Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 KOMPRESSOR 1999, Owner'S Manual

Page: 87 / 153

A ntilock Brake System (ABS)
Im portant!
The ABS im proves steering control
of the vehicle during braking
m aneuvers. Do not pum p the brake
pedal, rather use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose
for ABS and significantly reduces
braking effectiveness.
The ABS prevents the w heels from
locking up above a vehicle speed
of approxim ately 5 mph (8 km/h)
independent of road surface
conditions.
At the instant one of the w heels is
about to lock up, a slight pulsation
can be felt in the brake pedal,
indicating that the ABS is in the
regulating mode. Keep firm and
steady pressure on the brake pedal
while experiencing the pulsation.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS
will respond even with light brake
pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking
wheels. The pulsating brake pedal
can be an indication of hazardous
road conditions and functions as a
rem inder to take extra care while
driving.
A B S Control
The ABS m alfunction indicator
lam p in the instrum ent cluster
com es on with the key in steering
lock position 2 and should go out
w hen the engine is running.
If the ABS m alfunction indicator
lamp does not go out or com es on
w hile driving, it indicates that the
ABS has detected a m alfunction
and has sw itched off. In this case,
the brake system functions in the
usual m anner, but w ithout antilock
assistance.
W ith the A B S m alfunctioning,
the BAS and ASR are also
switched off. The AB S m alfunction
indicator lam ps com es on with the
key in steering lock position 2.
If the charging voltage falls below
10 volts, the m alfunction indicator
lam p com es on and the A B S is
sw itched off. W hen the voltage is
above this value again, the m al­
function indicator lam p should go
out and the ABS is operational.
Have the system checked at your
authorized M ercedes-Benz dealer
as soon as possible.
W arning!
ABS cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction m ade
available by the road condi­
tions. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those
resulting from excessive
speed in turns, follow ing
another vehicle too closely, or
aquaplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ABS
equipped vehicle m ust never
be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous m anner which
could jeopardize the u ser’s
safety o r the safety of others.
Note:
To alert follow ing vehicles to
slippery road conditions you
discover, operate your hazard
w arning flashers as appropriate.