Mercedes-Benz 2001 S 600, Operator'S Manual

Page: 97 / 157

97
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control
and improves traction of the vehicle
under any driving condition.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is
counteracted by applying brakes to the
left or right side wheels. The ESP
warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash.
Important!
If the ESP warning lamp flashes, adapt
your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised (see Towing the vehicle in Index),
the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the electronic stability program will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.
Notes:
The indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with that of the BAS.
With the key in steering lock position
2, the yellow BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamps in the instrument
cluster and the yellow warning lamp in
the speedometer dial come on. They
must go out when the engine is
running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator
lamp comes on with the engine
running, a malfunction has been
detected in either system. Pressing the
accelerator pedal will require greater
effort. Only partial engine output will
be available.
Have the BAS or ESP checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
soon as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP
is also switched off.
Driving the vehicle with varied size
tires will cause the wheels to rotate at
different speeds, therefore the
electronic stability program may
activate (yellow ESP malfunction
indicator lamp in instrument cluster
comes on). For this reason, all wheels,
including the spare wheel, must have
the same tire size.
When testing the parking brake on a
brake test dynamometer, the engine
must be shut off. Otherwise, the
electronic stability program will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the electronic stability
program is only achieved with
Mercedes-Benz recommended M + S
radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.