Mercedes-Benz ML320. Service 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.