Control/warning messages, function - GF54.30-P-2001FQ
MODEL 218
Function requirements, general
- Circuit 15R ON
The electronic ignition lock control unit (N73) sends the circuit status of circuit 15 over the interior CAN (CAN B) to the instrument cluster (A1).
Control/warning messages, general
The instrument cluster control/warning messages notify the driver about the current state of the systems installed in the vehicle. The instrument cluster can issue indicator and warning messages in the following ways:
- Optical output of control/warning messages:
- Multifunction display (A1p13)
- Indicator/warning lamps
- Acoustic output of control/warning messages
- Warning buzzer (A1h1)
- Turn signal ticking via function check for turn signal lights, acoustic (A1h2)
Illustration shows model 218.323
On vehicles with engine 157, the ESP SPORT indicator lamp (A1e46) is also installed.
The messages shown on the multifunction display are split up according to their level of urgency into four categories:
- Category 1 (messages with highest priority)
Category 1 messages refer to states and situations which impair safety, and they take priority over messages with lower priority. These messages are displayed and automatically archived in the message memory within a maximum of t = 2 s after they occur, and cannot be acknowledged. When they occur, a brief warning is emitted by the buzzer.
- Category 2 (messages with medium priority)
Messages in category 2 require the intervention of the driver and appear with a time delay of a maximum of t = 2 s. These messages also include operating feedback. Category 2 messages can be acknowledged. When they occur, a brief warning is emitted by the buzzer.
- Category 3 and 4 (messages with low priority):
These messages are menu displays and only serve as information for the driver (e.g. low washer fluid level).
No warning chime is emitted.
Messages with low priority are overlaid by messages with high priority. If several messages with the same priority occur, the message currently displayed is cross-faded by the new message after expiry of the minimum display time.
Function sequence for control/warning messages
The instrument cluster informs the driver about the functionality and status of the installed vehicle systems. Safety-relevant system activities or system malfunctions are shown to the driver in the form of control and warning messages in the instrument cluster.
The following display options are provided for this purpose:
- Visual:
- Indicator lamps (green, yellow or blue)
- Warning lamps (red)
- Multifunction display
- Acoustic:
- Warning buzzer
- Turn signal light function check, acoustic
The instrument cluster is connected to the vehicle electronics system via the interior CAN and via the chassis CAN (CAN E) up to 28.02.2013, or up to 01.03.2013 via the chassis CAN 2 (CAN E2).
Vehicles as of 01.03.2013:
The instrument cluster reads requests to issue control and warning messages from control units that are connected to the interior CAN or chassis CAN 2 over the interior CAN or via chassis CAN 2.
Requests to issue control and warning messages from control units that are connected to the diagnostic CAN or chassis CAN 1 (CAN E1), are sent by the front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) via chassis CAN 2 to the instrument cluster.
Requests to issue control and warning messages from control units that are connected to the drive train CAN, are sent by the CDI control unit or the ME-SFI control unit via chassis CAN 1, the front SAM control unit and chassis CAN 2 to the instrument cluster.
Requests to issue control and warning messages from control units that are connected to the suspension FlexRay (Flex E), are sent by the chassis gateway control unit (N93/7) (with code (23P) Driving assistance package) via chassis CAN 2 to the instrument cluster.
Vehicles up to 28.02.2013:
The instrument cluster reads requests to issue control and warning messages from control units that are connected to the interior CAN or chassis CAN over the interior CAN or via chassis CAN.
Requests to issue control and warning messages from control units that are connected to the diagnostic CAN (CAN D) or front end CAN (CAN G), are sent by the front SAM control unit via interior CAN to the instrument cluster.
Requests to issue control and warning messages from the DISTRONIC electric controller unit (A89) (for code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or code (237) Active Blind Spot Assist) are sent by the video and radar sensor system control unit (N62/2) to the instrument cluster via chassis CAN.
Requests to issue control and warning messages from control units which are connected to the drive train CAN (CAN C) are sent by the CDI control unit (N3/9) (with diesel engine) or ME-SFI control unit (N3/10) (with gasoline engine) via the chassis CAN to the instrument cluster.
