2001 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 271

Instruments and controls Driving systems Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index 262 To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, switch off ESP by pressing the upper half (1) of the ESP switch. The ESP warning lamp v located in the speedometer dial, is continuously illuminated. Warning! When the ESP warning lamp is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off. Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. P42.45-2245-26 ESP control switch ESP control switch located on center console. 1 Press to switch ESP off ESP warning lamp v in located in speedometer dial comes on. 2 Press to switch ESP on ESP warning lamp v in located in speedometer dial goes out. With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. A portion of the ESP system remains active, even with the switch in the OFF position. If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the brake is applied until the wheel regains sufficient traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds up to approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h).