Driving:Safety systems;Safety systems:Driving;Driving systems:Driving safety systems. Mercedes-Benz SLK 32 AMG, 2003 SLK 230 Kompressor, 2003 SLK-Class, SLK Class 2003, 2001 SLK 320, 2003 SLK 320, 2003 SLK 32 AMG, SLK 320, SLK 230
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Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on the following driving safety systems:
앫
앫
앫
ABS (Antilock Brake System)
BAS (Brake Assist System)
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) i
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the ABS and ESP is only achieved with winter tires (M+S tires), or snow chains as required.
Warning!
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The following factors increase the risk of accidents:
앫 Excessive speed, especially in turns
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앫
Wet and slippery road surfaces
Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS and ESP cannot reduce this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
ABS
Warning!
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Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS and significantly reduces braking effectiveness.
The ABS regulates the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock during braking.
This allows you to maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a 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.
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Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure yields the advantages provided by the ABS, namely braking power and ability to steer the vehicle.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even with light brake pressure. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.
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To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as appropriate.
Warning!
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The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction. The
ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
ABS control
The malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when you turn the key in the steering lock to position 2 . It goes out when the engine is running.
More information can be found in the
“Practical hints” section ( 컄 page 196).
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Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
BAS
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby potentially reducing braking distance. Apply continuous full braking pressure until the emergency braking situation is over. The
ABS will prevent the wheels from locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes function again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is combined with that of the BAS.
The ¿ malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when you turn the key in the steering lock to position 2 . It goes out when the engine is running.
More information can be found in the
“Practical hints” section.
Warning!
G
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction. The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
ESP
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) 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 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 warning lamp v in the speedometer dial flashes when the ESP is engaged.
The warning lamp v in the speedometer dial lights up when you turn the key in the steering lock to position 2 . It goes out when the engine is running.
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Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Warning!
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Never switch off the ESP when you see the
ESP warning lamp v flashing in the speedometer dial. In this case proceed as follows:
앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle as possible
While driving ease up on the accelerator 앫
앫 Adapt 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.
Warning!
G
The ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
!
Because of the ESP’s automatic operation, the engine must be shut off (key in steering lock position 0 or 1 ) when
앫
앫 the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer the vehicle is being towed with the front axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP may otherwise seriously damage the rear axle brake system.
The ESP will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size.
More information can be found in the
“Practical hints” section ( 컄 page 194).
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Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Switching off the ESP
Warning!
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The ESP should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle stability in standard driving maneuvers.
The switch is located on the center console.
ESP always operates when you are braking, even when it has been deactivated.
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Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended period with the ESP switched off. This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off the ESP in driving situations where it would be advantageous to have drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as:
앫
앫 starting out on slippery surfaces and in deep snow in conjunction with snow chains sand or gravel
왘
1 ESP off
2 ESP on
Press upper half 1 of the ESP switch until the ESP warning lamp v in the speedometer lights up.
The ESP is deactivated.
If one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP warning lamp v in the speedometer flashes, regardless of the speed.
Traction control brakes a spinning wheel even when ESP is deactivated.
Warning!
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When the ESP warning lamp v is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP.
Switching on the ESP
왘 Press lower half 2 of the ESP switch.
The ESP warning lamp v in the speedometer goes out. You are now again in normal driving mode.
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