Driving and operating 99Control indicator R 3 69.Vehicle messages 3 73.Antilock brake systemAntilock brake system (ABS)prevents the wheels from locking.ABS starts to regulate brake pressureas soon as a wheel shows a tendencyto lock. The vehicle remainssteerable, even during hard braking.ABS control is made apparentthrough a pulse in the brake pedaland the noise of the regulationprocess.For optimum braking, keep the brakepedal fully depressed throughout thebraking process, despite the fact thatthe pedal is pulsating. Do not reducethe pressure on the pedal.Control indicator u 3 70.FaultIf control indicator u does not go outa few seconds after the ignition isswitched on, or if it illuminates whiledriving, there is a fault in the ABS.Control indicator A may alsoilluminate in the instrument clustertogether with the messages CHECKABS and CHECK ESP in the DriverInformation Centre. The brakesystem remains operational butwithout ABS regulation.9 WarningIf there is a fault in the ABS, thewheels may be liable to lock dueto braking that is heavier thannormal. The advantages of ABSare no longer available. Duringhard braking, the vehicle can nolonger be steered and mayswerve.If control indicators u, A, R andC illuminate, the ABS and ESP aredeactivated and the messageBRAKING FAULT is shown in theDriver Information Centre. Seek theassistance of a workshop.Have the cause of the fault remediedby a workshop.Vehicle messages 3 73.Parking brakeAlways apply parking brake firmlywithout operating the release button,and apply as firmly as possible on adownhill or uphill slope.To release the parking brake, pull thelever up slightly, press the releasebutton and fully lower the lever.To reduce the operating forces of theparking brake, depress the foot brakeat the same time.Control indicator R 3 69.
