My L&K has ESP and therefore an 'ESP off' just below the stereo. Can anyone tell me when it's possible to switch it ofF? I can't really envisage a time when i'll want it off but when I was fiddling the other day, I couldn't get the orange light on the button to go out or any kind of warning that it was off so i'm wondering what it's actually there for, if mine is busted or if it needs 'activating' in some way?

In mine (vRS), the light is only on when the button is activated (and therefore ESP is off). There's also a 2nd warning light in the speedo section of the dashboard to remind you that it's disabled..

You can switch the ESP off anytime you like.

The button and warning lamp should then illuminate, the stability function is now disabled.

Press it again and then its back on.

Useful when getting out of deep snow, or just wanting to let the car do as you tell it to rather than have the electronics look after it.

You can switch the ESP off anytime you like.

The button and warning lamp should then illuminate, the stability function is now disabled.

Press it again and then its back on.

As I understand it pushing it once briefly only partially disengages the ESP, to disable it further thereby switching off more stabilty functions push and 'hold' the ESP button for around 5 seconds although I could stand corrected on this.

As for the reasons to switch it off, aside from track day action or wheel spinning for fun it can come in useful if you happen to get stuck in snow

I know that to be true on a Mazda for example, never heard of it on a VAG car though.

Anyone know if you can do the "launch control" function with a DSG gearbox in the vRS ala the Golf GTi by turning ESP off?

There are videos on youtube...in those at least it appears to be a quick button press to disable ESP.

oh i want to go OT. i might have had a glass or two of something. i read the ESP button as Extra Sensory Perseption button. this invites all sorts of metaphysical questions...

sorry, normal service will be resumed now.

OKay, so i've cracked what's going on. If I press and hold the button for a few seconds, the skidding car image appears on the dash to show it's turned off so that's fine.

However, Lummox said the button lights up as well. Can you definately confirm it should do this cos mine doesn't and merely stays green whether it's on or off?:confused:

Is it possible it doesn't do this on new models or what??