x ABS stops working if you release or let up on the brake.
When ABS is doing its job, you will notice a slight vibration through the brake pedal and hear a noise. ABS cannot shorten the stopping distance under all conditions. The stopping distance may even be longer, for instance, when driving on gravel or on newly fallen snow covering an icy or slip-pery surface.
Brake Assist (BAS)
The Brake Assist System can help to reduce stopping distances. If you press the brake pedal very quickly, BAS detects an emergency situation. It then very quickly builds up full brake system pressure, maximizing braking power and reducing the stopping distance. This way, ABS can be activated more quickly and efficiently.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal! BAS switches off automatically as soon as you release or let up on the brake.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces electric motor power directed to spinning wheels and adjusts power to the road condi-tions. Even under poor road conditions, ASR can make it easier to get moving, accelerate, and climb hills.
ASR can be switched on or off manually ⇒ Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)
EDL is applied during regular straight-line acceleration. EDL gently brakes a drive wheel that has lost traction (spinning) and redirects the drive force to other drive wheels. In extreme cases, EDL automat-ically switches off to keep the brake from overheating. As soon as the brake has cooled down, EDL automatically switches on again.
XDL is an extension of the Electronic Differential Lock system. XDL does not react to drive wheel slippage when driving straight ahead. Instead, XDL detects slippage of the inside front wheel during fast cornering. XDL applies enough brake pressure to this wheel in order to stop the slippage. This improves traction, which helps the vehicle stay on track.
WARNING
Driving fast on icy, slippery, or wet roads can lead to a loss of control and result in serious personal injury for you and your passengers.
x Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility condi-tions. Never let the additional safety that ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL can provide tempt you into taking extra risks.
x Braking assistance systems cannot overcome the laws of physics and always prevent loss of vehicle control. Slippery and wet roads are still dangerous even with ESC and the other systems!
x Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road and “hy-droplane.” A vehicle that has lost road contact cannot be braked, steered, or controlled.
x These systems cannot reduce the risk of accident, for example if you drive too fast for conditions or if you do not keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you.
x Although these systems are very effective and can help you control the vehicle in many difficult situations, always remember that your vehicle handling control is limited by tire trac-tion.
x When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, depress the accel-erator carefully. Even with these systems, the wheels may start to spin, leading to a loss of vehicle control.
Checklist
Before any work in the electric motor compartment, carry out the following steps in the order in which
they are listed ⇒ :
d Park the vehicle in a safe place on a firm, level surface.
d Hold the brake pedal down until the electric motor is switched off.
d Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving ⇒ Braking and parking.
d Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only) ⇒ Shifting.
d Stop the electric motor and remove the key from the ignition switch ⇒ Starting and stopping the electric drive.
d Let the electric motor cool down sufficiently.
d Keep children and others away from the vehicle.
d Make sure the vehicle cannot move unexpectedly.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may result in serious injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.
Opening or closing the electric motor compartment
Fig. 152 In the footwell on the driver side: Inside hood release lever.
The procedure for attaching and for removing the jumper cables is described below. Perform each of the following steps only in the order described, which follow the letters shown in the illustration
⇒ fig. 183 A – B – C – D.
Attaching jumper cables
1. Switch off the ignition in both vehicles ⇒ page 205, Starting and stopping the electric drive.
2. Open the battery cover in the electric motor compartment if the battery has a cover ⇒ 12 Volt vehicle battery.
3. Attach one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery: (1) ⇒ .
4. Attach the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal (+) of the good battery (booster battery): (2).
5. Attach one end of the black jumper cable to the negative jump-start terminal ⇒ Jump-start termi-nal, or if that is not available, to the negative terminal (-) of the battery in the vehicle providing
assistance (2) ⇒ fig. 183.
6. Attach the other end of the black jumper cable (3) to the negative jump-start terminal ⇒ Jump-start terminal, or if that is not available, a bare metal part of the vehicle with the dead battery. This part should be connected directly to the electric motor block. You may also attach the cable to the
electric motor block itself or to the towing eye installed on the front of the vehicle ⇒ page 408, Tow-
ing. Attach the clamp to a point that is as far away as possible from the dead battery (1) ⇒ .
7. Route the jumper cables so that they cannot get caught in any moving parts in the electric motor compartment of either vehicle.
Starting the electric motor
x Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery that is providing help and let it run at idle speed.
x Turn on the ignition of your vehicle with the dead battery. If the electric motor can be activated, wait
2 to 3 minutes before removing the jumper cables as described below ⇒ . If the electric motor cannot be activated within about 10 seconds, turn off the ignition and wait at least 1 minute; then try again.
Before removing the jumper cables
x Switch off the headlights (if they are on).
x In the vehicle with the dead battery, switch on the heater fan and the rear window defroster. This helps to minimize voltage spikes when the cables are disconnected.
Removing jumper cables
With the electric motor activated, remove the jumper cables in reverse order to the way they were connected.
1. Disconnect the black (-) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black (-) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).
3. Disconnect the red (+) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).
4. Disconnect the red (+) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.
5. Close the battery cover.
6. If necessary, unscrew the towing eye on the front of the vehicle ⇒ Installing the front towing eye.
WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
x Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, turn on the emergency flashers, stop the electric motor, and use other warning devices to warn approaching traffic.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Tow-starting
