How to Deactivate ESC in Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, or SEAT

Ever found yourself on a twisty mountain road or track day and thought: “Man, this ESC is really killing my vibe”? I’ve been there too. In this guide, you’ll learn how to deactivate ESC (or turn on ESC OFF mode) in vehicles like Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, or SEAT using OBDeleven. No wrenches, no black magic — just your phone, a dongle, and 5 minutes of your time.

1. Wait, What’s ESC and Why Would I Want It Off?

Great question! Before you go around tapping buttons or activating hidden menus like a secret agent, let’s take a moment to understand what ESC actually is—and why anyone would intentionally turn it off.

ESC stands for Electronic Stability Control. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes safety features that quietly watches your every move (creepy? maybe a little)—but only to protect you! Think of ESC as your car’s invisible bodyguard. If your car starts to skid, slide, or lose control (like when cornering too fast or driving on ice), ESC automatically kicks in. It gently applies brakes to individual wheels or reduces engine power to help keep your vehicle stable and pointed in the direction you actually want to go.

So, What Does ESC Off Mean on a Car?

Well… not everyone’s just commuting to the office or picking up groceries. Here are a few totally valid (and kind of fun) reasons someone might want ESC turned off:

• Performance Driving: Let’s say you’re on a racetrack or private road (read: not your neighborhood), and you want full control of the car without ESC cutting your power mid-corner. Turning ESC off gives you more throttle freedom and lets the tires do their thing—sideways, if you like.

• Deep Snow or Mud: In off-road or snowy conditions, ESC can actually work against you. It might reduce power when you actually need the wheels to spin a bit to get unstuck. Disabling ESC gives you better traction in tricky terrain.

• Drifting or Gymkhana: If you know, you know. ESC kills the vibe (and the slide).

So, yes—ESC is your friend 99% of the time. But if you’re that 1% who’s chasing performance or handling a unique driving situation, knowing how to turn it off can come in handy. Just don’t forget to turn it back on before you hit the Starbucks drive-thru, alright?

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2. Tools You Need to Deactivate ESC

To deactivate ESC properly through coding (not just via a dashboard button), you’ll need some specific tools and software:

2.1. Required Hardware:

• OBDeleven device (Pro or Ultimate version recommended)

• Android/iOS smartphone or tablet

• OBD-II extension cable (if using an older OBD device)

• Stable car battery or battery charger (to avoid voltage drops during coding)

2.2. Required Software:

• OBDeleven App (available on Google Play Store or Apple App Store)

• OBDeleven PRO or Ultimate Subscription (for access to One-Click Apps and advanced coding features)

• Stable internet connection (for app data sync and firmware updates)

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3. How to Deactivate ESC Using OBDeleven Like a Pro

This procedure is most commonly used on vehicles like the Volkswagen Arteon R, but it also works on many Audi, Skoda, and SEAT models that support ESC control through OBDeleven.

Step 1: Connect OBDEleven adapter

Connect OBDeleven adapter to the Volkswagen Arteon R OBD port

Step 2: Open OBDeleven app and connect to your car
Open the OBDeleven app on your smartphone and plug in your OBDeleven adapter. Then press “Connect.” Wait for the app to confirm that it has successfully connected to the vehicle.

Then, select the device from the list to connect with the OBDEleven

Step 3: Access the “Apps” section
Once connected, tap “Apps” from the bottom menu. This section contains pre-configured functions for various modules in your vehicle.

Step 4: Select “ESC Off Permanently”
From the available apps, choose “ESC Off Permanently.” This function will let you configure your vehicle to disable the ESC system more aggressively than standard factory options.

Step 5: Choose “ASR Off / ESC Sport” and activate
Within the ESC Off app, select “ASR Off / ESC Sport.” Then press “Activate.” You might see a brief warning message—confirm it to proceed.

Step 6: Wait for confirmation
The app will process the command. In just a few seconds, you should receive a success message indicating the configuration has been applied.

Step 7: Verify the change
Look at your dashboard—many vehicles will now display a message such as “ESC Off” or “Stabilization Control Limited.” This confirms that ESC has been deactivated.

Watch this video if you still don’t know how:

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4. When Should You Turn Off ESC—and When You Absolutely Shouldn’t?

Turning off ESC (Electronic Stability Control) can give you more control in certain situations, but it also removes a key safety net. Here’s when it makes sense to disable it—and when it doesn’t.

4.1.When You Should Turn Off ESC:

• Drifting or performance driving: ESC limits wheelspin and oversteer. Turning it off allows full control for drifting or aggressive driving.

• Off-road driving: ESC can cut engine power or apply brakes when you’re driving on sand, snow, or uneven terrain—making it harder to move.

• Dyno testing or launch testing: ESC interferes with power delivery during performance testing or high-RPM launches.

• Track days or autocross: In experienced hands, turning off ESC can improve lap times by allowing for more dynamic vehicle behavior.

4.2. When You Shouldn’t Turn Off ESC:

• Daily driving or commuting: ESC is a critical safety feature, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

• Driving in the rain or snow (on public roads): ESC helps prevent spinouts and loss of control during emergency maneuvers.

• Inexperienced drivers: Without ESC, even a small mistake can lead to serious loss of control.

• Urban driving with pedestrians and traffic: Safety systems like ESC play a major role in preventing accidents in tight, unpredictable environments.

🛑 Bottom line: Turn it off only when you really know what you’re doing—and in a safe, controlled environment.

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Conclusion

Disabling ESC in Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, or SEAT vehicles using OBDeleven is a powerful tool for enthusiasts and professionals. It enables full control over the vehicle for specific driving conditions or testing.

However, it’s vital to understand the implications:

• Know what ESC Off means

• Know how to turn off the ESC light

• And most importantly — use it responsibly

🚀 Ready to Take Control of Your Car’s Hidden Features?

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