Electronic stability program (ESP), driver information - GF42.45-P-0001-04A

Models 129, 140, 170, 202, 208, 210 

The instrument cluster contains a number of displays with different symbols for the ESP system.

Switching on the ignition and starting the engine 

When the ignition is switched on (ignition/starter switch in position "2"), the warning and malfunction indicator lamps in the instrument cluster (bulb check) come on and go out when the engine is running.

Driving mode 

In driving mode the warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes  as soon as the ESP is working. It provides information about the ESP control mode and warns the driver when a wheel spins and he is approaching the physical limit with his vehicle. He can therefore adapt his driving style better to the road conditions.

The warning lamp does not come on during a very short ESP control mode.

If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp or ABS MIL comes on while driving and goes out again after a while, the cause is battery undervoltage or overvoltage.

Malfunction indicator lamp evaluation 

• Vehicles without BAS 

  If the ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on when the engine is running, there is a fault in the networking of the ESP, ME-SFI and ETC systems. The ESP is inoperative but the ABS function is retained.

  If there is a fault in the electronic accelerator (EA) it is possible to continue driving with reduced engine power (accelerator changes to emergency-running mode). On vehicles up to 05/96 the EPC malfunction indicator lamp illuminates in addition to the ESP malfunction indicator lamp.

  If the ABS and ESP malfunction indicator lamps come on when the engine is running, there is a fault which affects both control circuits and both systems are switched off.

• Vehicles with BAS: 

  If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on when the engine is running, there is a fault in the networking of the ESP, ME-SFI, BAS and ETC systems. BAS or ESP is inoperative. The fault may be in the BAS or in the ESP.

Models 129, 140, 210 with engine 104, 119, 120) 

In the first case (BAS fault) ESP function is retained, in the second case (ESP fault) the BAS function is retained. The ABS function is retained in any case. If the ABS MIL and BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp come on when the engine is running, there is a fault which affects the ABS and ESP control circuits and both the systems are switched off. The BAS function can continue to be retained.

Models 170, 202, 208, 210 with M111, 112, 113, 605, 606, 611, 612, 613: 

In the first case (BAS fault) both systems are inoperative, in the second case (ESP fault) the BAS function is retained. The ABS function is retained in any case. If the ABS MIL and BAS/ ESP malfunction indicator lamp come on when the engine is running, there is a fault which affects the ABS, BAS, ASR and ESP control circuits and all the systems are switched off.

It is possible to continue driving with reduced engine power (accelerator changes over to emergency running mode) if there is a fault in the electronic accelerator (EA).

ESP OFF switch (S76/6) 

The warning lamp in the speedometer illuminates permanently  when the ESP OFF switch is pressed. If one or both drive wheels spin, the warning lamp (warning function) flashes  . In deep snow and when snow chains are fitted, the sensitive, stability-orientated ESP control may have a detrimental effect on starting off characteristics.

The ESP can be switched off in such cases. The drive moment control circuit is then no longer active. During braking the ESP stability function continues to be retained. A brake intervention on one side can be effective while starting off up to a speed of 60 km/h.