Deactivating/activating ESP® (except AMG vehicles)
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
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.
If 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 ESP® warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. In such situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle.
To deactivate:
The ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
WARNING
When the ESP® OFF warning
lamp is lit, ESP® is deactivated.
If the ESP® warning lamp and
the
ESP® OFF warning lamp remain
lit,
ESP® is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP® is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP®.
Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an extended period with ESP® deactivated. You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
To activate: The ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
See also:
Correct driver's seat position
Observe the safety guidelines on seat adjustment ().
Check whether you have adjusted seat 3 properly.
Electrical seat adjustment () When adjusting the seat, make sure:
you are as far away f ...
Vehicle
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and •► Solutions
Shift to 'P' or 'N'
to Start Engine
You have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position R ...
General notes
If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with
the SmartKey, either the battery in the
SmartKey is discharged, the SmartKey is
faulty or the starter battery is discharged.
Check the battery in ...