Deactivating/activating ESP®

Observe the "Important safety notes" section ().

WARNING WARNING

ESP® should not be deactivated during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling the system will reduce vehicle stability in driving maneuvers.

Do not deactivate ESP® when the emergency or spare wheel is mounted.

ESP® is activated automatically when the engine is started.

It may be best to deactivate ESP® in the following situations:

  • when using snow chains
  • in deep snow
  • on sand or gravel

WARNING WARNING

Switch on ESP® immediately if one of the previously stated conditions is no longer met. Otherwise, ESP® cannot stabilize the vehicle if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.

When you deactivate ESP®:

  • ESP® no longer improves driving stability.
  • the engine's torque is no longer limited and the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of the wheels results in a cutting action, which provides better grip.
  • traction control is still activated.
  • ESP® still provides support when you brake.

If ESP® is deactivated and one or more wheels start to spin, the cluster flashes. In such situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle. ESP® warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. In such situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle.

  • To deactivate: press button 1. The cluster lights up. ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.

WARNING WARNING

When the up, ESP is switched off. ESP OFF warning lamp lights up, ESP is switched off.

When the ESP OFF warning lamp are on continuously, ESP warning lamp and the ESP is not operational due to a malfunction. ESP OFF warning lamp are on continuously, ESP is not operational due to a malfunction.

When ESP is switched off or not operational, the vehicle's stability during standard driving maneuvers is reduced.

Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing road conditions/weather conditions and to the non-operating status of ESP.

You could otherwise damage the drivetrain. Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an extended period with ESP® deactivated. You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.

  • To activate: press button 1. The cluster goes out. ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
    See also:

    Removing the ball coupling
    Observe the manufacturer's installation instructions. Press the protective cap into the ball coupling recess. Make sure that the protective cap is firmly in place. ...

    Hiding/showing the navigation menu
    To show: turn or slide the COMAND controller. This function is not available while the DVD's own menu is being displayed. To hide: slide the COMAND controller. or Wait for appro ...

    Vehicle Overview
    More than one automaker would like to believe its sport utility vehicle is the “ultimate” example. Mercedes-Benz is taking a step in that direction with the new G500 (G-Class), which evolved from ...