2011 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class ESP inoperative

Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Important safety guidelines
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
( Y page 28).
GWarning
A driver's attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h ), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
GWarning
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner's and/or driver's
responsibility to maintain the vehicle's
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
Displays and operation
Tachometer
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached.
Outside temperature display
The outside temperature display is in the
multifunction display.
204Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays
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Safety systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsESP
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) and therefore also PRE-
SAFE ®
are temporarily unavailable. The self-diagnosis function
might not be complete, for example. BAS (Brake Assist System)
has also been deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
XCarefully drive a short distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h)
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.ESP ®
and therefore also BAS and PRE-SAFE ®
are not available due
to undervoltage.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.If the display message is shown during the journey and the ä
warning lamp is flashing, then 4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
is deactivated. The brakes on the drive wheels could otherwise
overheat.XLet the brakes cool down until the display message disappears
and the ä warning lamp goes out.
4ETS is activated again.ESP
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ESP ®
and therefore also Brake Assist and PRE-SAFE ®
are not
available due to a malfunction. The d warning lamp also lights
up in the instrument cluster.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.Display messages223On-board computer and displaysBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 223Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsG
Tele Aid
InoperativeUSA only: one or more main functions in the mbrace system are
malfunctioning.
Canada only: one or more main functions in the Tele Aid system
are malfunctioning.XUSA only: have the mbrace system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.XCanada only: have the Tele Aid system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of injury
Important functions of PRE-SAFE ®
have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.+
Restraint Sys.
Malfunction
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
The restraint systems are malfunctioning.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.GWarning
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
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BrakesDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsABS
ABS, ESP
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) and therefore also PRE-SAFE ®
are temporarily
unavailable. The self-diagnosis function might not be complete,
for example.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XCarefully drive a short distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h)
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GRisk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
and therefore also PRE-SAFE ®
are not available due to
undervoltage. BAS has also been deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.ABS
ABS, ESP
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
and therefore also PRE-SAFE ®
are not available due to
a malfunction. BAS has also been deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.228Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada only)
EBV, ABS, ESP
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), ABS (Anti-lock Brake
System), ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) and therefore also
PRE-SAFE ®
are not available due to a malfunction. BAS (Brake
Assist) is also deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.#
Brake WearThe brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$
(USA only)
!
(Canada only)
Release Parking
BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake engaged. A warning tone
also sounds.XRelease the parking brake.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. In
addition, the red warning lamp $(USA only) or J (Canada
only) in the instrument cluster lights up and a warning tone sounds.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.GWarning
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Daytime Running
Light Left
or
Daytime Running
Light RightThe left or right-hand daytime running light is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 111).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Active Headlamps
InoperativeThe active light function is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
AUTO Light
InoperativeThe light sensor is faulty. The low-beam headlamps are switched
on.XUSA only: switch off daytime driving lights in the on-board
computer ( Y page 215).XSwitch the lights on and off using the light switch.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Switch Off LightsThe lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
or
XIf the rear fog lamp is switched on: press the light switch in to
the stop.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Top Up Coolant See
Operator's ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
( Y page 285).XIf coolant needs adding more often than usual, have the engine
coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÆ
Reduce speed to
under 12 MPHGRisk of accident
You are exceeding the speed permissible for the selected off-road
level.
XAdjust your driving style to the altered handling characteristics.XOnly make slight steering movements and avoid fast steering
movements.XTake account of the altered handling characteristics.XDo not driver faster than 12 mph(20 km/h).8
Locking System
Inoperative
Service RequiredThe differential locks are faulty. XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XHave the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop.8
Diff. Lock System
Overheated - Wait
brieflyThe differential locks are too hot and have been disengaged.XDrive on carefully.XAllow the differential locks to cool down.
The differential locks reengage as soon as they have cooled
down.8
Stop vehicle,
engage parking
brakeA gearshift process has been canceled. LOW RANGE is in the
neutral position. There is no connection between the engine and
the drive wheels.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake. Do not continue driving under any
circumstances.XRepeat the gearshift process.Å
Service Required
If parked engage
pk. brakeThe LOW RANGE system is malfunctioning. XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XEngage the parking brake to park.XHave the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop.Å
Max. Speed 25 MPHYou have exceeded the maximum speed for the gearshift process.XDrive slower.
The gearshift process is carried out.Å
Max. Speed 40 MPHYou have exceeded the maximum speed for the gearshift process.XDrive slower.
The gearshift process is carried out.238Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÅ
Shift briefly into
NYou have reduced the vehicle speed, but the automatic
transmission is not in position N.XBriefly shift the automatic transmission to position N.Å
Shifting Process
Canceled
ReactivateThe gearshift process has been canceled.XRepeat the gearshift process.Ã
InoperativeDSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) is deactivated due to a
malfunction.XHave DSR checked at a qualified specialist workshop.Blind Spot Assist
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualBlind Spot Assist is temporarily inoperative if:
R the sensors are dirty.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is outside the operating temperature
range.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
The yellow 9 indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
Blind Spot Assist is operational again and the display message
disappears when:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the radar sensor system is back within the operating
temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:XClean the sensors ( Y page 291).XRestart the engine.Blind Spot Assist
InoperativeBlind Spot Assist is faulty.
The yellow 9 indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Cruise Control
InoperativeCruise control is faulty. XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages239On-board computer and displaysBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 239Z