What to Do When the ESP Warning Light Comes On?
2 Answers
The method to handle the ESP warning light coming on is to reduce driving speed, avoid excessive steering and turning, and take the vehicle to a 4S shop as soon as possible for troubleshooting with a specialized diagnostic tool. Reasons for the ESP warning light coming on: ABS pump failure; ABS pump power or grounding circuit failure; loose sensor connectors; failure of a certain sensor; related fuse blown; system signal transmission blocked; system false alarm. ESP: ESP is the Electronic Stability Program, an extension of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS) functions. When the car is braking and the tires lock up, the ESP system uses mechanical intermittent braking to allow the driver to still steer the car while fully braking.
That day when I was driving, the ESP light suddenly came on, and honestly, it scared me quite a bit. This is the system that prevents skidding, so the light coming on means it might be malfunctioning, and handling it requires caution. I think the first thing is not to panic, immediately slow down and drive to a safe place to stop, such as finding an emergency lane or roadside on the highway. Then try turning off the engine, waiting a few minutes, and restarting it to see if the light turns off—sometimes minor issues like this can resolve themselves. If it's still flashing, check the tire conditions; a leak or abnormal wear can trigger this light. I used a pressure gauge and found that one tire was indeed low. After inflating it, the light went off. But if restarting doesn’t work, it’s best not to force driving, especially in rain or snow—the risk is too high. Head to the nearest repair shop to check the sensors or wiring issues. I also make it a habit to regularly maintain my car, reminding myself to clean the wheel speed sensors to prevent dust buildup and false alarms. Safe driving is more important than anything else.