The systems and functions listed in the table below can request the output of control and warning messages via the corresponding control unit.
| System/Function | Control unit | Connection | Output | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indicator lamp | Display | Acoustic | |||
| ADAPTIVE BRAKE | Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4 (without code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or without engine 157) or Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (with code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or with engine 157) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | Antilock brake system indicator lamp (A1e17) Electronic Stability Program warning lamp (A1e41) Brake system warning lamp (A1e51) | X | - |
| Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) | Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4 (without code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or without engine 157) or Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (with code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or with engine 157) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | ESP®/ASR OFF warning lamp (A1e32) (Status ESP® On/Off) Electronic Stability Program warning lamp (A1e41) (ESP® system active) | X | - |
| Adaptive Highbeam Assist (up to 31.08.2014 with code (608) Adaptive Highbeam Assist) | Multifunction camera (A40/11) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | - |
| Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus (as of 01.09.2014 with code (628) AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM CONTROL PLUS (IHC+)) | Multifunction camera (A40/11) (with code (22P) Lane package) | CAN E2 | - | X | - |
| Stereo multifunction camera (A40/13) (with code (23P) Driving assistance package) | Flex E/CAN E2 | - | X | - | |
| AIRmatic (with code (489) AIRmatic (air suspension with continuous variable damping) or code (488) Steel/air suspension) | AIRmatic control unit (N51/3) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | - |
| Active Lane Keeping Assist (up to 31.08.2014 with code (238) Active Lane Keeping Assist, as of 01.09.2014 with code (23P) Driving Assistance package) | Multifunction camera (A40/11) (up to 31.08.2014) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | - |
| Stereo multifunction camera (A40/13) as of 01.09.2014) | Flex E/CAN E2 | - | X | - | |
| Active Blind Spot Assist (up to 31.08.2014 with code (237) Active Blind Spot Assist, as of 01.09.2014 with code (23P) Driving Assistance package) | Video and radar sensor system control unit (N62/2) (up to 31.08.2014) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | - | X |
| Radar sensors control unit (N62/1) (as of 01.09.2014) | Flex E/CAN E2 | - | - | X | |
| Trailer recognition (with code (550) Trailer hitch) | Trailer recognition control unit (N28/1) | CAN B | - | X | - |
| Audio/Navigation/Communication | Radio (A2) (up to 31.08.2014 with code (523) Radio MB audio 20 or code (510) Audio 20 incl. CD changer, as of 01.09.2014 with code (505) Radio 20 NTG5 non-navigation-capable or code (522) Radio audio 20) Radio with autopilot system (A2/56) (with code (525) MB Audio 50 APS radio or code (511) Audio 50 APS with DVD changer) COMAND control unit (A40/3) (up to 31.08.2014 with code (512) COMAND APS incl. DVD changer, code (526) COMAND with single DVD drive (without navigation), code (527) COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation) or code (528) COMAND incl. DVD changer, as of 01.09.2014 with code (531) COMAND APS) |
CAN B | - | X | - |
| ATTENTION ASSIST | Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4) (without code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or without engine 157) or Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (with code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or with engine 157) |
CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | X |
| Exterior lights (ABL) | Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) | CAN B | Low beam indicator lamp (A1e67) High beam indicator lamp (A1e3) Standing lights indicator lamp (A1e38) (as of 01.06.2012) Rear fog light indicator lamp (A1e18) |
X | X |
| As of 01.09.2014 | Left headlamp control unit (E1n9) or right headlamp control unit (E2n9) | CAN E2 | - | X | - |
| Up to 31.08.2014 | Left xenon light control unit (E1n1) and right xenon light control unit (E2n1) (without code (621) Intelligent Light System (left-hand traffic) and without code (622) Intelligent Light System (right-hand traffic)) | CAN G/CAN B (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | - |
| Up to 31.08.2014 | Left headlamp control unit (E1n9) and right headlamp control unit (E2n9) (with code (621) Intelligent Light System (left-hand traffic) or code (622) Intelligent Light System (right-hand traffic)) | CAN G/CAN B (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | - |
| Turn signal confirmation | Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) | CAN B | Left turn signal indicator lamp (A1e1) Right turn signal indicator lamp (A1e2) |
- | - |
| Lights on warning | Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) | CAN B | - | X | - |
| Automatic transmission control | Intelligent servo module for DIRECT SELECT (A80) or fully integrated transmission control unit (Y3/8n4) | CAN C/CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN C/CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | - |
| Brake fluid level | Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) | CAN B | Brake fluid and parking brake warning lamp (A1e7) Brake system warning lamp (A1e51) |
X | - |
| Brake wear indicator | Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) | CAN B | - | X | - |
| Distronic (with code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS) | DISTRONIC electric controller unit (A89), radar sensors control unit (N62/2) | CAN H/CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | DISTRONIC warning lamp (A1e59) | - | X |
| DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist (with code (23P) Driving Assistance package) | Radar sensors control unit (N62/1) | Flex E/CAN E2 | - | X | - |
| COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (with code (258) COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS) | COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST controller unit (A90) | CAN E1/CAN E2 | COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST warning lamp (A1e52) | - | X |
