Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2009 - Manual (Page 75)

Driving safety systems
73
ESP ®
G Observe Safety notes, see
page 69.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP ® ) is
operational as soon as the engine is running
and monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP
® recognizes when a wheel is
spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By
applying brakes to individual wheels and by
limiting the engine output, the ESP
® works to
stabilize the vehicle. The ESP ® is especially
useful while driving off and on wet or slippery
road surfaces. The ESP
® also stabilizes the
vehicle during braking and steering
maneuvers.
The ESP
® warning lamp v in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP
® warning lamp v in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ® is
engaged.
G Warning!
Never switch off the ESP ® when you see the
ESP ® warning lamp v flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP
® cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Because the ESP ® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position
0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer.
Active braking action through the ESP
®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESP ® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position
0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP
®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ® will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
Safety and security
Z