Mercedes-Benz 2004 C-Class Coupe - Manual (Page 76)

76
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
୴ page 261).
Switching off the ESP
To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off
the ESP in driving situations where it would
be advantageous to have drive wheels spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
such as:
ț starting out on slippery surfaces and in
deep snow in conjunction with snow
chains
ț sand or gravel
The switch is located on the center con-
sole.
1 ESP off
2 ESP on
̈ Press upper half 1 of the ESP switch
until the ESP warning lamp
v in the
speedometer comes on.
The ESP is deactivated.
!
Because of the ESP’s automatic opera-
tion, the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0
or 1) when
ț the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer
ț the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP
may otherwise seriously damage the
rear axle brake system.
The ESP will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size.
Warning!
G
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers.