Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2008 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 66)

65
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Four wheel electronic traction system
(4MATIC) with the ESP
®
Models with all-wheel-drive only.
The 4MATIC improves vehicle’s ability to
use available traction, e.g. during winter
operation in mountains under snowy
conditions, by applying power to all four
wheels.
Warning!
G
If you see the ESP ® warning lamp v
flashing in the instrument cluster, proceed
as follows:
ț While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible
ț While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor
ț 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 result-
ing from excessive speed.
!
Do not tow with one axle raised.
Otherwise the transfer case can be damaged,
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! Performance testing must only be conduct-
ed on a two-axle dynamometer.
Otherwise the transfer case can be damaged,
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! Because the ESP ® operates automatically,
the engine must be shut off (SmartKey in starter
switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO (Canada
only) start/stop button* in position 0 or 1) when
the parking brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer.
Active braking action through the ESP ® may
otherwise seriously damage the front or rear axle
brake system.
Operational tests with the engine running can
only be conducted on a two-axle dynamometer.
i At highly demanding operating conditions,
the electronic traction system may temporarily
switch off to prevent overheating of the drive
wheel brakes. The message
Currently Un-
available See Operator’s Manual will
then appear in the multifunction display while
the ESP
® warning lamp v is flashing. The
ESP ® is still functioning normally.