2009 Mercedes R-Class Owner's Manual - Page 80

Safety and security Driving safety systems G Warning! Never switch off the ESP® when you see the ESP® warning lamp v flashing in the instrument cluster. In this case proceed as follows: RWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible. RWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal. RAdapt your speed and driving style to the prevailing road conditions. Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed. ! Only conduct operational or performance tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such tests are necessary, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. You could otherwise seriously damage the brake system or the transfer case which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. ! 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 the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer. 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. available traction, especially under slippery road conditions by applying the brakes to a spinning wheel. In addition, more power is transferred to the wheel(s) with traction. When you switch off the ESP®, the 4-ETS is still enabled. Switching off the ESP® G Warning! The ESP® should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling the system will reduce vehicle stability in driving maneuvers. Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare wheel is mounted. To improve the vehicle's traction, switch off the ESP® in driving situations in which it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as: Rwhen Rin Rin ! The ESP® will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size as specified in the "Technical data" section of this Operator's Manual. i The cruise control switches off automatically when the ESP® engages. For more information, see the "Practical hints" section (Y page 306) and (Y page 346). Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) G Observe Safety notes, see page 75. The 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction System) are components of the ESP®. The 4-ETS improves the vehicle's ability to utilize driving with snow chains deep snow sand or gravel 78