| Antitheft alarm system (ATA [EDW]) (with code (551) Antitheft alarm system (ATA [EDW])) | Rear SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/2) | CAN B | - | X | - |
| Parking system (with code (220) PARKTRONIC or code (235) Active Parking Assist) | Parking system control unit (N62) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | X |
| Parking brake warning | Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) | CAN B | Brake fluid and parking brake warning lamp (A1e7) | X | - |
| Windshield washer system fluid level | Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) | CAN B | - | X | - |
| Speed Limit Assist (up to 31.08.2014 with code (513) Speed Limit Assist) | Multifunction camera (A40/11) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | - |
| Speed warning (with code (623) Gulf states version) | Instrument cluster (A1) | Internal | - | X | X |
| Seat belt reminder warning | Supplemental restraint system control unit (N2/10) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | Seat belt warning lamp (A1e9) | - | X |
| Rear SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/2) | CAN B | ||||
| Keyless-Go (with code (889) Keyless-Go) | KEYLESS-GO control unit (N69/5) | CAN B | - | X | X |
| Coolant level | Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) | CAN B | - | X | - |
| Coolant temperature | CDI control unit (N3/9) or ME-SFI [ME] control unit (N3/10) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | Coolant temperature warning lamp (A1e54) | X | - |
| Steering (with code (213) Speed-sensitive power steering) | Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4 (without code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or without engine 157) or Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (with code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or with engine 157) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | - |
| Memory setting (with code (275) Memory package for electrically adjustable front seats) | Driver seat control unit (N32/1) or front passenger seat control unit (N32/2) | CAN B | - | - | X |
| Engine oil level warning | CDI control unit (N3/9) or ME-SFI [ME] control unit (N3/10) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | - |
| Engine management | CDI control unit (N3/9) or ME-SFI [ME] control unit (N3/10) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | Engine diagnosis indicator lamp (A1e58) | - | - |
| Emergency call system (with code (348) Emergency call/Assist system or code (359) TELEAID emergency call system) | Emergency call system control unit (N123/4) | CAN D (up to 28.02.2013) CAN D/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | - |
| PRE-SAFE® | Left front reversible emergency tensioning retractor (A76) or right front reversible emergency tensioning retractor (A76/1) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | Supplemental restraint system indicator lamp (A1e15) | X | - |
| RACE START (with engine 157) | Transmission mode control unit (N145) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | ESP SPORT indicator lamp (A1e46) | X | - |
| Tire pressure monitor (with code (475) Tire pressure monitor (premium), Schrader) | Tire pressure monitor control unit (N88) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | Tire pressure monitor warning lamp (A1e66) | X | - |
| Tire pressure loss warning (with code (477) Tire pressure loss warning) | Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4 (without code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or without engine 157) or Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (with code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or with engine 157) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | - |
| Lane Keeping Assist (up to 31.08.214 with code (476) Lane Keeping Assist, as of 01.09.2014 with code (22P) Track width package) | Multifunction camera (A40/11) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | - |
| Stationary heater (with code (228) Stationary heater) | Stationary heater control unit (A6n1) | CAN B | - | X | - |
| Supplemental restraint system | Supplemental restraint system control unit (N2/10) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | Supplemental restraint system indicator lamp (A1e15) | X | - |
| Fuel cap warning (with code (494) USA version) | CDI control unit (N3/9) or ME-SFI [ME] control unit (N3/10) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | Fuel reserve warning light (A1e4) | X | - |
| Cruise control | Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4 (without code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or without engine 157) or Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (with code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or with engine 157) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | Segment ring speedometer (A1p8) | X | X |
| Blind Spot Assist (for code (234) Blind Spot Assist) | Left rear bumper intelligent radar sensor (B29/4), right rear bumper intelligent radar sensor (B29/5) | CAN G (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | - | X | X |
| Doors OPEN warning | Rear SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/2), left front door control unit (N69/1) and right front door control unit (N69/2) | CAN B | - | X | X |
| Traffic Sign Assist (as of 01.09.2014 with code (513) Traffic sign recognition) | Multifunction camera (A40/11) (with code (22P) Lane package) Stereo multifunction camera (A40/13) (with code (23P) Driving assistance package) | CAN E2 Flex E/CAN E2 | - | X | - |
| Preglow indicator (on diesel engine) | CDI control unit (N3/9) | CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E1/CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) | Preglow indicator lamp (A1e16) | - | - |
Special case of country-dependent seat belt reminder warning:
If, immediately prior to starting a journey or during a journey, a seat belt is detected to be not fitted, the instrument cluster issues a country-specific optical and acoustic seat belt reminder warning.
The Supplemental Restraint System control unit (N2/10) sends information on the status of the driver and front passenger seat belts over the chassis CAN by 28.02.2013 to the instrument cluster or as of 01.03.2013 to the instrument cluster over chassis CAN 1, front SAM control unit and chassis CAN 2. The instrument cluster evaluates this information for issuing a country-specific seat belt reminder warning.
