ESP Question (Vagcom disabled? or broken?)

[looking_to_buy]

Hi all,

I've just received my Leon Sport (veeeeeeery nice it is too ), and the ESP button isn't working. It's second hand, so before I go back to the dealer I thought i'd quickly ask here --- I was just wondering if anyone knows whether this could've been a preference by the previous user to have it 'permanently on' (ie. disable the off button).

Dash light hasn't gone as it lights up on startup for a second or two.

Failing that, I assume the button / connection is broken and it can be fixed under warranty

Cheers in advance

 

[DanGB]

you need to hold the button down for a few seconds, are you doing this?

 

[looking_to_buy]

yeah, I had tried it - will try again though... couple of seconds long enough?

had this on my fabia and it was just a button click that could be done even if the engine hadn't been started (but ignition was engaged)... what i'm saying is, I haven't made any bad assumptions have I (you can do when the car is moving can't you?)

Also, the light on the dash (the car skidding) should come on if you've disabled it right?

I'm guessing as you've answered my other thread re: Vagcom, that it isn't an option someone could have permanently disabled?

 

[Fast_Eddie]

you need to hold the button down for a few seconds, are you doing this?

Dan-sorry I have done a search and I am linked to another thread regarding ESP on the new leon, but I just wondered if it held you back from using your modified car properly. I really love driving and always turned off the tcs/esp in my LCR as soon as I started the car(became like a conditioned reflex in the end).
Is it possible to drift your car properly (if you wanted too) without big brother stepping in and cutting power/applying brakes?

 

[DanGB]

apperently the ESP is alot better in the Mk2 than the mk1, and less restrictive. I never turn it off though. I have no desire to drift so have never tried it!

 

[Fast_Eddie]

I suppose the way I see it is that I like to know what the car is going to do if it ever goes badly wrong. I think the best way(for me) is to 'test' the car gradually and find out its limits.
I know everyone does things differently but for me I like to know what the car is capable of on its own - for example worst case - the esp stops working and you are left with your hands, your feet and some feelings through your backside!