2011 Mercedes GLK-Class Owner's Manual - Page 65

Driving safety systems ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) Important safety notes G Warning Observe "Important safety notes" (Y page 61). 63 If ESP® detects that the vehicle is deviating from the direction desired by the driver, one or more wheels are braked to stabilize the vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also modified to keep the vehicle on the desired course within physical limits. ESP® assists the driver when pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP® can also stabilize the vehicle during braking. If ESP® intervenes, the ä warning lamp flashes in the instrument cluster. ! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or performance tests may only be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the vehicle on such a dynamometer, please consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center in advance. You could otherwise damage the drive train or the brake system. i Only use wheels with the recommended tire sizes. Only then will ESP® function properly. ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System) G Warning Observe "Important safety notes" (Y page 61). G Warning! Never switch off the ESP when you see the ESP warning lamp ä 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. Traction control is part of ESP®. Traction control brakes the drive wheels individually if they spin. This enables you to pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example if the road surface is slippery on one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more drive torque is also transferred to the wheel or wheels with traction. Traction control remains active if you deactivate ESP®. ! Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the ignition off when: Rthe parking brake is being tested using a dynamometer Rthe vehicle is being towed with the front/ rear axle raised Application of the brakes by ESP® may otherwise destroy the brake system. Deactivating/activating 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. Z Safety ! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the ignition when the parking brake is being tested on a brake dynamometer. Application of the brakes by ESP® may otherwise destroy the brake system.