2000 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 204

Antilock brake system (ABS) Warning! Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use firm, steady brake pedal pressure. Pumping the brake pedal defeats the purpose for ABS and significantly reduces braking effectiveness. Important! The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during hard braking maneuvers. The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/ h) independent of road surface conditions. At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while experiencing the pulsation. Continuous steady brake pedal pressure results in applying the advantages of the ABS, namely braking power and ability to steer the vehicle. In the case of an emergency brake maneuver keep continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this manner only can the ABS be most effective. On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even with light brake pedal pressure because of the increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving. ABS control The ABS malfunction indicator lamp - in the instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering lock position 2 and should go out with the engine running. When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp - in the instrument cluster comes on while the engine is running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake system functions in the usual manner, but without antilock assistance. With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS, EBP, ESP and 4-ETS+ are also switched off. The malfunction indicator lamps come on with the engine running. 201 Driving systems Instruments and controls Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index