Mercedes-Benz ML320. Manual — part 62

75

Safety and Security

Panic alarm

왔

Panic alarm

An audible alarm and flashing turn signal
lamps will operate for approximately
2½ minutes.

1 Â button

Activating

왘

Press and hold button 1 for at least
one second.

Deactivating

왘

Press button 1 again.

or

왘

Insert key in steering lock.

i

For operation in the USA only: This de-
vice complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

앫

This device may not cause harmful
interference, and

앫

this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired
operation.

Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.

76

Safety and Security

Driving and safety systems

왔

Driving and safety systems

In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

앫

ABS (Antilock Brake System)

앫

BAS (Brake Assist System)

앫

4-ETS (Electronic Traction System)

앫

EBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning)

앫

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

ABS

The Antilock Brake System (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 ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.

On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re-
spond even with light brake pressure.

The

- indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster (

컄

page 25) comes on when you

turn the key to position 2. It goes out when
the engine is running.

i

In winter operation, the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, the BAS, the
ESP, the EBP, and the 4-ETS is only
achieved with winter tires (M+S tires)
or snow chains as required.

Warning!

G

The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:

앫

Excessive speed, especially in turns

앫

Wet and slippery road surfaces

앫

Following another vehicle too closely

ABS, BAS, ESP and 4-ETS cannot reduce this
risk.

Always adjust your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.

Warning!

G

Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

77

Safety and Security

Driving and safety systems

Braking

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.

왘

Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pul-
sation.

Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.

The pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.

Emergency brake maneuver

왘

Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.

LOW RANGE– ABS

During off-road driving, a special low range
system for the ABS is operational with
transmission in LOW RANGE mode
(

컄

page 125).

When applying the service brakes at
speeds below approximately
18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are
locked cyclically to shorten the braking
distance (dig-in effect). This affects steer-
ing the vehicle.

i

With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS,
the EBP, ESP, and the 4-ETS are also
switched off.

Normal driving and braking functions
are still available.

78

Safety and Security

Driving and safety systems

For more information, see “The yellow ABS
warning lamp comes on while driving.”
(

컄

page 242).

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 poten-
tially reducing braking distance. Apply con-
tinuous 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

¿ indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster (

컄

page 25) comes on when you

turn the key to position 2. It goes out when
the engine is running.

For more information, see “The yellow
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp
comes on while driving.” (

컄

page 246).

Warning!

G

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction af-
forded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, atten-
tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeop-
ardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.

Warning!

G

The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes
and tires or the traction afforded. The BAS
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabili-
ties 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.