Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 2009 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 80)

Driving safety systems
78
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.
! 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.
! 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 parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer. Such testing should be no
longer than 10 seconds.
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
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The Distronic system and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESP ®
engages.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
Y page 332) and
( Y page 376).
Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)
G Observe Safety notes, see
page 75.
The 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System) are components of the ESP
® . The
4-ETS improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. In addition, more power is
transferred to the wheel(s) with traction.
When you switch off the ESP
® , the 4-ETS is
still enabled.
X If conditions require, switch on the off-road
driving program (
Y page 185) or the LOW
RANGE mode ( Y page 141).
Off-road 4-ETS
With the off-road driving program switched on
(
Y page 185), or the transmission in LOW
RANGE mode ( Y page 142), the 4-ETS
designed for off-road use is activated
automatically.
Safety and security