Esc off light coming on. The light comes on If I push the brake pedal all the way down and as soon as I start to release brake the light comes on.I mean I just start to release pressure & it comes on

Asked by Upmaine Dec 08, 2015 at 05:56 PM about the 2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The brake pedal doesn't even move an 1\8" & the light comes on. The car is in
park when it comes on.

9 Answers

545

I had a similar issue with 2012 Sonata. Also had acceleration issues, or lack there of. Took it to the dealer who told me bad battery and brake light switch. Changed both as recommended. Problem persisted. I took it back and they found I was having issues while headlights were on. They mentioned unusual wiring under steering column and offered new wiring harness for $3500 plus labor with no indication it would solve the issue. I said no thanks. Got a Carfax and found the car used to be rental fleet. Realizing it was likely an aftermarket kill switch or GPS tracker, I took it to a stereo shop. They removed the aftermarket wiring for $75. Car now runs perfectly whether lights are on or not. Problem solved!

43 people found this helpful.
550

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 brakes at individual wheels and intervenes in the engine management system to stabilize the vehicle. WARNING Never drive too fast for the road conditions or too quickly when cornering. Electronic stability control (ESC) will not prevent accidents. Excessive speed in turns, abrupt maneuvers and hydroplaning on wet surfaces can still result in serious accidents. Only a safe and attentive driver can prevent accidents by avoiding maneuvers that cause the vehicle to lose traction. Even with ESC installed, always follow all the normal precautions for driving - including driving at safe speeds for the conditions. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether ESC will be effective in preventing a loss of control. It is still your responsibility to drive and corner at reasonable speeds and to leave a sufficient margin of safety. When you apply your brakes under conditions which may lock the wheels, you may hear a “tik-tik’’ sound from the brakes, or feel a corresponding sensation in the brake pedal. This is normal and it means your ESC is active. ✽ NOTICE A click sound may be heard in the engine compartment when the vehicle begins to move after the engine is started. These conditions are normal and indicate that the Electronic Stability Control System is functioning properly. ESC operation ESC ON condition Hyundai Sonata: Electronic stability control (ESC). 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 for at least half a second 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 Hyundai Sonata: Electronic stability control (ESC). When the ESC is in operation, ESC indicator light blinks. When the ESC is in operation, 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, pressing the accelerator pedal may not cause the engine rpm (revolutions per minute) to increase. ESC operation off Hyundai Sonata: Electronic stability control (ESC). ESC OFF state ESC OFF state To cancel ESC operation, press the ESC OFF button (ESC OFF indicator light illuminates). If the ignition switch is turned to LOCK position when ESC is off, ESC remains off. Upon restarting the engine, the ESC will automatically turn on again. Indicator light Hyundai Sonata: Electronic stability control (ESC). When ignition switch is turned to ON, the indicator light illuminates, then goes 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 ESC fails to operate. The ESC OFF indicator light comes on when the ESC is turned off with the button. CAUTION Driving with varying tire or wheel sizes may cause the ESC system to malfunction. When replacing tires, make sure they are the same size as your original tires. WARNING The Electronic Stability Control system is only a driving aid; use precautions for safe driving by slowing down on curved, snowy, or icy roads. Drive slowly and don’t attempt to accelerate whenever the ESC indicator light is blinking, or when the road surface is slippery. ESC OFF usage When driving ESC should be turned on for daily driving whenever possible. To turn ESC off while driving, press the ESC OFF button while driving on a flat road surface. Never press the ESC OFF button while ESC is operating (ESC indicator light blinks). If ESC is turned off while ESC is operating, the vehicle may slip out of control. ✽ NOTICE When operating the vehicle on a dynamometer, ensure that the ESC is turned off (ESC OFF light illuminated). Turning the ESC off does not affect ABS or brake system operation. WARNING Never press the ESC OFF button while ESC is operating. If the ESC is turned off while ESC is operating, the vehicle may go out of control. To turn ESC off while driving, press the ESC OFF button while driving on a flat road surface.

48 people found this helpful.
240

The ESC off light came on and my shift locked on me .. They told me I have fix the the brake switch. So I did... The shift works but know my brake light don't work and the ESC off light still turns on when I push the brake paddle...

24 people found this helpful.
270

I have the same issue when brake the esc light on after start the car. I bought brake light switch (15 $) change it by myself and the problem solved.

27 people found this helpful.
410

I had this issue on a 2009 Sonata... my problem was the steering wheel position sensor wasn’t seated properly. Turned out to be an easy fix if you see it right above the break pedal. https://youtu.be/8EDTDp8FrGI

30 people found this helpful.
140

Hi I had same issue. They have replaced switch for $8 with 99% labor fees. and I am getting still ESC OFF light on. That slow downs speed of car and stop by, then stop engine and start engine.

14 people found this helpful.
410

https://youtu.be/8EDTDp8FrGI I had this same problem. Right above the break switch is the steering angle sensor. I believe it may have accidentally brushed out of position by my shoe. I did replace the break even though it tested good because all the forums suggested it. I did fix the problem and uploaded the solution to YouTube

11 people found this helpful.
30

Hey i brought a 06 sonata was having problem with front brake locking up , replaced rotors, caliper , master cylinder still doing the same thing , rotors was cherry red , somebody replace brake light switch but had the switch in to far causing the brake pedal to be push in while driving i pulled the switch out brakes freed up solve the problem adjust the switch problem solve Riding good now , No one one seem to solve the problem so here you go

3 people found this helpful.

MI CARRO ES DEL 2008. HYUNDAI SONATA. YO ESTABA MANEJANDO PERO LA RUEDA DERECHA COJI UN HUECO Y EL CARRO SE NAUTROLISO TODO. QUE NO QUERIA PARA Y NO PODIA FRENARLO. YO QUISIERA SAVER POR QUE PASO ESTO.

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