steering MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class 2001 W210 Repair Manual

269 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Multifunction displays1Distronic is deactivated. The actual distance (5) and
the should-be distance (6) to the vehicle ahead (4)
are displayed.
2Distronic is activated. The display shows the
selected speed for approximately 5 seconds.
3Distronic is activated. The message “DTR OFF”
appears for approximately 5 seconds when Distronic
is being deactivated.
4Vehicle ahead.
Only appears if a vehicle is detected ahead.
5Actual distance to vehicle ahead.
6Should-be distance to vehicle ahead (as calculated
by Distronic).
7Own vehicle.
To call up Distronic display:
Press button è or ÿ on the multifunction
steering wheel repeatedly until the display (1 or 3)
appears.
4
5
67
P54.30-3759-27

272 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Antilock brake system (ABS)
Important!
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during
hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km / h)
independent 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
applying the advantages of the ABS, namely braking
power and 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.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure. Pumping the brake
pedal defeats the purpose for ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.

273 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the
instrument cluster comes on with the electronic key in
starter switch position 2 and should go out with the
engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument 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.
For ABS malfunction indicator lamp, see page 300.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp stays illuminated,
have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
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 condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a ABS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

274 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Electronic stability program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces
driving wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving
conditions.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a
countervailing vehicle movement. Engine torque is also
limited. The ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash when ESP is in
operation.Important!
If the ESP warning lampv flashes:
•During take-off apply as little throttle as possible.
•While driving ease up on the accelerator.
•Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
•Do not switch off the ESP.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see
page 353, Towing the vehicle), the engine must be shut
off (electronic key in starter switch position 0 or 1).
Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and
will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Wa r n i n g !
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, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, or aquaplaning. 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 jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.

275 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
The yellow ESP warning lampv in the speedometer
dial comes on with the electronic key in starter switch
position 2. It should go out with the engine running.
If the ESP warning message is displayed, a malfunction
has been detected in the system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
Have the ESP checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
For ESP warning message, see page 301.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.
Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer
dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including the
spare wheel, must have the same tire size. When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the ESP warning message may
be displayed with the engine running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The ESP warning message should go out.

296 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster
General information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to light up
during the bulb self-check when turning the electronic
key in steering lock to position 2, have it checked and
replaced if necessary.
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to keep the toxic
components of the exhaust gases within permissible
limits required by law.
These systems, of course, will function properly only
when maintained strictly according to factory
specifications. Any adjustments on the engine should,
therefore, be carried out only by authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center qualified technicians. Engine adjustments
should not be altered in any way. Moreover, the
specified service jobs must be carried out regularly
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing requirements.
For details refer to the Service Booklet.On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
“CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel management
system, emission control system, systems which impact
emissions, or the fuel cap is not closed tight (check the
fuel cap). If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp is illuminated
continuously and the vehicle is driving normally, you
Wa r n i n g !
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide,
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and
lead to death. Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a
garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you
think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the
vehicle while driving, have the cause determined
and corrected immediately. If you must drive under
these conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open.

306 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ENTRANCE POSITION
* C = Category, see page 303Wait until the seat and steering wheel have moved to
their driving positions. The display will clear when they
have done so.
See also page 66 for easy-entry / exit feature.BRAKE ASSIST
* C = Category, see page 303A malfunction has been detected in the system. The
brake system functions in the usual manner, but
without brake assist system (BAS).
See page 271 for notes on the brake assist system (BAS).
Line 1Line 2C*
ENTRANCE POSITION DO NOT DRIVE! 1
Line 1Line 2C*
BRAKE ASSIST VISIT WORKSHOP! 2

315 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
2 The capability of the system is restricted.Important!
When the message “ACTIVE BODY CONTROL – DRIVE
CAREFULLY!” appears, do not exceed a speed of 50 mph
(80 km / h). The vehicle driving characteristics are
changed due to a noticeably softer suspension.
In this case visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
Do not continue to drive if loss of hydraulic fluid or
leaks are noticed. Doing so could result in subsequent
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
3 The ABC is defective. Stop the vehicle.
Press upper half of level control switch, see page 280
- system selects raised level mode.
The vehicle chassis is raised depending on the kind of defect.Important!
The wheels may not have sufficient clearance when the
steering wheel is turned beyond a certain angle if the
“ACTIVE BODY CONTROL – STOP, CAR TOO LOW!”
message appears. The front fenders will be damaged if
the steering wheel is turned too far. Watch and listen for
scraping noises.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km / h).
Visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.4 The capability of the system is restricted.Important!
When the message “ACTIVE BODY CONTROL – VISIT
WORKSHOP!” appears, do not exceed a speed of 50 mph
(80 km / h). Visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.

317 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
* C = Category, see page 303.
RL: rear left; FL: front left;
RR: rear right; FR: front right;
1 One or more tires def late rapidly or tire pressure is already below
minimum value. Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding
abrupt steering and braking maneuvers. For reference on changing
wheels, see page 340.
2 The tire pressure on one or more tires is already below minimum
value. Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers. For reference on changing
wheels, see page 343.
3 For tire inflation pressure monitor, see page 150.4 Tire pressure in one or more tires is low. Check and correct tire
pressure, see page 348.
5 The tire pressure monitor cannot be activated with the engine
running. Turn off the engine and repeat activation, see page 150.
6 When the message appears after starting the engine, the tire
inflation pressure on all road wheels should be checked and
corrected according to the label affixed inside the fuel filler flap.
For tire inflation pressure, see page 348.
The tire inflation pressure monitor must be activated again after
the tire inflation pressure has been corrected, see page 150.
7 The tire inflation pressure monitor system is unable to monitor the
tire pressure due to the presence of several wheel electronics in
the vehicle (e.g. a deflated road wheel in the trunk), or nearby
radio interference source, or excessive wheel sensor temperatures,
or unrecognized wheel sensors mounted.
8 The tire inflation pressure monitor is defective or a wheel without
proper sensor was installed. Visit your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Wa r n i n g !
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.

323 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index SELECTOR LEVER
(Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO only)
Place selector lever in position “P”.
The message appears when attempting to turn off the
engine while the selector lever is in any other position
than “P”, see page 232.TELEPHONE – FUNCTION
* C = Category, see page 303.The display appears if button í or ì on the
multifunction steering wheel is pressed and the vehicle
is not equipped with a telephone.Line 1Line 2C*
FUNCTION NOT AVAILABLE! 3