Deactivating/activating ESP® (except AMG vehicles)

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

If 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.

The  ESP® OFF warning lamp in the To deactivate:

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

WARNING
When the
lamp is lit, ESP® is deactivated. 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®.

for an Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an extended period with ESP® deactivated. You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.

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

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