Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2009 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 71)

Driving safety systems
69
Because the ESP ® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position
0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer.
Active braking action through the ESP
®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESP ® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position
0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer
or the vehicle is being towed with the front
axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP
®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ® will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The cruise control switches off
automatically when the ESP ® engages.
Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS)
G Observe Safety notes, see
page 66.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) and
4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System, vehicles with 4MATIC only) are
components of the ESP
® . The ETS/4-ETS
improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. Vehicles with 4MATIC also
transfer more power to the wheel(s) with
traction.
When you switch off the ESP
® , the
ETS/4-ETS is still enabled.
Switching the ESP ® off or on (except
C 63 AMG)
G Warning!
The ESP ® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP
® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP
® in driving situations in which it
would be advantageous to have the drive
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for
better grip such as:
R when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravel
G Warning!
Switch on the ESP ® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not
apply anymore. Otherwise the ESP
® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to
skid or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP ® ,
R the ESP ® will not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R the ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Safety and security
Z