2009 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 67

Safety and security Driving safety systems maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance may increase. The ABS/ESP® warning lamp v in the instrument cluster flashes when the ESP® is engaged. Active braking action through the ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the brake system which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. ESP® G Observe Safety notes, see page 63. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is operational as soon as the engine is running and monitors the vehicle's traction (force of adhesive friction between the tires and the road surface) and handling. The ESP® recognizes when a wheel is spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By applying brakes to the appropriate wheel and by limiting the engine output, the ESP® works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP® is especially useful while driving off and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP® also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and steering maneuvers. The ABS/ESP® warning lamp v in the instrument cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running. G Warning! Never switch off the ESP® when you see the ABS/ESP® warning lamp v flashing in the instrument cluster. In this case proceed as follows: RWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible. RWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal. RAdapt your speed and driving style to the prevailing road conditions. Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed. ! Because the ESP® operates automatically, the engine and ignition must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer or when the vehicle is being towed with the front axle raised. ! The ESP® will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size as specified in the "Technical data" section of this Operator's Manual. i The Distronic system and cruise control switch off automatically when the ESP® engages. For more information, see the "Practical hints" section (Y page 256) and (Y page 296). Electronic Traction System (ETS) G Observe Safety notes, see page 63. The ETS (Electronic Traction System) is a component of the ESP®. The ETS improves the vehicle's ability to utilize available traction, especially under slippery road conditions by applying the brakes to a spinning wheel. When you switch off the ESP®, the ETS is still enabled. Z 65