Mercedes-Benz R-Class 2008 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 104)

103
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
୴ page 419) and
( ୴ page 435).
ETS/4-ETS (Electronic Traction System)
The Electronic Traction System is part of
the ESP
® .
The Electronic Traction System improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available trac-
tion, especially under slippery road condi-
tions. The brakes are applied to the
spinning wheel and power is transferred to
the wheel(s) with traction.
When you switch off the ESP ® , the
Electronic Traction System is still operat-
ing and will still apply the brake to a
spinning wheel.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
୴ page 414) and
( ୴ page 427).
! Vehicles with 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 test-
ing the parking brake on a brake test dynamom-
eter and such testing should be no longer than
10 seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP ® may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
i The ESP ® will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
(
୴ page 529).
Warning!
G
The Electronic Traction System cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from act-
ing on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded. The Electronic Traction
System cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, following another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an Electronic Traction
System equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
i If the yellow ESP ® warning lamp v
comes on while driving, the Electronic Traction
System is being switched off temporarily to
prevent overheating of the drive wheel brakes.
In addition, the message
ESP Unavailable
See Operator’s Manual appears in the
multifunction display.