

That is a interesting find, maybe I will find a empty parking lot the next time it is wet to test.

I always turn my ESP "off" when it is dry and never had an issue breaking the tires loose. I never took it as far as to try a fishtail on dry (or wet) pavement though. I was under the impression even with it "off" in 2WD it would prevent a fishtail. IE only partially off.

 

If you hold the button for 5 sec in 4wd, esp will turn completely off as the evic will tell. ESP stays off in 4wd low, there's no option. Its just not as fun in 4wd

 

This video is of a straight shot to about 60. The tires spin a little. ESP is partially off. I don't think ESP kicked in; I think the tires had traction. They were warm after a few tries.



I tried to get another video of a slide sideways, but I suck holding my Blackberry and filming at the same time!

I was the only vehicle on the road, so I don't want to hear any safety stuff.