Stability control ESP / ESC warning light: meaning and what to do

Stability control ESP / ESC

The exact symbol can vary between makes and models. Also check the message displayed by the vehicle.

How urgent is it?

Flashing: may be normal intervention. Steady: check whether disabled; if persistent, arrange diagnosis.

How to recognise it

Car with wavy skid marks; sometimes ESP or ESC text.

What it can mean

Flashing can mean the system is intervening on a slippery surface. A steady light can indicate deactivation or a fault, depending on the symbol and message.

What to do

Adjust speed to grip conditions. Check whether the system was switched off; arrange checks for an unexplained persistent warning.

Before clearing the light or codes

Photograph the dashboard message and save all codes, the reporting module, fault status and freeze-frame data. Clearing can remove useful evidence without repairing the cause.

From warning light to inspection

A warning light can have many causes. The example codes below have NOT been scanned from your vehicle.