Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL 1988, Owner'S Manual

Page: 71 / 121

ABS (Antilock Brake System)
The ABS prevents the wheels from
locking up above a speed of approx.
3 km/h (2 mph) independent of road
surface conditions. It is necessary,
however, that a speed of approx.
8 km/h (5 mph) has been exceeded at
least once after start-up.
At the instant one of the wheels is
about to lock up, you will feel a slight
pulsation in the brake pedal, indicat­
ing that the ABS is in the regulating
mode.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS
will respond even with only a slight
brake pedal pressure. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of
hazardous road conditions, and it
functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
The ABS indicator lamp in the instru­
ment cluster comes on with the key in
steering lock position 2 and should go
out with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below
10 volts, the indicator lamp comes on
and the ABS is switched off. When
the voltage is above this value again,
the indicator lamp should go out and
the ABS will be operational.
If the ABS indicator lamp does not go
out or comes on while driving, it indi­
cates that the ABS has detected a
malfunction and has switched off. In
this case, the brake system functions
in the usual manner, but without anti­
lock assistance. We recommend that
you visit an authorized MERCEDES-
BENZ dealer as soon as possible to
have the system checked.
Warning!
Even the ABS cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle. The ABS cannot pre­
vent accidents, including those re­
sulting from excessive speed in
turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents. The capa­
bilities of an ABS equipped car
must never be exploited in a reck­
less or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.