Disable ESP semi-permanently
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Disable ESP semi-permanently
I did a search on this forum for "ESP" but it didn't turn up any results. ETA: Wow joined in 2006 and this is my first post. I guess I'm a late bloomer. 
I have about 60 miles of beach that I run for fishing and switch in and out of 4x4 constantly the whole time as conditions demand. I found that each time I switch, either in to or out of 4x4, the ESP turns itself back on. Not too big of a deal switching to 2x4 but as you can imagine if I'm switching to 4x4 having the ESP turn itself on at that moment is not ideal. I tried both methods in the owner's manual of disabling it and both turn back on, which brings up another issue as you have to stop to turn it fully off via button, on the fly seems to only be partial off anyway.
What I need to know is if there's a way to program this thing to turn off and stay off, then when I'm off the beach I can re-enable it. I found the instructions below in a thread here but nobody confirmed if they work for an '09 Ram and one post stated that they did not.
2009 Ram 1500 4x4 Laramie with 5.7 if it matters.
I have about 60 miles of beach that I run for fishing and switch in and out of 4x4 constantly the whole time as conditions demand. I found that each time I switch, either in to or out of 4x4, the ESP turns itself back on. Not too big of a deal switching to 2x4 but as you can imagine if I'm switching to 4x4 having the ESP turn itself on at that moment is not ideal. I tried both methods in the owner's manual of disabling it and both turn back on, which brings up another issue as you have to stop to turn it fully off via button, on the fly seems to only be partial off anyway.
What I need to know is if there's a way to program this thing to turn off and stay off, then when I'm off the beach I can re-enable it. I found the instructions below in a thread here but nobody confirmed if they work for an '09 Ram and one post stated that they did not.
2009 Ram 1500 4x4 Laramie with 5.7 if it matters.
1. Procedure To Turn ON (or OFF) The Permanent ESP Disable Feature:
a.Verify that the automatic transmission selector is in the "Park" position, and that a manual transmission is in neutral gear.
b. Start the vehicle engine and wait approximately five (5) seconds for the system bulb check to complete.
c. Shift the transfer case into the 4H range position. Firmly set parking brake.
d. Turn the steering wheel until it is centered and the wheels are pointed straight ahead.
e. Turn the steering wheel one-half turn to the right (clockwise). HOLD steering wheel in this position.
f. Press and hold the "ESP OFF" button for 7 seconds. Release the "ESP OFF" button right after 7 seconds. Wait for chime.
g. Turn the steering wheel back to center, then turn steering wheel one-half turn to the left (counterclockwise). HOLD the steering wheel in this position.
h. Press and hold the "ESP OFF" button for 7 seconds. Release the "ESP OFF" button right after 7 seconds. Wait for chime.
i. Turn the steering wheel back to center.
j. Press and hold the "ESP OFF" button for 7 seconds. Release the "ESP OFF" button right after 7 seconds. Wait for chime.
k. Cycle the ignition switch to the "OFF" position.
2. While the Permanent ESP Disable feature is turned on, the vehicle will display the following:
a. The ESP telltale in the instrument cluster will be illuminated.
b. The vehicle odometer will display a "ESP OFF" message.
3. Repeat Step 1 To Turn OFF The Permanent ESP Disable Feature.
a.Verify that the automatic transmission selector is in the "Park" position, and that a manual transmission is in neutral gear.
b. Start the vehicle engine and wait approximately five (5) seconds for the system bulb check to complete.
c. Shift the transfer case into the 4H range position. Firmly set parking brake.
d. Turn the steering wheel until it is centered and the wheels are pointed straight ahead.
e. Turn the steering wheel one-half turn to the right (clockwise). HOLD steering wheel in this position.
f. Press and hold the "ESP OFF" button for 7 seconds. Release the "ESP OFF" button right after 7 seconds. Wait for chime.
g. Turn the steering wheel back to center, then turn steering wheel one-half turn to the left (counterclockwise). HOLD the steering wheel in this position.
h. Press and hold the "ESP OFF" button for 7 seconds. Release the "ESP OFF" button right after 7 seconds. Wait for chime.
i. Turn the steering wheel back to center.
j. Press and hold the "ESP OFF" button for 7 seconds. Release the "ESP OFF" button right after 7 seconds. Wait for chime.
k. Cycle the ignition switch to the "OFF" position.
2. While the Permanent ESP Disable feature is turned on, the vehicle will display the following:
a. The ESP telltale in the instrument cluster will be illuminated.
b. The vehicle odometer will display a "ESP OFF" message.
3. Repeat Step 1 To Turn OFF The Permanent ESP Disable Feature.
Last edited by justletmein; Aug 18, 2011 at 02:46 PM.
Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 2
From: middle of the state, IA
No way to fix it. It turns the esp back in everytime you shift from 2 to 4wd and back. If you are on the beach the whole time and wont be on pavement for a while then just put it in 4wd and stop and hold the esp button for 6 seconds to disable it completely and then leave it alone til you get back to pavement. There is nothing wrong with having the 4x4 on while driving off road.
Professional
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Marshall, MI
I thought when you did the magic 'hokey pokey' steering wheel method it would disable it until you did it again to reactivate it. If you are in 4hi and hold the button for 7 seconds it will disable it only for 4hi. I've never tried it... I haven't really needed a reason to do it. Here is an article about how it works for JK's
http://www.jpmagazine.com/techarticl...tem/index.html
http://www.jpmagazine.com/techarticl...tem/index.html
Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 2
From: middle of the state, IA
That doesn't work for our trucks. The only way to disable it without putting it in 4wd and holding the button for 7 seconds is to hold the key in the start position for as long as you want or unplug a wheel sensor. Both will completely disable the esp but it gets old having to hold the key the whole time and if you unplug a wheel sensor then you also loose your abs brakes.
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
That doesn't work for our trucks. The only way to disable it without putting it in 4wd and holding the button for 7 seconds is to hold the key in the start position for as long as you want or unplug a wheel sensor. Both will completely disable the esp but it gets old having to hold the key the whole time and if you unplug a wheel sensor then you also loose your abs brakes.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I read some things that pointed to Diablo saying it's the only one that could do it, but then read other things stating that it can't. I may have to call them up and ask directly. Other than that I have no interest in a tuner though, so kinda drives me nuts having to spend extra money to disable something that should be optional in the first place. Having said that, if it can do the job it's worth it to me and I'll definitely go that route when I save up some cash to burn.