What Causes the ESP Light to Illuminate During Startup?
2 Answers
Reasons for the ESP light illuminating during startup are: 1. When the ESP warning light flashes, it indicates the system is currently active, which is a normal phenomenon; 2. If the warning light remains steadily lit without other warning lights being on, it is caused by a lost signal from components of the vehicle stability system, commonly due to faults in the steering angle sensor, lateral acceleration sensor, or wheel speed sensor; 3. If it lights up along with the engine warning light or other system warning lights, it is due to a lost signal from a critical electrical component, causing the vehicle systems to fail to operate properly. The ESP system, or Electronic Stability Program, is a general term for systems or programs that enhance vehicle handling performance while effectively preventing loss of control when the vehicle reaches its dynamic limits.
It's quite common for the ESP light to come on during startup. I was startled too when I first bought my car. Normally, the light stays on for a few seconds during system self-check, but if it doesn't go off, you should pay attention. I've encountered two situations: one is the wheel speed sensor getting clogged with mud, especially after driving on rough roads in the rain; the other is the steering sensor triggering a false alarm because the steering wheel wasn't straight, which can be resolved by restarting the engine. It's recommended to first check if there's any debris blocking the sensors near the four tires, then try turning off and restarting the car. If the light remains on, it could be due to loose wiring connections or a faulty control unit, and you should visit a professional repair shop to read the fault codes. ESP is crucial for safety during emergency maneuvers, so don't take it lightly.
