Mercedes-Benz 2009 ML-Class Automobile User Manual


 
102
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
4-ETS
The 4-Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)
improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under
slippery road conditions. The brakes are
applied to the spinning wheel and power is
transferred to the wheel(s) with traction.
The ESP
®
warning lamp v in the instru-
ment cluster, starts to flash at any vehicle
speed, as soon as a tire loses traction and
the wheel begins to spin.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
page 414) and
(
page 428).
Off-road - 4-ETS
With the off-road driving program switched
on (
page 268), the 4-ETS designed for
off-road use is automatically activated.
i
If conditions require, switch on off-road
driving program (
page 268).
Warning! G
When you see ESP
®
warning lamp v
flashing in the instrument cluster, then pro-
ceed as follows:
ț While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.
ț While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor.
ț Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4-ETS cannot prevent accidents resul-
ting from excessive speed.
!
Operational or performance test must only
be conducted on a two-axle dynanometer. If
such tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck 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 testing the brakes on a
brake test dynamometer and 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.
i
If the yellow ESP
®
warning lamp v
comes on while driving, the 4-ETS is being
switched off temporarily to prevent overheating
of the drive wheel brakes. In addition, the
message
ESP inoperative See Operator’s
Manual
appears in the multifunction display.