Mercedes-Benz 2003 C-Class Wagon, Operator'S Manual

Page: 71 / 370

77
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Switching off the ESP
To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off
the ESP in driving situations where it would
be advantageous to have the drive wheels
spin and thus cut into surfaces for better
grip such as:
앫
starting out on slippery surfaces and in
deep snow in conjunction with snow
chains
앫
sand or gravel
The switch is located on the center con-
sole.
1 ESP off
2 ESP on
왘
Press upper half 1 of the switch.
The ESP warning lamp
v
in the
speedometer dial comes on. ESP is de-
activated.
If one or more drive wheels are spinning,
the ESP warning lamp
v
, located in the
speedometer flashes, regardless of the
speed.
Traction control brakes a spinning wheel
even when ESP is deactivated.
ESP always operates when you are brak-
ing, even when it has been deactivated.
Switching on the ESP
왘
Press lower half 2 of the switch.
The ESP warning lamp
v
in the
speedometer goes out. You are now
again in normal driving mode.
Warning!
G
ESP should not be switched off during nor-
mal driving other than in the circumstances
described below. Disabling of the system
will reduce vehicle stability in standard driv-
ing maneuvers.
!
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.
Warning!
G
When the ESP warning lamp
v
is
illuminated continuously, the ESP is
switched off.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail-
ing road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 77 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM