Sensor MERCEDES-BENZ E320CDI 2005 W211 User Guide

250 Controls in detailDriving systemsParktronic system (Parking assist)*
The Parktronic system is an electronic aid
designed to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers. It visually and audibly indi-
cates the relative distance between the
vehicle and an obstacle.
The Parktronic system is automatically ac-
tivated when you switch on the ignition, re-
lease the parking brake, and placed the
gear selector lever in positionD,R,orN.
The Parktronic system deactivates at
speeds over approximately 11 mph
(18 km/h). At lower speeds the Parktronic
system turns on again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates
when you place the gear selector lever in
positionP or depress the parking brake
pedal.The Parktronic system monitors the sur-
roundings of your vehicle with six sensors
in the front bumper and four sensors in the
rear bumper.
1Sensors in the front bumper
Range of the sensors
To function properly, the sensors must be
free of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean the
sensors regularly, being careful not to
scratch or damage the sensors, see
“Cleaning the Parktronic system* sensors”
(
page 351).
Warning!
G
Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is
not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always rests with the driver.
Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts, or road
curbs). Such objects may not be detected by
the system and can damage the vehicle.
The operational function of the Parktronic
system can be affected by dirty sensors, es-
pecially at times of snow and ice, see
“Cleaning the Parktronic system* sensors”
(page 351).
Interference caused by other ultrasonic sig-
nals (e.g. working jackhammers, car wash or
the air brakes of trucks) can cause the sys-
tem to send erratic indications, and should
be taken into consideration.
Warning!
G
Make sure no persons or animals are in the
area in which you are maneuvering. You
could otherwise injure them.

251 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Front sensors
Rear sensorsMinimum distance
If the system detects an obstacle in this
range, all the distance warning segments
illuminate and you hear a warning signal. If
the obstacle is closer than the minimum
distance, the actual distance might no
longer be indicated by the system.Center
approx. 40 in (100 cm)
Corners
approx. 24 in (60 cm)
Center
approx. 48 in (120 cm)
Corners
approx. 32 in (80 cm)
!During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or
below the height of the sensors (e.g.
planters or trailer hitches). The
Parktronic system will not detect such
objects at close range and damage to
your vehicle or the object may result.
Ultrasonic signals from outside sourc-
es (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash or
jackhammers) may impair the opera-
tion of the Parktronic system.
Center
approx. 8 in (20 cm)
Corners
approx. 6 in (15 cm)

252 Controls in detailDriving systemsWarning indicators
Visual signals indicate to the driver the rel-
ative distance between the sensors and an
obstacle. The warning indicator for the
front area is located above the center air
vents in the dashboard. The warning indi-
cator for the rear area is integrated in the
rear trim.Front area warning indicator1Left side of the vehicle
2Right side of the vehicle
3Readiness indicatorsEach warning indicator is divided into five
yellow and two red segments for either
side of the vehicle. The Parktonic system is
operational when the yellow readiness
indicators3 are illuminated.
The position of the gear selector lever de-
termines which warning indicators will be
activated.
As your vehicle approaches an object, one
or more segments will come on, depending
on the distance. When the seventh seg-
ment illuminates, you have reached the
minimum distance.


Front area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red dis-
tance segment illuminates and a con-
stant acoustic warning lasting a
maximum of two seconds will sound for
the second red distance segment. The
signal is canceled when the gear selec-
tor lever is placed in positionP or the
parking brake is activated.


Rear area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red dis-
tance segment illuminates and a con-
stant acoustic warning lasting a
maximum of two seconds will sound for
the second red distance segment. The
signal is canceled when the gear selec-
tor lever is placed in position D,P or
the parking brake is activated.
Gear selector le-
ver position
Warning indicator
D
Front area activated
R or N
Front and rear area
activated
P
Neither activated

253 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Switching the Parktronic system
on/off
The Parktronic system can be switched off
manually.
The Parktronic switch is located in the low-
er part of the center console (
page 28).
1Parktronic switch
2Indicator lampSwitching off the Parktronic system

Press Parktronic switch 1.
Indicator lamp 2 comes on.
Switching on the Parktronic system

Press Parktronic switch 1 again.
Indicator lamp 2 goes out.
Parktronic system malfunction
If only the red distance segments illumi-
nates and an acoustic warning sounds,
there is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system. The Parktronic system will auto-
matically switch off after 20 seconds and
the indicator lamp in the Parktronic switch
comes on.

Have the Parktronic system checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.If only the red distance segments illumi-
nates and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty or
there is an interference from other radio or
ultrasonic signals. The Parktronic system
will automatically switch off after 20 sec-
onds and the indicator lamp in the Park-
tronic switch comes on.

Switch off the ignition (
page 33).

Clean the Parktronic system sensors
(page 351).

Switch on the ignition.
or

Check the Parktronic system operation
at another location to rule out interfer-
ence from outside radio or ultrasonic
signals.
iThe Parktronic system is automatically
switched on when the ignition is
switched on (
page 33).

296 OperationDriving instructionsTelephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or a citizens band unit should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are con-
nected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation in-
structions regarding use of an external an-
tenna.
Catalytic converter (Gasoline engine)
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial con-
trol of the pollutants in the exhaust emis-
sions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat, which could po-
tentially start a fire.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.

