GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Traction Control

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Old Nov 5, 2020 | 01:38 PM
  #1  
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2008 GL450
Traction Control

When I press the ESP off button, it only lets the wheel slip a little bit. I tried doing donuts and the moment it started slipping the car was about the spin it cut all the power. Is there some way to fully disable the ESP and TC, so that I can have a little more fun. When I go around dirt corners, I can get the tail to slide, but the ABS suddenly kicks in and brakes the front wheels.
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Old Nov 5, 2020 | 06:46 PM
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Not defeatable by pushing the button.

try putting it in dyno mode.

use at your own risk.
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Old Nov 6, 2020 | 06:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Max Blast
try putting it in dyno mode.
There's a dyno mode?

how is that accessed?
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Old Nov 6, 2020 | 04:56 PM
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I think if you unplug the SAS, both the ABS and ESP will be disabled.

Kinda funny to imagine trying to do donuts in an AWD vehickle, tho.
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Old Nov 6, 2020 | 06:29 PM
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Insert key into ignition, switch to position “1“.
Press buttons or repeatedly until the mileage is displayed within the Multifunction display
Press cluster illumination button (1) 3 times in short succession.
The battery voltage will be displayed 18. Press the up / buttons until the service menu appears.
You should see Dyno mode from the menu.
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Old Nov 6, 2020 | 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by eric_in_sd
I think if you unplug the SAS, both the ABS and ESP will be disabled.

Kinda funny to imagine trying to do donuts in an AWD vehickle, tho.
funny thing is, I got into a really muddy field and was actually able to somewhat do donuts, because there was zero friction. Was a pain to clean out. But as a college student I’m supposed to dumb things. Can’t let my friend with his pickup truck have all the fun.
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Old Nov 7, 2020 | 12:16 AM
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Originally Posted by JeffLovesBenz
funny thing is, I got into a really muddy field and was actually able to somewhat do donuts, because there was zero friction. Was a pain to clean out. But as a college student I’m supposed to dumb things. Can’t let my friend with his pickup truck have all the fun.
just do these dumb things when only your own self is at risk please. Don’t spread the risk to others.
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Old Nov 7, 2020 | 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by BlownV8
Insert key into ignition, switch to position “1“.
Press buttons or repeatedly until the mileage is displayed within the Multifunction display
Press cluster illumination button (1) 3 times in short succession.
The battery voltage will be displayed 18. Press the up / buttons until the service menu appears.
You should see Dyno mode from the menu.
Wow, this is amazing. I can't believe all the odds and ends I've picked up from the helpful guys on this forum.

I take it this mode basically just disables ABS and ESP. This would be useful for polishing the brake discs (i.e. putting garnet sandpaper between the pad and rotor) to take down uneven deposits. Jack up one end of the truck, put in the paper, run at idle speed in Drive, apply pedal pressure, etc.
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Old Nov 7, 2020 | 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Max Blast
just do these dumb things when only your own self is at risk please. Don’t spread the risk to others.
The risk is outweighed by the Youtube video possibilities. I have to have something to watch when I have insomnia.
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