2011 MERCEDES-BENZ R-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
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.
GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
198Displays 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.214Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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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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Apply the brakes.Display 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.Display messages219On-board computer and displaysBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 219Z

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
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 206).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 281).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.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsBlind 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 287).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.Cruise Control
--- mph A condition for activating cruise control has not been met.
You wanted to save a speed of less than 20 mph (30 km/h).XIf the situation allows, drive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) and
save the speed.XCheck the activation conditions for cruise control
( Y page 173).DISTRONIC
--- MPH An activation condition for DISTRONIC is not fulfilled.XIf the situation allows, drive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) and
save the speed.XCheck activation conditions for DISTRONIC ( Y page 175).Display messages229On-board computer and displaysBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 229Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsDISTRONIC
OverrideDISTRONIC is no longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.XTake your foot off the accelerator pedal.DISTRONIC
InoperativeDISTRONIC is faulty or the display has failed.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.DISTRONIC
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualDISTRONIC is deactivated and is temporarily inoperative if:
R the DISTRONIC cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.
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 radar sensor system has not detected any vehicles or
stationary objects, e.g. traffic signs, for a long time.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
DISTRONIC becomes available 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 system is within the operating temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:XClean the DISTRONIC cover in the radiator grill ( Y page 287).XRestart the engine.GWarning
DISTRONIC cannot take weather conditions into account. Switch off DISTRONIC or do not turn
it on if the sensor is dirty or visibility is diminished as a result of snow, rain or fog. The distance
control may be impaired even before the system is able to detect a dirty sensor. The DISTRONIC
Currently Unavailable See Operator’s Manual message will be displayed in the
multifunction display and DISTRONIC will be turned off.
Tires
GWarning
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
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