Antilock Brake System; Abs) - Mercedes-Benz S 320 1999 Owner's Manual

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Important!
The ABS improves steering control
of the vehicle during braking ma­
neuvers. Do not pump the brake
pedal, rather use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose
for ABS and significantly reduces
braking effectiveness.
The ABS prevents the wheels from
locking up above a vehicle speed
of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
independent of road surface
conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels 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 of the
increased likelihood of locking
wheels. The pulsating brake pedal
can be an indication of hazardous
road conditions and functions as a
reminder to take extra care while
driving.
ABS Control
The ABS malfunction indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster
comes on with the key in steering
lock position 2 and should go out
when the engine is running.
If the charging voltage falls below
10 volts, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched off. When the voltage is
above this value again, the
malfunction indicator lamp should
go out and the ABS is operational.
With the ABS malfunctioning,
the ASR or ESP, if vehicle so
equipped, are also switched off.
Both malfunction indicator lamps
come on with the engine running.
If the ABS malfunction indicator
lamp does not go out or comes on
while driving, it indicates that the
ABS has detected a malfunction
and has switched off. In this case,
the brake system functions in the
usual manner, but without antilock
assistance.
Have the system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
as soon as possible.
Warning!
ABS cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction made
available by the road condi­
tions. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those
resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or
aquaplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ABS
equipped car must never be
exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user's
safety or the safety of others.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to
slippery road conditions you
discover, operate your hazard
warning flashers as appropriate.
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