Brake assist system (bas)
WARNING! BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking efficiency beyond that afforded 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, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci- dents. 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.
The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The system applies maximum power boost to the brakes more quickly in emergency braking conditions than might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver’s brak- ing style. This can help reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the system, you must apply continuous full braking power during the stopping sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the Electronic Stabil- ity Program (ESP) is combined with the BAS. The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light in the instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning light in the speed- ometer dial come on with the key in the ignition switch turned to the ON/RUN position. They should go out with the engine running. If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either sys- tem. If the malfunction indicator light stays illuminated, have the BAS and ESP checked at your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)
WARNING! ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, includ- ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar- dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi- tions.
The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel. Engine torque is also limited. The ESP warning light, located in the instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, switch off the ESP system by pressing the upper half of the ESP switch.
With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al- ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the OFF position. If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the brake is applied by the ESP system until the wheel regains sufficient traction. The traction control engages at approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h). If the ESP warning light begins to flash during accelera- tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. When the ESP warning light is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off. To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP,
press the lower half of the switch (the ESP warning light in the speedometer dial goes out). Avoid spinning one drive wheel. This may cause serious damage to the drive train and is not covered by the DaimlerChrysler war- ranty.
CAUTION! If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery discon- nected or discharged), the BAS/ESP malfunction indica- tor light may be illuminated with the engine running. To re-synchronize the ESP, and cancel the malfunction indi- cator light, the steering angle sensor will need to be recalibrated. 1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. 2. Rotate the steering wheel to the center position. 3. Rotate the steering wheel completely to the left, and then rotate the steering wheel completely to the right. 4. Bring the steering wheel back to the center position. 5. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light will go out. If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light is still illumi- nated, the vehicle should be serviced at an authorized dealer.
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