2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C240 Electronic stability

23 At a glance
Instrument cluster
Item
Page
1
Turn signal indicator lamp,
left
47
2
Speedometer
3
Turn signal indicator lamp,
right
47
4
Fuel gauge with:Fuel reserve warning lamp
259
5
<
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp
61,
259
1
Supplemental
restraint system
indicator lamp
56,
257
6
Multifunction display
with:
111
Trip odometer
109
Main odometer
111
Item
Page
Selector lever position
140,
141
Program mode
142
Outside temperature dis-
play
110
Digital clock
111
7
?
Engine malfunction
indicator lamp
259
v
Electronic Stability
Program (ESP)
warning lamp
75,
256
A
High beam head-
lamp indicator
47,
104
E
Indicator lamp with-
out function
1
1The indicator lamp illuminates briefly when you
turn the key in the starter switch to position2.
DTRIndicator lamp with-
out function
1
Item
Page
8
-
Antilock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) malfunc-
tion indicator lamp
73,
257
;
Brake warning
lamp, USA only
45,
51,
258
3
Brake warning
lamp, Canada only
45,
51,
258
9
Tachometer
109
10
Reset knob for:

Resetting trip odome-
ter
109


Resetting individual
settings
120


Instrument cluster illu-
mination
107

75 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
ESP
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
monitors the vehicle's traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP recognizes when a wheel is spin-
ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By ap-
plying brakes to the appropriate wheel and
by limiting engine output, the ESP works to
stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is especially
useful while driving off and on wet or slip-
pery road surfaces.
The ESP warning lamp
v
in the speed-
ometer dial flashes when the ESP is en-
gaged.
The ESP warning lamp
v
in the speed-
ometer dial lights up when you turn the key
in the starter switch to position2. It goes
out when the engine is running.
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. The BAS cannot
prevent accidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, following an-
other vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities 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.
Warning!
G
Never switch off the ESP when you see the
ESP warning lamp
v
flashing in the
speedometer dial. In this case proceed as
follows:


While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.


While driving ease up on the accelera-
tor.


Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP cannot prevent accidents resulting
from excessive speed.

353 Index
Driving
Driving abroad 230
General instructions 41, 223
Hydroplaning 227
In winter 228
Problems 49
Safety systems 73
Through standing water 229
Driving abroad 230
Driving instructions 223
Driving off 225
Driving safety systems
4MATIC 78
ABS 73
BAS 74
ESP 75
Driving systems 193
Cruise control 193
Driving safety systems 73
E
Easy-entry/exit feature* 93
Activating 129
Interrupting movement 93, 130
Electrical fuses 312
Electrical system
Technical data 326Electronic Stability Program
see ESP 23, 75, 342
Emergency call system* 210
Emergency calls
Initiating an emergency call 212
Telephone* 185
With Tele Aid* 211
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 143
Emergency operations
Closing sliding/pop-up roof* 289
Locking the vehicle 286
Opening sliding/pop-up roof* 289
Releasing trunk lid from inside 89
Remote door unlock 216
Unlocking the vehicle 285
Emergency tensioning device
see ETD 64, 342
Emission control 231
Emission control label 318
Ending
A call (telephone) 135
Engine 320
Compartment 235
Message in display 259Starting with automatic
transmission 44
Starting with manual
transmission 44
Starting with the key 44
Turning off with the key 53
Engine cleaning 250
Engine compartment 235
Fuse box in 312
Hood 235
Engine malfunction indicator
lamp 23, 259
Engine number 342
Engine oil 236, 332
Adding 237
Additives 332
Checking level 236
Consumption 236
Display messages 270
Filler neck 237
Messages in display 238, 270
Viscosity 342
Engine oil level see Oil level 234
ESP 23, 75, 342
Four wheel electronic traction
system with ESP 78