display MERCEDES-BENZ CL-CLASS 2000 Owners Manual

261 Driving systems
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Additional driving hints
Important!
When starting the engine, Distronic goes through an
initialization and self-test phase.
The most likely cause for a malfunctioning system is
caused by a dirty sensor (located behind the hood
grille), especially at times of snow and ice or heavy rain.
In such a case, Distronic will switch off, and the
message “DISTRONIC – CLEAN SENSOR!” appears in
the multifunction display.
For cleaning and care of the Distronic sensor see
page 378.
The following are some sample situations which may
influence the functions of Distronic.
Wa r n i n g !
Distronic works to maintain the speed selected by
the driver unless a moving obstacle proceeding
directly ahead of it in the same travel direction is
detected (e.g. following another vehicle ahead at a
distance set by Distronic). This means that:• your vehicle can pass another vehicle after you
change lanes,• while in a sharp turn or if the vehicle in front
is in a sharp turn, Distronic could lose sight of
a vehicle traveling in front of it, then your
vehicle could accelerate to the previously
selected speed.Distronic regulates only the distance between your
vehicle and those directly ahead, but does not
register stationary objects in the roadway, e.g.:
• a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam.
• a disabled vehicle.
• an oncoming vehicle.
The driver must always be on the alert and observe
all traffic and intercede with steering and braking
inputs as necessary.Wa r n i n g !
Distronic should not be used in snowy or icy road
conditions.
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262 Driving systems
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Traveling through turns or bends in the roadway may
result in Distronic detecting a moving vehicle traveling
in front but not in your lane of travel, causing your
vehicle to brake late or unexpectedly. You must be
prepared to intercede with accelerator or brake
application as necessary.The Distronic system’s detection zone is relatively
narrow at the start and becomes broader as it senses
further from the vehicle. Thus, Distronic may not
recognize another vehicle coming into your path close
to the front of your vehicle. You must be prepared to
intercede with braking or steering as necessary.
A vehicle not traveling directly in front of you could
cause detection problems, the actual distance to that
vehicle really being much shorter.
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263 Driving systems
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index A vehicle changing lanes at close range is only
recognized when entering the area scanned by
Distronic. You must apply the service brakes to gain
sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead.A narrow vehicle (e.g. a motorcycle) is only recognized
when entering the area scanned by Distronic. You must
apply the service brakes to gain sufficient distance to
the vehicle ahead.
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264 Driving systems
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and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Distance notification function
Even if Distronic is deactivated, the distance to the
vehicle ahead continues to be measured, see page 266
for multifunction display.
The Distronic lamp in the speedometer dial illuminates
to advise the driver of a situation which under normal
braking conditions and dry surfaces should have been
addressed by the driver.
The distance notification function can be activated
separately, see page 265. It operates when driving at
speeds above approx. 25 mph (Canada: 30 km/h).
When recognizing a stationary obstacle or a slower
vehicle moving in the vehicle’s path and the danger of a
collision exists, the distance warning lamp in the
speedometer dial lights up and simultaneously a
continuous warning sounds.
Note:
Model CL 55 AMG only:
Distance notification function is deactivated if the
vehicle speed exceeds approximately 160 mph
(260 km/h).Important!
With the Distronic switched off, only the distance
notification function operates, meaning the vehicle does
not slow down.
Important!
Complex driving situations are not always fully
recognized by Distronic, which could result in wrong or
missing distance warnings.
See page 261 for additional driving hints.
Wa r n i n g !
If the distance warning lamp in the speedometer
dial lights up while driving and a continuous
warning sounds, immediate attention on the part of
the driver is required.As required by the traffic situation, apply the
service brakes and navigate around a possible
obstacle. However, do not drive by relying on the
distance notification function as that will result in
an emergency braking application which,
especially depending on road surface conditions
and driver reaction, will not always be able to avoid
a collision.
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265 Driving systems
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Distronic settings
1Switch – for distance notification function
2Thumbwheel – for setting distance
Distronic provides a safe following distance range to the
vehicle in front. The medium setting is noticeable by a
detent in the center position of the thumbwheel (2).
If you want to:
•Increase distance – turn thumbwheel (2)
towards¯.•Decrease distance – turn thumbwheel (2)
towards®.
To switch the distance notification function on or off:
To switch on – press upper half of switch (1).
The indicator lamp in the switch lights up.
To switch off – press lower half of the switch (1).
The indicator lamp in the switch goes out.
For distance notification function see page 264.
Notes:
With the distance notification function activated, you
will still be advised by a continuous audible warning if a
potential emergency braking circumstance has been
detected, even if Distronic has been deactivated.
The last selected notification function mode (on/off) will
be stored in memory, even when removing the
electronic key from the starter switch.
Wa r n i n g !
It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to select
the appropriate setting given road conditions,
traffic, driver’s preferred driving style and
applicable laws and driving recommendations for
safe following distance.
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266 Driving systems
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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 approx. 5 seconds.
3Distronic is activated. The message “DTR OFF”
appears for approx. 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
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267 Driving systems
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data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Displays in the speedometer dial
When Distronic system is activated, one or two
segments around the speed stored in memory light up
in the speedometer dial.If a vehicle is detected ahead, those segments in the
speedometer dial light up that indicate the speed range
from the speed of the vehicle in front up to the Distronic
stored speed.
When the vehicle in front can no longer be detected,
only the segments around the stored speed light up. The
vehicle is accelerated to the stored speed.
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268 Driving systems
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Brake assist system (BAS)
The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers by
having maximum power boost applied to the brakes
more quickly in emergency braking conditions than
might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver’s
braking style. This can help reduce braking distances
over what ordinary driving and braking style might do.
The BAS complements the antilock brake system (ABS).Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum
BA S a ssistance.
To receive the benefit of the system you must apply
continuous full braking power during the stopping
sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
If the BAS warning message is displayed, a malfunction
has been detected in the system. The brake system
functions in the usual manner, but without BAS.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS is also switched
off.
If a BAS warning message is displayed, have the BAS
checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
Wa r n i n g !
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded. The BAS 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 BAS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
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269 Driving systems
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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.
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270 Driving systems
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data Instruments
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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 294.
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.
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