Saturn Astra/Mazda3 & ESC

[mmorriso]

I was looking at a Saturn Astra as an option for my next vehicle since it is available with Electronic Stability control (Stabilitrack).  However, to my knowledge it was only available in the 2 door XR model.  To my surprise when I inquired about an 08 XE I was told that Stabilitrack can be added for $635.  I was under the impression that ESC could not be added as a dealer installed option or retrofitted.  Does this mean that it is actually on the base model and it is essentially just turned off?  Is this true of other brands?

Anyone know if I could add ESC to a 2010 Mazda3 Sport GX?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

It's a factory option the dealer would have had to have configured at time of ordering.

On '08/'09MY XE and XR 5-drs stand-alone at $635 or standard in the XR Sport Handling Package.


On 2010 Mazda3 looks like you need to move up to a Sport GS with Comfort Package. Could be wrong though.

[vdk]

If one changes the ECU from an ESP equipped car to a non-ESP vehicle, then it will acquire stability control correct? All the sensors are there, I think only the software is missing.

[tpl]

If one changes the ECU from an ESP equipped car to a non-ESP vehicle, then it will acquire stability control correct? All the sensors are there, I think only the software is missing.

I doubt the sensors are all there.   The yaw and roll sensor probably would not be there and of course the wiring harness may be different.

[vdk]

LE: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/mazda_mania/return_of_the_boss_wagon_mazdaspeed_5_project_car

Page 3: "But Ladd massaged the pieces into place and connected all the brake lines to the 3’s ABS/stability-control unit. Interesting tidbit: As part of the swap, our Boss Wagon acquired stability control, which is not available on the 5."

They did have to change the wiring harness, but other than that nothing.

The Mazda5 is equipped with EBD which needs sensors at all 4 wheels, and so does the ABS.

[tpl]

I think the yaw sensor should be somewhere near the centre of the car, like under one of the front seats. Should be easy enough to see if it is there. The steering position sensor  would be on the column somewhere but might be difficult to recognize and I would expect that one to be in place on all cars if some have ESC

[mmret]

I think the yaw sensor should be somewhere near the centre of the car, like under one of the front seats. Should be easy enough to see if it is there. The steering position sensor  would be on the column somewhere but might be difficult to recognize and I would expect that one to be in place on all cars if some have ESC

Would it not be logical to have a differential yaw sensor in two parts, one front center and one rear center?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Why in their right mind would a company sell a product fully capable of ESC without it? Doesn't make sense (unless they're charging for it, but even still would think it's missing a component or two).

That said I've seen stranger things happen.