2007 Tucson "ESC OFF" Light

3 messages, Last post on Apr 29, 2008 at 7:21 AM

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#2 of 3 Re: 2007 Tucson "ESC OFF" Light [petecal] by wowzers17 Apr 27, 2008 (5:43 pm)
Replying to: petecal (Feb 07, 2008 8:27 am) The ESC stands for Electronic Stability Control. It's basically a sensor that will override the accelerator and slow the car down in the event of the car beginning to lose control (example: if you begin to fish-tail while going around a bend, the ESC will activate and slow down the wheels despite however far you have the accelerator pedal pressed). You don't technically NEED ESC, but it's a nice safety feature. If it fails while you are driving, there's no need to freak out. I have a 2006 Tucson with the exact same problem you describe, and the dealer found the problem linked to a faulty brake pedal switch. Don't ask my why that's on the same circuit, but if you take the car into the dealer, they'll replace the switch for free (under warranty). That's what happened to me, and I haven't had the problem since. Replies to this message: petecal (Apr 29, 2008 7:21 am)
#3 of 3 Re: 2007 Tucson "ESC OFF" Light [wowzers17] by petecal Apr 29, 2008 (7:21 am)
Replying to: wowzers17 (Apr 27, 2008 5:43 pm) Actually, there are a number of sensors. Wheel speed sensors, accelerometers, and other ways of sensing pitch roll and yaw. And they react to a lot more than fishtail. It detects when one or more wheels are losing traction or when a rollover is eminent. It then directs power to the wheels that are needed to mitigate the problem by using both the transmission, engine power, and brakes. As for freak out, damn right I am freaked out. I paid for the ESC and the first time I encountered conditions that needed it, it took itself off line. Now, I have been driving in winter conditions for over 40 years. In bad conditions, I know what to do with rear wheel drive, I know what to do with front wheel drive, and I practiced a little with ESC. But, my main concern was, when the ESC OFF light came on, what did I have? Front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, some combination? Was the ABS still functioning (I confirmed it was later when I exited the highway)? What about other functions? The problem has not occurred since but I haven't hit the terrible conditions of that night. Thus, I doubt the brake pedal switch was the problem. More likely it was the ice, slush, and snow gumming something up. Of course that means the problem won't return unless I encounter similar conditions. I really don't want to take it in to the dealer and have him swap out the switch and get his reimbursement from the company. Then have the same problem when the weather is bad.

#2 of 3: Re: 2007 Tucson "ESC OFF" Light [petecal] by wowzers17; Apr 27, 2008 (5:43 pm)

Replying to: petecal (Feb 07, 2008 8:27 am)

The ESC stands for Electronic Stability Control. It's basically a sensor that will override the accelerator and slow the car down in the event of the car beginning to lose control (example: if you begin to fish-tail while going around a bend, the ESC will activate and slow down the wheels despite however far you have the accelerator pedal pressed). You don't technically NEED ESC, but it's a nice safety feature. If it fails while you are driving, there's no need to freak out.

I have a 2006 Tucson with the exact same problem you describe, and the dealer found the problem linked to a faulty brake pedal switch. Don't ask my why that's on the same circuit, but if you take the car into the dealer, they'll replace the switch for free (under warranty). That's what happened to me, and I haven't had the problem since.

petecal (Apr 29, 2008 7:21 am)

#3 of 3: Re: 2007 Tucson "ESC OFF" Light [wowzers17] by petecal; Apr 29, 2008 (7:21 am)

Replying to: wowzers17 (Apr 27, 2008 5:43 pm)

Actually, there are a number of sensors. Wheel speed sensors, accelerometers, and other ways of sensing pitch roll and yaw.

And they react to a lot more than fishtail. It detects when one or more wheels are losing traction or when a rollover is eminent. It then directs power to the wheels that are needed to mitigate the problem by using both the transmission, engine power, and brakes.

As for freak out, damn right I am freaked out. I paid for the ESC and the first time I encountered conditions that needed it, it took itself off line.

Now, I have been driving in winter conditions for over 40 years. In bad conditions, I know what to do with rear wheel drive, I know what to do with front wheel drive, and I practiced a little with ESC. But, my main concern was, when the ESC OFF light came on, what did I have? Front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, some combination? Was the ABS still functioning (I confirmed it was later when I exited the highway)? What about other functions?

The problem has not occurred since but I haven't hit the terrible conditions of that night. Thus, I doubt the brake pedal switch was the problem. More likely it was the ice, slush, and snow gumming something up. Of course that means the problem won't return unless I encounter similar conditions.

I really don't want to take it in to the dealer and have him swap out the switch and get his reimbursement from the company. Then have the same problem when the weather is bad.