Mercedes-Benz E 300 1996 Emergency Operation - Manual (Page 10)

85
Electronic Traction System (ETS)
The ETS improves vehicle traction,
especially under slippery road
conditions. It engages at vehicle speeds
up to approximately 24 mph (40 km/h),
and applies the brakes to the spinning
drive wheel. At approximately 50 mph
(80 km/h), the ETS switches off.
The ETS warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash at any
vehicle speed, as soon as the tires lose
traction and the wheels begin to spin.
Important!
If the ETS warning lamp flashes:
• during take-off, apply as little
throttle as possible,
• while driving, ease up on the
accelerator.
Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
ETS Control
If the yellow ETS malfunction
indicator lamp comes on while the ETS
warning symbol flashes, with the
engine running, the electronic traction
system is being switched off
temporarily to prevent overheating of
the drive wheel brakes.
If the ETS malfunction indicator lamp
comes on with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected.
Have the ETS checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
soon as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ETS
is also switched off.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in
Index), or when testing the parking
brake on a brake test dynamometer, the
engine must be shut off. Otherwise, the
electronic traction system will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.
Note:
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the electronic traction
system is only achieved with
Mercedes-Benz recommended M+S
radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.