Brake system
Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes as standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for example, repeated brake applications with the engine off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required with the power system operating. If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal capability, the remaining system will still function with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident by increased pedal travel during application,
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greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activa- tion of the brake warning light during brake use.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking capability during emergency braking maneuvers. Maxi- mum power boost is applied to the brakes more quickly in emergency braking conditions. This can help reduce braking distances relative to what ordinary driving and braking style might do. The BAS complements the antilock 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.
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.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator light for the BAS is combined with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) malfunction indicator light.
The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light in the instru- ment cluster comes on with the key in the ignition switch turned to the ON/RUN position and should go out with the engine running. If the BAS/ESP malfunction indica- tor light comes on steadily while the engine is running, a malfunction has been detected in either the BAS or ESP system. As a result, it is possible that only partial engine output will be available, and pressing the accelerator pedal will require more effort. If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in the usual manner, but without BAS. With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP will be disabled. In this condition, both malfunction indicator lights come on while the engine is running. 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)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces wheel- spin under various driving conditions. When ESP is active, engine torque is limited and the ESP warning light starts to flash.
In winter operation, the effectiveness of the ESP can be enhanced by equipping the vehicle with DaimlerChrysler recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.
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 warning light starts to flash at any vehicle speed as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin. If the ESP warning light flashes during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. While driving, adapt your speed to the prevail- ing road conditions.
CAUTION! If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see the What To Do In Emergencies section in this manual), the engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch turned to the OFF/LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
NOTE: When the ESP warning light is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off. Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE: Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the DaimlerChrysler Limited Warranty.
NOTE: If the ESP warning light flashes during accelera- tion, ease up on the accelerator.
NOTE: ESP should not be switched off during normal driving. Disabling of the system under normal operating conditions will eliminate the benefits of the ESP system.
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.
ESP Control switch
The ESP control switch is located in the center console. When the ESP is switched off, the warning light in the instrument cluster comes on. When the ESP is switched on, the warning light goes out.
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand, or gravel, switch off the ESP by pressing the upper half of the ESP switch. The ESP warning light will then be continuously illuminated. With the ESP system switched off, the en- gine torque reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.
CAUTION! Snow chains should never be used without the recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply tires. Damage to your vehicle may result from such usage.
ESP always operates under braking, even with the switch in the OFF position.
If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the ESP system will apply the brake at the affected wheel 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). To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP, press the lower half of the switch (the ESP warning light goes out).
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake performance under most braking conditions. The system automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent wheel lock-up. The system operates to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
NOTE: The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during hard braking maneuvers.
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The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) indepen- dent of road surface conditions. At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while experiencing the pulsation. Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure results in optimal braking power while maintaining the ability to steer the vehicle. In the case of an emergency brake maneuver, keep continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this manner only can the ABS be most effective. On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even with light brake pedal pressure because of the increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating brake pedal
can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.
WARNING! Significant over- or under-inflation of tires, or mix- ing sizes of front or rear tires or wheels on the vehicle can reduce braking effectiveness. Maintain proper tire pressure and always use the tires and wheels specified in this manual for your vehicle.
The anti-lock brake system conducts a low-speed self-test at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If you have your foot lightly on the brake while this test is occurring, you may feel slight pedal movement. The movement can be more apparent on ice and snow. The anti-lock brake system pump motor makes a low humming noise during opera- tion, which is normal.
WARNING! Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the effec- tiveness of the anti-lock brakes and may lead to an accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or stop.
NOTE: During severe braking conditions, a pulsing sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard. This is normal, indicating that the anti-lock brake system is functioning.
The ABS malfunction indicator light in the instrument cluster comes on with the key in the ignition switch turned to the ON/RUN position, and should go out with the engine running. If the ABS light does not illuminate briefly during this procedure, or remains on after the engine is running, have the system checked by an autho- rized dealer.
When the ABS malfunction indicator light in the instru- ment cluster comes on while the engine is running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake system functions in the usual manner, but without antilock assistance. With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also switched off. Both malfunction indicator lights come on with the engine running. If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator light comes on and the ABS is switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, the malfunction indicator light should go out and the ABS is operational. If the malfunction indicator light stays illuminated, have the system checked at your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING! ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the con- dition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, includ- ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplan- ing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS- equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck- less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
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WARNING! To use your brakes and accelerator more safely, follow these tips:
• Do not “ride” the brakes by resting your foot on the pedal.
This could overheat the brakes and result in unpredictable braking action, longer stopping distances, or brake dam- age.
• When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmission whenever possible.
• Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially when roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can build up between the tire tread and the road. This hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, braking ability, and control.
• After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes may become wet, resulting in decreased performance and un- predictable braking action. Dry the brakes by gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at very slow speeds.
Brake Pad Break-In
The brakes on your vehicle do not require a long break-in period, but avoid repeated hard brake applications from high speeds during initial break-in. Also avoid severe brake loading such as may be encountered when de- scending long mountain grades.
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