Maserati Ghibli 2016 Owner's Manual page 210

Driving
ESC on
This is the normal ESC operating mode.
At each start-up of the vehicle, the ESC
system is set in this mode and should
be used for most driving conditions.
The ESC should only be turned off for
specific reasons as pointed out in the
following paragraphs.
ESC off
The "ESC off" mode is aimed for a
more spirited driving experience but
also purposeful for driving in deep
snow, sand, or gravel. The current
mode disables the TCS portion of the
ESC and raises the threshold for ESC
activation, allowing higher wheel spin
5
than normally granted by the ESC
system. The switch is fitted beside
the gear shift lever: to deactivate the
system see"Drive mode" in "Automatic
Transmission" in this section.
NOTE:
• When in "ESC off" mode, the TCS
functionality of ESC is deactivated
(except for the limited slip feature
described in the TCS paragraph of
this chapter). All other stability
features of ESC function regularly.
• To improve the vehicle's traction
when driving with snow chains, or
when starting off in deep snow,
sand, or gravel, it may be desirable
208
to switch to the "ESC off" mode by
pressing the switch and remain in
this operational mode no longer
than needed. Once the situation
requiring "ESC off" mode is
overcome, turn the ESC on again by
pressing the switch. This may also
be performed while in motion.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to assist
the driver when starting a vehicle
uphill. HSA will maintain the level of
brake pressure applied for a short
period of time also after releasing the
brake pedal.
If the driver does not apply the
throttle during this short period of
time, the system will release brake
pressure and the vehicle will start
sloping down. The system will release
brake pressure proportionally to the
amount of throttle/torque applied as
the vehicle starts to move in the
chosen direction.
HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in
order for HSA to activate:
• vehicle is stationary.
• gear selection matches vehicle uphill
direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is
in forward gear; vehicle backing
uphill is in reverse gear).
HSA will work in R (Reverse) and all
forward gears when the activation
criteria have been met.
The system will not activate if the gear
is placed in N (Neutral) or P (Park).