297 Operation
Driving instructions
Oxidation catalyst (Diesel engine)
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with an
oxidation catalyst, an important element in
conjunction with the oxygen sensors to
achieve substantial control of the pollut-
ants in the exhaust emissions. Keep your
vehicle in proper operating condition by
following our recommended maintenance
instructions as outlined in your Mainte-
nance Booklet.
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the exhaust
gases within permissible limits required by
law.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly ac-
cording to factory specifications. Any ad-
justments on the engine should, therefore,
be carried out only by qualified
Mercedes-Benz Center authorized techni-
cians. Engine adjustments should not be
altered in any way. Moreover, the specified
service jobs must be carried out regularly
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing re-
quirements. For details refer to the Mainte-
nance Booklet.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.
Warning!
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon-
sciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one win-
dow fully open at all times.

322 OperationTires and wheelsChecking tire inflation pressure
Regularly check your tire inflation pressure
at least once a month.
Check and adjust the tire inflation
pressure when the tires are cold. The tires
can be considered cold if the vehicle has
been parked for at least three hours or
driven less than one mile (1.6 km).
If you check the tire inflation pressure
when the tires are warm (the vehicle has
been driven for several miles or sitting less
than three hours), the reading will be
approximately 4 psi (0.3 bar) higher than
the cold reading. This is normal. Do not let
air out to match the specified cold tire in-
flation pressure. Otherwise, the tire will be
underinflated.
Checking tire inflation pressure
manually
Follow the steps below to achieve correct
tire inflation pressure:
Remove the cap from the valve on one
tire.

Firmly press a tire gauge onto the
valve.

Read tire inflation pressure on tire
gauge and check against the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure on the
placard on the driver’s door B-pillar
(page 315). If necessary, add air to
achieve the recommended tire inflation
pressure.

Install the valve cap.

Repeat this procedure for each tire.Checking tire inflation pressure elec-
tronically*
The tire pressure monitoring system only
functions on wheels that are equipped with
the proper electronic sensors. It monitors
the tire inflation pressure, as selected by
the driver, in all four tires. A warning is is-
sued to alert you to a decrease in pressure
in one or more of the tires.
You can call up the tire inflation pressure
using the control system (
page 150).
iIf you have overfilled the tire, release
tire inflation pressure by pushing the
metal stem of the valve with e.g. a tip of
a pen. Then recheck the tire inflation
pressure with the tire gauge.
iAfter you have reactivated the tire
pressure monitoring system, the cur-
rent tire inflation pressures will only be
shown after a few minutes’ driving
time.
During this time, you will see the follow-
ing message in the display:Tire pressure

displayed only
after driving
a few mins.

351 Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning the Distronic* system sensor
cover
1Distronic system sensor cover
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water to clean sensor
cover1.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and use only a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor cover. Do
not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a
dry cloth or sponge.Cleaning the Parktronic system*
sensors
1Parktronic system* sensors

Clean the sensors1 on the bumpers
using a mild car wash detergent, such
as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Sham-
poo, with plenty of water and a soft,
non-scratchy cloth.
When using a steam cleaner or power
washer, aim nozzle only briefly from a min-
imum distance of 12 in (30 cm) at
sensors1.
Do not apply strong pressure to the sensor
cover, applying strong pressure may dam-
age the sensor cover.To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and use only a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor. Do not at-
tempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry cloth
or sponge.
Wiper blades

Turn on the wipers and place it in a ver-
tical position.
For information on placing the wipers in a
vertical position, see “Replacing wiper
blades” (
page 423).
!The windshield wipers must be in a ver-
tical position before folding them away
from the windshield. They could other-
wise damage the hood.


371 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
Distronic
Currently unavailable
See Operator’s Manual
DISTRONIC* is switched off if:

the DISTRONIC cover in the area
of the radiator grille is dirty


the functionality is impaired by
heavy rain or thick fog

If necessary, clean the DISTRONIC cover in
the area of the radiator grille.

Restart the vehicle.
or
DISTRONIC* becomes operational again with-
out the engine being restarted when:


dirt on the grille falls off while driving (e.g.
slush or snow)


the system recognizes full sensor availabili-
ty (due to lessening rain or the road surface
drying)


the message in the multifunction display
disappears


the speed last stored flashes in the display
for five seconds.
You can operate DISTRONIC* as usual again.

394 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause
Possible solution
.
High beam,
left
The left high beam lamp is malfunction-
ing.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
High beam,
right
The right high beam lamp is malfunction-
ing.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
License plate lamp,
left
The left license plate lamp is malfunction-
ing.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
License plate lamp,
right

The right license plate lamp is malfunc-
tioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Light sensor
Drive to workshop
The lamp sensor is malfunctioning. The
headlamps switch on automatically.

In the control system, set lamp opera-
tion to manual mode (
page 162).

Switch on headlamps using the exteri-
or lamp switch.
Low beam,
left
The left low beam lamp is malfunctioning.
Halogen headlamp:
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Bi-Xenon* headlamp:

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.