ESP

📖 YOUCANIC Automotive Glossary

ESP (Electronic Stability Program) is the Bosch brand name widely adopted for electronic stability control that prevents loss of vehicle control during emergency maneuvers and slippery conditions. ESP compares the driver’s intended direction (steering angle sensor) with actual movement (yaw rate sensor, lateral accelerometer, wheel speed sensors). When a mismatch is detected, ESP selectively applies individual wheel brakes and may reduce engine torque to correct the vehicle’s path.

ESP is functionally identical to ESC, DSC (BMW/Mazda), VSA (Honda), VDC (Nissan/Subaru), and VSC (Toyota/Lexus) — each manufacturer uses their own name for the same federally mandated technology. The ESP warning light indicates a system fault, while a flashing ESP light during driving means active intervention. The YOUCANIC UCAN-II reads ESP module codes and performs SAS calibration and yaw rate sensor calibration required after alignment or suspension work.