Snow Chain Question
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Snow Chain Question
hello....Hopefully this doesn't sound dumb but I had a questions about snow chains. My question is do I only need one set or do all four tires need chains because of the AWD? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Ferndale, WA
2009 ML350
You will need to chain all four wheels but in a pinch you can get by temporarily with chaining just the rears but you must turn off the traction control to do so. With that said the ML is an outstanding winter/snow vehicle and I can only see needing chains in the most severe winter driving conditions and if you find yourself in those conditions it is either by complete surprise or perhaps poor judgement.
-Kevin
-Kevin
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From: Day Town
'99 ML320
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From: New England
1990 190E 2.6, ... 1998 ML320, 2005 ML500SE
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 40
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From: Ferndale, WA
2009 ML350
It is the ESP button at the botton center of the dash below the radio. This puts the traction control systems in deep hibernation, meaning it is never completely off. If you truly get way out of control it will "wake up" and help out as best it can.
-Kevin
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 40
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From: Ferndale, WA
2009 ML350
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 260
Likes: 2
From: New England
1990 190E 2.6, ... 1998 ML320, 2005 ML500SE
Mike
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 40
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From: Ferndale, WA
2009 ML350
"To improve the vehicles traction when driving in with snow chains, or starting off in seep snow, sand or gravel, or off-road driving, switch the ESP off by pressing the upper half of the ESP switch......"
-Kevin
Last edited by kfriceman; Jan 24, 2008 at 01:03 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 260
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From: New England
1990 190E 2.6, ... 1998 ML320, 2005 ML500SE
Actually the ESP system is an integral part of the 4-ETS+ (traction control) system and is definetley part of the equation reducing unwanted wheel spin and that is why the manual states:
"To improve the vehicles traction when driving in with snow chains, or starting off in seep snow, sand or gravel, or off-road driving, switch the ESP off by pressing the upper half of the ESP switch......"
-Kevin
"To improve the vehicles traction when driving in with snow chains, or starting off in seep snow, sand or gravel, or off-road driving, switch the ESP off by pressing the upper half of the ESP switch......"
-Kevin
Mike
Last edited by Mike's ML; Jan 24, 2008 at 04:14 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Ferndale, WA
2009 ML350
While you are correct I think we are both using a play on words. ESP and 4-ETS are two different functions which have been combined in the later W163 models, but functionally remain two separate algorithms. What I am saying is that pressing the ESP button does turn off the ESP (Stability Control) function but the 4-ETS (Traction Control) system stays Fully active. My comments were based on you stating that when using chains, and I quote, "but you must turn off the traction control”. I asked the question because I thought you may know something I didn’t but I was wrong. This is also not the same as the change in the 4-ETS algorithm when the transfer case in in low range.
Mike
Mike
-Kevin
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: West Michigan
2007 E63
OK, I see your point....what I was thinking and what I wrote were not the same......although my experience with the ESP off in compact snow an ice at a stand still I can mash the trottle an spin all four tires at will and this all happening with with no lateral movement to the vehicle. I do the same with the ESP on and I get wheel braking and engine torque reduction.......of course this just my observation.
-Kevin
-Kevin
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 260
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From: New England
1990 190E 2.6, ... 1998 ML320, 2005 ML500SE
And then there is ABS but lets agree to not go there.
There are 5 systems that control the brakes in my 05ML, --- ESP, ETS, ABS, My Foot and my Brain. The weekest link in the system is "My Brain".
Mike
There are 5 systems that control the brakes in my 05ML, --- ESP, ETS, ABS, My Foot and my Brain. The weekest link in the system is "My Brain".
Mike
Last edited by Mike's ML; Jan 24, 2008 at 06:44 PM.
