2021 Polestar 2 Electronic Stability Control
Activating and deactivating Sport mode for Electronic Stability Control
The stability system (ESC) is always activated and cannot be switched off. However, the driver can select Sport mode, which offers more active driving characteristics.
When sport mode is activated, this symbol will illuminate with a steady glow in the instrument panel and remain on until the function is deactivated or the vehicle switched off. The system will return to normal mode the next time the vehicle is started.
- Tap
in the center display.
- Tap Drive.
- Select to activate or deactivate ESC.
Sport mode cannot be selected when any of the following functions are activated:
- Cruise control
- Adaptive Cruise Control*
- Pilot Assist *
Electronic Stability Control
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) function helps the driver avoid skidding and improves the vehicle’s directional stability.
This symbol will be displayed in the instrument panel when the system is intervening.
When the system has intervened to apply the brakes, a pulsing sound may be heard and the vehicle may accelerate more slowly than expected when the accelerator pedal is depressed.
The system consists of the following sub-functions:
- Stability control
- Spin control and active yaw control
- Engine drag control
- Trailer Stability Assist
- The function is supplementary driver support intended to facilitate driving and help make it safer – it cannot handle all situations in all traffic, weather and road conditions.
- The driver is advised to read all sections in the Manual about this function to learn of its limitations, which the driver must be aware of before using the function.
- Driver support functions are not a substitute for the driver’s attention and judgment. The driver is always responsible for ensuring the vehicle is driven in a safe manner, at the appropriate speed, with an appropriate distance to other vehicles, and in accordance with current traffic rules and regulations.
Stability control
This function helps control the driving and braking force of each individual wheel in an attempt to stabilize the vehicle.
Spin control and active yaw control
This function is active at low speeds and brakes the wheels that are spinning to transfer additional power to wheels that are not spinning.
This function can also help prevent the wheels from spinning while the vehicle is accelerating.
Engine drag control
Engine drag control (EDC) can help prevent inadvertent wheel lock, e.g. after downshifting or using engine braking when driving at low speeds on a slippery surface.
Inadvertent wheel lock while driving could impair the driver’s ability to steer the vehicle.
Trailer Stability Assist*
The function of Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is to stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailer when the vehicle and trailer have begun to sway.
With ESC sport mode selected, Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is switched off.
Electronic Stability Control in sport mode
The stability system (ESC) is always activated and cannot be switched off. However, the driver can select ECS sport mode, which offers more active driving characteristics.
With sport mode selected, intervention from the system is reduced and more lateral movement is permitted, giving the driver more control of the vehicle than usual.
When sport mode is selected, the function may seem to be disabled even though it continues to assist the driver.
With ESC sport mode selected, Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is switched off.
Sport mode also helps provide more traction, even if the vehicle gets stuck or is driving on a loose surface such as deep snow or loose sand.
Electronic Stability Control symbols and messages
A number of symbols and messages related to Electronic Stability Control (ESC ) may be displayed in the instrument panel. Several examples are provided below.
| Symbol | Message | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Steady glow for approx. 2 seconds | System check when the engine is started. |
|
|
Flashing light | The system is actively operating. |
 |
Steady glow | Sport mode is activated.
Note: The system is not deactivated in this mode, but has partially reduced functionality. |
|
|
ESC Temporarily off | The system’s functionality has been temporarily reduced due to high brake system temperatures. The function will be automatically reactivated when the brakes have cooled. |
|
|
ESC Service required | The system is not functioning properly. Stop the vehicle in a safe place, turn off the engine and then restart it. |
A text message can be erased by briefly pressing the 
button in the center of the right-side steering wheel keypad.
If a message cannot be erased, contact Polestar Customer Support.