Electronic Stability Program - Mercedes-Benz 1998 SL 500 Operator's Manual

Electronic Stability Program

(ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control
and improves traction of the vehicle
under any driving condition.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is
counteracted by applying brakes to the
left or right side wheels. The ESP
warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash.
Important!
If the ESP warning lamp flashes, adapt
your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in
Index), the key must not be in steering
lock position 2. Otherwise, the
electronic stability program will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.
Notes:
The indicator Is mp for the ESP is
combined with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAB/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp In the instrument cluster
and the yellow ESP warning lamp in the
speedometer dial come on with the key in
steering lock position 2. They should go
out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator
lamp comes on with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in either
system. Pressing the accelerator pedal will
require greater effort. Only partial engine
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system
functions in the usual manner, but without
BAS.
Have the BAS or ESP checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon
as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is
also switched off.
Driving the vehicle with varied size
tires will cause the wheels to rotate at
different speeds, therefore the
electronic stability program may
activate (yellow ESP malfunction
indicator lamp in instrument cluster
comes on). For this reason, all wheels,
including the spare wheel, must have
the same tire size.
When testing the parking brake on a
brake test dynamometer, the engine
must be shut off. Otherwise, the
electronic stability program will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the electronic stability
program is only achieved with
Mercedes-Benz recommended M + S
radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.
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