Activating AMG Stability Assist using the steering wheel is typically a straightforward process, as the steering wheel provides quick access to various driver assistance systems, including traction and stability control systems. These systems help maintain vehicle stability and control, particularly in challenging driving conditions like slippery roads or aggressive cornering. Here's how you can use the AMG steering wheel to activate Stability Assist:
1. Locate the Steering Wheel Controls
First, identify the relevant buttons or switches on the AMG steering wheel that control driver assistance systems. These are typically located on the left or right side of the wheel and may include:
- Buttons for activating or deactivating traction control or stability control.
- A scroll wheel or dial for navigating through vehicle settings, including safety features.
- A menu button to access settings such as AMG Dynamic Select or Safety Systems.
2. Access the Driver Assistance or Vehicle Settings Menu
- Use the steering wheel controls to access the vehicle settings menu or driver assistance menu. This can usually be done by pressing a button or turning a scroll wheel located on the wheel.
- You may need to navigate through the menu to find the section labeled Stability Assist, Traction Control, or ESP (Electronic Stability Program), depending on the terminology used in your AMG model.
3. Activate Stability Assist (ESP)
Once you are in the right menu or section, follow these steps:
- Press the button or use the scroll wheel to toggle or select the Stability Assist function.
- In some AMG vehicles, Stability Assist is synonymous with ESP (Electronic Stability Program). This system helps prevent oversteering or understeering by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels if it detects loss of traction.
In most AMG vehicles, ESP is activated by default in regular driving modes. However, you can adjust the level of intervention or deactivate it in Sport or Race mode for a more dynamic driving experience.
4. Deactivating Stability Assist for Performance Driving (Optional)
While the primary function of Stability Assist is to improve safety, you may want to deactivate or adjust it for performance driving (such as on a racetrack). To do this:
- Press and hold the Stability Assist button or traction control button on the steering wheel to disable the system completely. This might be indicated by a dashboard light or an icon that shows the system is turned off.
- In some AMG models, you may also have the option to adjust the level of stability control through the AMG Dynamic Select system, accessed via the steering wheel controls. You can switch between modes like Comfort, Sport, or Race, which determine how much stability control is allowed before the system intervenes.
5. Confirm Activation/Deactivation on the Display
After activating or deactivating Stability Assist or ESP, you should see a corresponding icon or message on the instrument cluster or head-up display. This indicates whether the system is fully active or if it has been adjusted for a more performance-oriented setting.
6. Using AMG Drive Modes in Conjunction
Many AMG vehicles feature AMG Dynamic Select, which allows you to select specific driving modes that influence the behavior of Stability Assist:
- Comfort Mode: ESP is fully active to ensure maximum stability and safety.
- Sport Mode: The system allows for more slip, providing a balance between safety and performance.
- Race Mode: The system may reduce intervention to allow more freedom for spirited driving, but still provides some level of stability assistance in extreme conditions.
- You can use the steering wheel buttons to switch between these modes quickly, adjusting Stability Assist accordingly.
7. Active Safety Systems and Customization
In some AMG models, the steering wheel controls also allow you to fine-tune other active safety features that work in conjunction with Stability Assist:
- Active Brake Assist
- Traction Control
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
You can adjust these features via the steering wheel’s settings menu to optimize them for either safety or performance.
Conclusion
To activate Stability Assist (often referred to as ESP or Electronic Stability Program) through the AMG steering wheel:
- Locate the button or dial for stability or traction control on the wheel.
- Access the vehicle or safety settings via the steering wheel’s controls.
- Activate or adjust Stability Assist settings, ensuring the system is engaged.
- You can also deactivate or adjust the intervention level in performance modes like Sport or Race for a more dynamic driving experience.
By using the steering wheel, you can quickly activate or adjust the Stability Assist system, optimizing vehicle stability for various driving conditions.