Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: Deactivating/activating ESP® - ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) - Driving safety systems - Safety - Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Owner's ManualMercedes-Benz GL-Class: Deactivating/activating ESP®

section. Observe the "Important safety notes" section.

WARNING ESP® should not be deactivated during 
ESP® should not be deactivated during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling the system will reduce vehicle stability in driving maneuvers.
Do not deactivate ESP® when the emergency or spare wheel is mounted.

ESP® is activated automatically when the engine is started.

It may be best to deactivate ESP® in the following situations:

when using snow chains
in deep snow
on sand or gravel

WARNING Switch on ESP® immediately if one of the 
Switch on ESP® immediately if one of the previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP® cannot stabilize the vehicle if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.

When you deactivate ESP®:

ESP® no longer improves driving stability.
the engine's torque is no longer limited and the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of the wheels results in a cutting action, which provides better grip.
traction control is still activated.
ESP® still provides support when you brake.
If ESP® is deactivated and one or more wheels start to spin, the lamp in ESP® warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. In such situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle.

► To deactivate: press button 1.

To deactivate: press button 1.

The instrument cluster lights up. ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.

WARNING When the  ESP® OFF warning 
When the
lamp is lit, ESP® OFF warning lamp is lit, ESP® is deactivated.
If the
the ESP® warning lamp and the lit, ESP® OFF warning lamp remain lit, ESP® is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability in standard driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP®.

extended period with ESP® deactivated. Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an extended period with ESP® deactivated.

You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.

To activate: press button 1.

The instrument cluster goes out. ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.

    4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
    Observe the "Important safety notes" section. Traction control is part of ESP®. Traction control brakes the drive wheels individually if they spin. This enables you to pull away and ...

    Off-road ESP®
    An ESP® system specifically suited to off-road terrain is activated automatically if the offroad drive program is activatedor if the LOW RANGE off-road gear is selected. It intervenes with a delay ...

    See also:

    Symbols used in this handbook
    This safety alert symbol precedes any safety message about a risk of personal injury. It will also have one of the following signal words. DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not ...

    Traction
    The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. The grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government ...

    Brakes
    Important safety notes WARNING   On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your ve ...