Kia Soul: Electronic stability control (ESC) / ESC operation
ESC ON condition

- When the ignition is turned ON, ESC and ESC OFF indicator lights illuminate
for approximately 3 seconds, then ESC is turned on.
- Press the ESC OFF button after turning the ignition ON to turn ESC off.
(ESC OFF indicator will illuminate). To turn the ESC on, press the ESC OFF button
(ESC OFF indicator light will go off).
- When starting the engine, you may hear a slight ticking sound. This is
the ESC performing an automatic system self-check and does not indicate a problem.
When operating

When the ESC is in operation, the ESC indicator light blinks.
- When the Electronic Stability Control is operating properly, you can feel
a slight pulsation in the vehicle. This is only the effect of brake control
and indicates nothing unusual.
- When moving out of the mud or driving on a slippery road, the engine rpm
(revolution per minute) may not be increased even if you press the accelerator
pedal deeply. This is to maintain the stability and traction of the vehicle
and does not indicate a problem.
ESC OFF condition
To cancel ESC operation :


State 1
Press the ESC OFF button shortly (ESC OFF indicator light and message illuminates).
At this state, the engine control function does not operate. In other words, the
traction control function does not operate but only the brake control function operates.

State 2
Press the ESC OFF button for more than 3 seconds. ESC OFF indicator light and
message illuminates and ESC OFF warning chime will sound. At this state, the engine
control function and brake control function does not operate.
In other words, the vehicle stability control function does not operate any more.
If the ignition switch is placed to the LOCK/OFF position when ESC is off, ESC
remains off. Upon restarting the engine, the ESC will automatically turn on again.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is designed to stabilize the vehicle during cornering maneuvers. ESC checks where you are steering and where the vehicle is actually going. ESC applies the ...
When ignition switch is turned to ON, the indicator light illuminates, then goes off if the ESC system is operating normally. The ESC indicator light blinks whenever ESC is operating or illuminates when ...
Other information:
For your safety, the automatic transaxle has a shift lock system which prevents shifting the transaxle from P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed. To shift the transaxle from P (Park) into R (Reverse): 1. Depress and hold the brake pedal. 2. Start the engine or turn the ignition ...
When the "Check System" warning message appears, the system is not working properly. In this case, have the system checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner. WARNING Driver Attention Warning system is not a substitute for safe driving ...