I purchased my SRT8 in early August, it had a build date in July. My buddy purchased his a month later with a build date in August. He showed me the 3rd ESP mode -completely off, as shown in the owner's manual; I had been trying to disingage the ESP completely but have not been able to do so . I thought I would wait till my first service, because I thought it was probably a small problem. I brought my car in for it's 3000 service and had told the service manager of the problem. He was unable to access the off mode as well. Today (10-18), he told me that upon inquiry, chrysler had sent him a memo today indicating that "the early" SRT8s did not come with the 3rd mode and that a retrofit was not available and that the issue was the"brake controller".

As you can imagine, I nearly blew a vessel, I called chrysler and spoke to 2 customer service reps who were completely clueless, one told me nothing, the other told me to follow the directions in the owner's manual and then told me to go back to the dealership and order the correct option!

I will not accept this as the end of it and am seeking others of you out there with "early" SRTs without the 3rd ESP mode so that we can approach Chrysler as a group (think class action) to find a remedy -retrofit. We purchased 06' vehicles that according to the owner's manual should have come with the full package, this was not an option item and I was never given information to the contrary.

So guys and gals out there, don't settle for less than you paid for, let's help each other.

 

Does it mention it in the manual that you can totally turn it off? From my recollection I don't think it does which probably means you don't have a leg to stand on and are SOL. And quite frankly, does it really matter? Just think of the rubber costs you'll save.

 

Franko, in response to your question, page 101 " the ESP system has 3 available operating modes:...." Page 102 has a discussion of the "ESP OFF" mode.

 

In that case you do have a leg to stand on! and you have every right to pursue it. One thing's for sure, the only times I'll switch mine completely off is on a track or in large open area. With the F1 tires in the wet with ESP totally off the back end snaps round like an old Porsche, useless for street driving IMO.

Good luck.

 

I think you just need your Computer flashed to the newest upgrade....

I think all SRT8's you can disable the ESP completely after a computer flash

 

checked out my car last night and tryed to turn off esp can not does any body know if getting computer flashed workes thanks

 

No, if you dont have that mode, its not just a flash away. Its just a small part of a completely upgraded braking system a DCX guy has told us would cost 10K to add in parts. The Continental Teves MK25E is the name. I believe. As far as what they (DCX) can or will do if its in your manual, damned if I know.

 

I found out that all Magnum SRT8s with a build date earlier than 8-1-05 do not have the 3rd mode.