The truth of the matter is that nearly all of the complaints stem from a lack of understanding the system and how it operates. ESP enhances directional control and stability of the Jeep. It corrects for over- and understeering conditions using brake actuation and reduction of throttle to help the Jeep maintain a desired path. The best way to understand it is to actually read page 108 of the '07 JK owner's manual. After that, take the Jeep out wheeling and make yourself familiar with the settings, their operation, and how each setting affects the handling of your Jeep. In some cases, you'll have to trust that the ESP is trying to save your ass, even if you think you know what you're doing behind the wheel.

The system has three settings: On, Partial On, and Off. The settings that areavailable to the driver are dependent upon what position the transfer-case shifter is in. Two-wheel drive offers On and Partial On; High-range 4x4 offers On, Partial On, and Off below 40 mph; and Low-range only offers Off.

Driving off-road with the ESP On is kinda boring and uneventful-and in some cases, you won't want it on. That's why it has a switch. But on the road, the system makes you feel pretty safe. It intervenes before something sketchy like tire spin or sliding gets started. It might actually be a neat feature if put under lock and key to keep reckless teenagers and other inexperienced drivers on a leash when they are in your Jeep.

The Partial On setting turns just about anyone willing to hammer the throttle and point the Jeep in the right direction into a professional driver. You can feel the brakes applying at individual corners to keep you straight at speeds. The system is especially good at stabilizing the nasty habit of overcorrection. This is perhaps our favorite setting for smooth, twisty dirt roads. It lets you get loose, but not too loose.

To turn the ESP all the way off, you'll need to follow the instructions in the manual. This manual override is only possible in high-range four-wheel-drive. This is the ESP and transfer case setting we'd recommend for the Rubicon models in soft, loose terrain like deep mud and sand dunes where wheel speed is a must. Non-Rubicons can run in Low range, where the ESP is already off.

This is the "steering wheel maneuver" i was talking about. This is how its described in the '07 service bulletin. The only difference in the 08 yellow card is that it says to have the key in the "ON" position, not running. Also, it doesn't mention waiting for chimes.

1. Procedure To Turn ON (or OFF) The Permanent ESP Disable Feature:
a. Verify that the automatic transmission selector is in the “Park” position, and that a
manual transmission is in neutral gear.
b. Start the vehicle engine and wait approximately five (5) seconds for the system bulb
check to complete.
c. Shift the transfer case into the 4H range position. Firmly set parking brake.
d. Turn the steering wheel until it is centered and the wheels are pointed straight
ahead.
e. Turn the steering wheel one-half (½) turn to the right (clockwise). HOLD steering
wheel in this position.
f. Press and hold the “ESP OFF” button for 7 seconds. Release the “ESP OFF” button
right after 7 seconds. Wait for chime.
g. Turn the steering wheel back to center, then turn the steering wheel one-half (½)
turn to the left (counterclockwise). HOLD the steering wheel in this position.
h. Press and hold the “ESP OFF” button for 7 seconds. Release the “ESP OFF” button
right after 7 seconds. Wait for chime.
05-001-08 -6-
i. Turn the steering wheel back to center.
j. Press and hold the “ESP OFF” button for 7 seconds. Release the “ESP OFF” button
right after 7 seconds. Wait for chime.
k. Cycle the ignition switch to the “OFF” position.
2. While the Permanent ESP Disable feature is turned on, the vehicle will display the
following:
a. The ESP telltale in the instrument cluster will be illuminated.
b. The vehicle odometer will display a “ESP OFF” message.
3. To Turn OFF The Permanent ESP Disable Feature:
a. Repeat the above procedure (in Step 1).