ESP problem ??!!!

[Dei]

Hi guys new to forum and hope someone can help or advise please I have a leon 20vt cupra 2000 and just wondering wether or not my esp is working!! When I press the ESP button near the handbrake in centre console nothing seems to happen no light comes on display on dash to indicate that ESP is on or off? Is ther supposed to be a light on dash when pressed? What symbol is the ESP meant to look like on dash if any? So really I don't know if I am driving my cupra with ESP on or off?!! Any help or advice please guys ASAP? Light is illuminated on ESP button thou so is it working? Thanks

 

[andycupra]

ESP is on as standard and will be each time you turn on the ignition.

If ESP is switched off or there is a fault then the ESP light will illuminate on the dash.
It may be that the ESP switch isnt working, (not uncommon) or someone's fiddled with the dash to hide a fault... (although i dont expect this to be the case)

Does the traction control work? - that should be easy to test.. (on the move) and if its working then this indciates the ESP is likely working and so its almost certinly the ESP switch.

ESP symbol is an exclamation mark in a yellow triangle with an arrow circling it.:
http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/513/hfespsymbol7106332.jpg

 

[Dei]

Thanks m8 what's the best way to test that its working? That symbol of the ESP link I can't say that I have seen that in my cupra when ignition on!!:/ only symbol noticed is round circle with half circles ether side to it similar to this ((0)) and its next to the abs light!

 

[Dei]

Us the esp/ tc symbol with all the other
symbols in centre when ignition on or with speedo or rev clock surround?

 

[andycupra]

the circle with half circles around it is brakes.

The esp light is 2 lights below the handbrake light in the middle of the dash.

When you turn on the ignition it should come on for about 1 second then go out if its working.


PS which leon is it you have? incl year? - you definately have ESP and not just tration control? (sounds like it given the button you described)
EDIT, just seen its a 2000, so from this i assume its got leather electric seats? if so then it probably got ESP - later models might not!

 

[Dei]

Right so not with the rest of lights then mate? So I'm looking in wrong place? If the switch is working and esp goes off will the esp or tc light stay on? And go off again when enabled on? Just so I know what's on and off! What's best way to test that ESP is working mate and remedy faulty switch or not

 

[andycupra]

im sure ive answered all those questions already.. but here goes:

The ESP light looks like this: http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/5...bol7106332.jpg

When you turn on the ignition, lots of lights illuminate on the dash and then go out after 1-2 seconds. - This includes the ESP light.

If the light comes on when you first turn on the ignition and then goes out after 1-2 seconds this indicates that the ESP system has checked itself and is working.
To clarify, the ESP light is a warning light, - this means when driving if the ESP is working, then the ESP light on the dash is OFF.
so vice versa, if the ESP light is showing on the dash this indicates it is not on, either due to a fault or if youhave turned it off. A bit like the ABS light in that if it comes on it is warning you that its not working.

where is the ESP light? - its in the same box as the handbrake light, - in the middle of the dash.
If you find the handbrake light the ESP warning light is 2 lights below this.

My advice to you is to go and turn on your ignition and look at the dash as you do so. It will all make sense.

how to check if its working.. erm well as traction control is part of this system this is probably the easiest way to see if its working, go for a drive, somewhere sensible where you wont cause any trouble or be a hazard and see if the traction control is working. If it is and the ESP warning light is not on then id say its working.

 

[andycupra]

here you go:

number 26 on this diagram

 

[Dei]

No nothing no light there atall when ignition switched on? And it Defoe has the symbol of the image I sent? It must not be working then or fault somewhere thanks anyway mate for help

 

[andycupra]

mmm thats a bit worrying, i hope nobody has disconnected the ESP light to hide an issue.

 

[Dei]

That's got me a bit worried now will have to check fuses or something very strange!!! :/ sureley if there was a fault or issue with it wouldn't the abs light stay on aswel?? As don't they work together?

 

[andycupra]

they do work together, but the ABS is capable of working on its own.
and if you turn off the ESP, (although its never 100% off) it wouldnt turn off the ABS.

But dont worry completely yet, it may well be that the light on the dash has failed.
Get it scanned to be sure.
Is the traction control working?

 

[Dei]

Going to try the traction control after work I will try and wheelspin it lol and see if anything flashes up! Prob that's the only way to test really yea? And going to check all fuses relays etc and also give the dealership a ring thanks andy

 

[Dei]

Hi tried the traction control after work doesn't seem to be working! Car spinning in 1st and bit I think in 2nd gear did notice the esp light on dash slight illuminating as it was dark but it looks like only half is illuminating bottom half of the symbol vagly nothing happens when spinning thou light still same through everything strange cant see the light in day light don't know if bin tamperd with prob looks that way it may be the switch poss?!! Very confused:/ help help

 

[andycupra]

ok, well when the traction control / ESP is doing something the ESP light on the dash will flash so this might be what you saw!?
Traction control doesnt work too well in first gear as you need to be moving above a certain speed for it to work, (other wise it could stall the car/cause issues at junctions)
I also am sure the ESP systems on early cupras, year 2000 etc are leses intrusive than later and do allow a little wheelspin...
If you think you may have seen the light come on but dimly.. then it might do the same when you first turn on the ignition? if so it might just be an failing LED?

 

[Dei]

I didn't really notice it flashing or do anything really just noticed when got in the car that it was dimly lit if you really looked closely just make out the symbol on it and only half basically lit so yea could poss be failing led!!! Even tried pressing the esp button if does any diffrence but nothing so really can't tell if esp is on or off? How do I test the traction control then please if need to go over certain speed or revs?

 

[Dei]

Is it worth buying another switch? Or is it much of job to change led in dash?