The seat belt reminder message for the front passenger is only issued, if the front passenger seat is recognized as occupied.
The Supplemental Restraint System control unit sends information on seat occupancy recognition up to 28.02.2013 via the chassis CAN to the instrument cluster or as of 01.03.2013 to the instrument cluster via chassis CAN 1, the front SAM control unit and chassis CAN 2.
A rear seat belt reminder warning is only issued when the total number of fitted seat belts in the rear changes during a journey or when the vehicle is at a standstill, without a rear door being opened. If the total number of fitted seat belts in the rear changes, the instrument cluster actuates the seat belt warning lamp and the warning buzzer.
The rear SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/2) sends information on the status of the rear seat belts to the instrument cluster via interior CAN.
The rear seat belt warning is always output starting at speeds of v = 6 km/h. After t = 5 s or after acknowledgment, the seat belt warning disappears.
An issued rear seat belt reminder warning does not exert any influence on triggered restraint equipment, it is only used to notify the driver.
The manner of how the seat belt reminder warning is issued differs in whether the seat belt reminder warning is prescribed by law or not and is incorporated into the assessment through the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
NCAP is an assessment program for safety in new vehicles.
Countries with legally prescribed seat belt reminder:
- Extended NCAP:
USA, Canada, and up to 28.02.2013 Arab States of the Gulf, Korea and Japan
- Countries without seat belt reminder warning prescribed by law:
Euro NCAP: Europe, China, Australia, and as of 01.03.2013 Arab States of the Gulf, Korea and Japan
In countries in which the seat belt reminder is prescribed by law (extended NCAP), the seat belt warning lamp (A1e9) is actuated for a duration of t = 6 ±2 s. It is irrelevant here whether the driver seat belt is fitted or not. If the driver's seat belt is not being worn, the instrument cluster also issues an acoustic warning over the warning buzzer.
If the driver seat belt is then fitted, the acoustic warning is stopped. There is no assessment here of whether the front passenger seat belt is fitted or not.
Only after a period of t = 6 s has elapsed, is the status of both seat belts evaluated.
In countries in which the seat belt reminder warning is not prescribed by law, the seat belt warning lamp is only actuated during the indicator lamp test.
Immediately after detecting that the engine is running, the Supplemental Restraint System control unit evaluates the status of the driver and front passenger seat belts.
If a seat belt is defined to not be fitted, the instrument cluster actuates the seat belt warning lamp.
If the vehicle starts to move, additional acoustic warnings are issued when a speed of v ≥ 25 km/h is reached.
Three or four acoustic warnings are issued in accordance with the seat belt reminder warning. While they are being issued the seat belt warning lamp is actuated by flashing it at a frequency of f = 2 Hz. After all the acoustic warning phases have expired the seat belt warning lamp is permanently actuated.
- Acoustic warning phase 1:
If the vehicle drives off, acoustic warning phase 1 starts to run in the background. Upon reaching a speed of v ≥ 25 km/h, a soft acoustic warning sounds in intervals of t = 4 s. The acoustic warning phase 1 lasts max. t = 20 s. Then acoustic warning phase 2 begins.
- Acoustic warning phase 2:
After expiry of acoustic warning phase 1 and at a speed of v ≥ 25 km/h, a quiet warning tone is sounded for max. t = 20 s at an interval of t = 2 s. Then acoustic warning phase 3 begins.
- Acoustic warning phase 3:
After expiry of acoustic warning phase 2 and at a speed of v ≥ 25 km/h, a quiet acoustic warning is sounded for max. t = 20 s at an interval of t = 1 s. Then acoustic warning phase 4 begins.
- Acoustic warning phase 4 (Euro NCAP only):
Following expiry of acoustic warning phase 3 and as of a speed of v ≥ 25 km/h, a loud acoustic warning is sounded for maximum t = 93 s at an interval of t = 0.5 s.
Cancellation of seat belt reminder warning:
- The last acoustic warning phase is fully completed.
- The seat belt was fitted during the active seat belt reminder warning.
- When the vehicle is stationary the vehicle door on the actuating side is opened.
Seat belt reminder warning reactivation:
- Seat belt release has been detected again.
- If the vehicle is at a standstill and the driver or front passenger door is opened and then closed again.
- A new ignition cycle is detected from the time the "Engine running" or "Drive train operational" signal is set.
| Electrical function schematic of instrument cluster, control/warning message | MODEL 218 up to model year 2014 | PE54.30-P-2054-97XAA |
| MODEL 218 as of model year 2014 | PE54.30-P-2054-97XAB | |
| Overview of system components, instrument cluster (IC) component description | GF54.30-P-9996FQ |