ESP
®
can monitor and improve driving stability
and traction in the following situations, within
physical limits:
R
When pulling away on wet or slippery road‐
way.
R
When braking.
R
Vehicles with trailer hitch: In trailer opera‐
tion from speeds of 40 mph (65 km/h), if the
vehicle/trailer combination begins to sway
from side to side.
If the vehicle deviates from the direction desired
by the driver, ESP
®
can stabilize the vehicle by
intervening in the following ways:
R
One or more wheels are braked.
R
The engine output is adapted according to
the situation.
ESP
®
is deactivated if the å ESP
®
OFF warn‐
ing lamp lights up continuously in the instrument
cluster.
Observe the following points when ESP
®
is deac‐
tivated:
R
Driving stability will no longer be improved.
R
Vehicles with trailer hitch: Stabilization of
the vehicle/trailer combination is no longer
active.
R
The drive wheels could spin.
R
ETS/4ETS traction control is still active.
%
When ESP
®
is deactivated, you are still assis‐
ted by ESP
®
when braking.
If the ÷ ESP
®
warning lamp flashes in the
instrument cluster, one or several vehicle wheels
has reached its grip limit:
R
Adapt the driving style to suit the prevailing
road and weather conditions.
R
Do not deactivate ESP
®
under any circum‐
stances.
R
Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
is necessary.
It may be best to deactivate ESP
®
in the follow‐
ing situations:
R
When using snow chains.
R
In deep snow.
R
On sand or gravel.
%
Spinning the wheels results in a cutting
action, which enhances traction.
If the ÷ ESP
®
warning lamp lights up continu‐
ously, ESP
®
is not available due to a malfunction.
Observe the following information:
R
Warning and indicator lamps (/ page 475)
R
Display messages (/ page 427)
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
ETS/4ETS traction control is part of ESP
®
and
makes it possible to pull away and accelerate on
a slippery roadway.
ETS/4ETS can improve the vehicle's traction by
intervening in the following ways:
R
The drive wheels are braked individually if
they spin.
R
More drive torque is transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Driving and parking
167
