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

Model 163

There are displays with various symbols in the instrument cluster for ESP.

Fig 1: Identifying Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Driver Components

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 functions of 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 The drive moment control circuit is then no longer active .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. Brake intervention on one side can be effective while starting off up to a speed of 60 km/h.

The ESP warning lamp (A1e41) in the speedometer illuminates permanently when the ESP OFF switch (76/6) is pressed.

Fig 2: Identifying ESP Off Switch (76/6)

Basic information on actuation of the indicator lamps

Actuation of the malfunction indicator and warning lamps "interlinked", i.e.:

When the low brake fluid level/parking brake/brake force distribution indicator lamp (A1 e7) is actuated, A1 e17, A1 e35 and A1e47 are always illuminated at the same time.
When the ABS MIL (A1e17) is actuated, A1e35 and A1e47 are always illuminated at the same time.
When the ETS MIL (A1e35) is actuated, A1e47 is always illuminated at the same time.
The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp (A1e47) can come on, on its own.

Switching on ignition and starting engine

When the ignition is switched on (ignition/starter switch in position "2"), the warning and malfunction indicator lamps in the instrument cluster (A1) (bulb check) come on to check the bulbs and go out when the engine is running.

Malfunction indicator lamp evaluation

The ESP warning lamp (A1 e41) flashes in driving mode as soon as the ESP performs a control intervention (not if the driver brakes at the same time or the ESP control intervention is very short).

The ESP warning lamp (A1e41) warns the driver when one or more wheels are spinning or when the driver is approaching the physical limit with his vehicle.

He can therefore adapt his driving style better to the road conditions. If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp (A1e47) comes on while driving and goes out again after some time, the cause is battery undervoltage or overvoltage or the steering angle sensor (N49) was temporarily not initialized.

If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp (A1e47) comes on permanently while the engine is running, there is a fault in the networking of the ESP, ME-SFI or BAS systems. The fault may be in the BAS or the ESP. In the first case both systems are inoperative and in the second case the BAS function is retained. The ABS and ETS function is retained in each case.

If the ABS (A1 e17), ETS (A1e35) and BAS/ESP (A1 e47) MIL come on when the engine is running, there is a fault which influences the ABS, ETS, BAS and ESP control circuits. In this case all the systems are switched off.

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).

There is an entry in the fault memory of the ESP, SPS and BAS control module (N47-5) if one of the indicator lamps is actuated due to a system fault.