Mercedes-Benz R-Class 2009 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 81)

Driving safety systems
79
G Warning!
Switch on the ESP ® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not
apply anymore. Otherwise the ESP
® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to
skid or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP ®
R the ESP ® does not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R the 4-ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
R the ESP ® continues to operate when you
are braking
R you cannot activate the cruise control
R the cruise control switches off if activated
i When the ESP ® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP ®
warning lamp v in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESP ® will
then not stabilize the vehicle.
1 ESP ® switch
X With the engine running, press ESP ® switch
1 until the ESP ® warning lamp v in the
instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP
® is switched off.
G Warning!
When the ESP ® warning lamp v is
illuminated continuously, the ESP ® is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions and to the non-
operating status of the ESP
® .
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP ® switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Switching on the ESP ®
X Press ESP ® switch 1 until the ESP ®
warning lamp v in the instrument
cluster goes out.
You are now again in normal driving mode
with the ESP
® switched on.
ESP ® trailer stabilization
If the trailer you are towing should begin to
sway, the rig can only be stabilized by
immediately applying the brakes hard.
Steering during this maneuver will not help to
stabilize the rig.
The ESP
® will assist you in such situations.
The ESP ® recognizes when the trailer starts
swaying and will apply the brakes to reduce
the vehicle speed to a non-critical speed that
allows the vehicle-trailer combination to
stabilize.
Safety and security
Z