Mercedes-Benz C 230 1998 Owner's Manual page 96

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Important!
The AB S im proves steering control
of the vehicle during braking
m aneuvers. Do not pum p the brake
pedal, rather use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure. Pum ping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose
for ABS and significantly reduces
braking effectiveness.
The ABS prevents the w heels from
locking up above a vehicle speed
of approxim ately 5 mph (8 km/h)
independent o f road surface
conditions.
At the instant one of the w heels is
about to lock up, a slight pulsation
can be felt in the brake pedal,
indicating that the ABS is in the
regulating mode. Keep firm and
steady pressure on the brake pedal
while experiencing the pulsation.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS
will respond even with light brake
pedal pressure because o f the
increased likelihood o f locking
wheels. The pulsating brake pedal
can be an indication of hazardous
road conditions and functions as a
rem inder to take extra care w hile
driving.
94
ABS Control
The ABS m alfunction indicator
lamp in the instrum ent cluster
com es on with the electronic key in
steering lock position 2 and should
go out when the engine is running.
If the charging voltage falls below
10 volts, the m alfunction indicator
lamp com es on and the ABS is
switched off. W hen the voltage is
above this value again, the
m alfunction indicator lam p should
go out and the ABS is operational.
W ith the ABS m alfunctioning,
the ASR or ESP, if vehicle so
equipped, are also switched off.
Both m alfunction indicator lamps
com e on with the engine running.
If the ABS m alfunction indicator
lamp does not go out or com es on
w hile driving, it indicates that the
ABS has detected a m alfunction
and has switched off. In this case,
the brake system functions in the
usual manner, but w ithout antilock
assistance.
Have the system checked at your
authorized M ercedes-Benz dealer
as soon as possible.
W arning!
ABS cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction made
available by the road con d i­
tions. T he A B S cannot prevent
accidents, including those
resulting from excessive
speed in turns, follow ing
another vehicle too closely, or
aquaplaning. O nly a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ABS
equipped car m ust never be
exploited in a reckless or
d angerous m anner which
could jeo pard ize the u se r's
safety o r the safety of others.
Note:
To alert follow ing vehicles to
slippery road conditions you
discover, operate your hazard
warning flashers as appropriate.