Mercedes-Benz E-class 1998 Emergency Operation - Manual (Page 20)

100
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) (optional)
The ESP enhances directional control
and reduces driving wheel spin of the
vehicle under any driving condition.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is
counteracted by applying brakes to the
appropriate wheel to create a
counterpointing vehicle movement.
The ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash.
Important!
If the ESP warning lamp flashes, adapt
your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised (see
Towing the vehicle in
Index), the engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steering lock position
0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.
Notes:
The indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
and the yellow ESP warning lamp in
the speedometer dial come on with the
electronic key in steering lock position
2. They should go out with the engine
running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator
lamp comes on permanently with the
engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in either system.
Pressing the accelerator pedal will
require greater effort. Only partial
engine output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake
system functions in the usual manner,
but without BAS.
Have the BAS or ESP checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
soon as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP
is also switched off.
Driving the vehicle with varied size
tires will cause the wheels to rotate at
different speeds, therefore the
electronic stability program may
activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in
speedometer dial comes on). For this
reason, all wheels, including the spare
wheel, must have the same tire size.
When testing the parking brake on a
brake test dynamometer, the engine
must be shut off. Otherwise, the
electronic stability program will
immediately be engaged and will
apply the rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the electronic
stability program is only achieved with
Mercedes-Benz recommended M+S
rated radial-ply tires and/or snow
chains