Technical bulletins
37 Electronic stability control identification
Identification of Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The following evidence is acceptable proof that the vehicle is fitted with an ESC system:
- The presence and correct operation of appropriate ESC tell-tale indicators on the vehicle’s dashboard
- A Statement of Compliance showing ESC fitment
- A tell-tale indicator like the symbol below refers to an ESC system:
- A tell-tale indicator on the vehicle’s dashboard comprising one of the following acronyms:
AUDI | ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program) |
BMW | DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
|
| DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) Note: If a BMW has DTC displayed the vehicle can be accepted as containing an ESC system. The underlying technology to DTC includes DSC - which is an ESC system) | |
CRYSLER | ESP (Electronic Stability Program) |
DAIHATSU | DVS (Daihatsu Vehicle Stability control system) |
FORD | ESP (Electronic Stability Program) |
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) | |
GM | PSC (Precision Control System) |
| HOLDEN | ESC (Electronic Stability Control) |
HONDA | VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) |
JAGUAR | DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) |
LANDROVER | DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) |
LEXUS | VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) |
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integration Management) | |
| MASERATI | MSP (Maserati Stability Program) |
MAZDA | DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) |
MERCEDES-BENZ | ESP (Electronic Stability Program) |
| MINI | DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) |
MITSUBISHI | ASC (Active Stability Control) |
ASTC (Active Stability and Traction Control) | |
NISSAN | VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) |
| PORSCHE | PSM (Porsche Stability Management) |
SUBARU | VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) |
SUZUKI | ESP (Electronic Stability Program) |
TOYOTA | VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integration Management) |
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) | |
VOLVO | DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) |
VOLKSWAGEN | ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program) |
The above list is not exhaustive, other manufacturer-specific symbols or acronyms may also be acceptable if the certifier is satisfied that the lamp refers to an ESC system.
However, a tell-tale indicator with the letters 'TC' or 'Traction Control' is not an indication of ESC fitment and cannot be accepted as such. The Transport Agency is aware of a letter provided by a Land Rover dealer erroneously stating that vehicles with 'TC' tell-tales are fitted with a form of ESC. This letter cannot be accepted as evidence of ESC fitment.
Identification of an ESC fault
An ESC fault is normally identified by the tell-tale indicator lamp not extinguishing at the conclusion of the self-check process initiated when the vehicle’s ignition is switched on.
Note 1
Similar to frontal impact and emissions requirements this provision will not apply to:
- an immigrant’s vehicle, or
- a special interest vehicle, or
- a motorsport vehicle that is operated in accordance with the conditions of a valid low volume vehicle authority card issued for the vehicle in accordance with the Low Volume Vehicle Code, or
- a motor vehicle manufactured, or first registered outside of New Zealand, twenty years or more before the date of its first certification for entry into service in New Zealand, or
- a low volume vehicle that was:
- manufactured, assembled or scratch-built in quantities of 500 or less in any one year (ie, not a uniquely modified low volume vehicle), and
- not originally fitted with an electronic stability control system, and
- is certified in accordance with the Low Volume Vehicle Code.
Page updated 25 February 2021 (see details)