LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Mercedes Benz >> 2015 >> E350 Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Electrical >> Motors, Switches, Relays >> Electrical System, Equipment & Instruments - 212 Chassis - 2 Of 6 >> Basic Knowledge >> Control/warning messages, function >> Control/warning messages, function - GF54.30-P-2001FL

Control/warning messages, function - GF54.30-P-2001FL

MODEL 212 up to model year 2014 

Function requirements, general 

IMPORTANT The electronic ignition lock control unit (N73) transmits the circuit status of circuit 15 over 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:

Visual control/warning messages:

The visual indicator and warning messages are displayed using the following instrument cluster components:

Audible control/warning messages:

The acoustic indicator and warning messages are issued using the following instrument cluster components:

Model 212.074/077/274/277 

Fig 2: Instrument Cluster Components - Shown On Model 212.074
G10050364Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

The messages shown on the multifunction display are split up according to their level of urgency into four categories:

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 and 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:

The instrument cluster is connected to the vehicle electronics system via the interior CAN (CAN B) and chassis CAN.

Requests to issue control and warning messages from control units that are connected to this Controller Area Network (CAN), are read in by the instrument cluster via the interior CAN or 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 with fuse and relay module (N10/1) via the interior CAN to the instrument cluster.

Requests to issue control and warning messages from control units which are connected to the vehicle dynamics CAN (CAN H) are sent by the radar sensors control unit (N62/1) (up to 31.05.2010) or the video and radar sensor system control unit (N62/2) (as of 01.06.2010) via the chassis CAN to the instrument cluster.

Requests to issue control and warning messages from control units which are connected to the drive train CAN (CAN C) or the hybrid CAN (CAN L) 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.

IMPORTANT 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) (model 212 (except 212.074/077/095/098/274/277/298) except CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS)) or Regenerative braking system control unit (N30/6) (model 212.095/098/298) or Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (model 212 (except 212.095/098/298) with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS), model 212.074/077/274/277) CAN-E Antilock braking system indicator lamp (A1e17), Electronic Stability Program warning lamp (A1e41), Brake system warning lamp (A1e51) X  
Adaptive Highbeam Assist (with CODE 608 (Adaptive Highbeam Assist))  Multifunction camera (A40/11) CAN-E - X -
Active Lane Keeping Assist (with CODE 238 (Active Lane Keeping Assist))  Multifunction camera (A40/11) CAN-E - X -
Active Blind Spot Assist (with CODE 237 (Active Blind Spot Assist))  Video and radar sensor system control unit (N62/2) CAN-E - - X
Trailer recognition (with CODE 550 (Trailer hitch))  Trailer recognition control unit (N28/1) CAN B - X -
Audio/Navigation/Communication  Radio (A2) (with CODE 510 (Audio 20 with CD changer) or CODE 523 (MB Audio 20 radio)) or radio with auto pilot system (A2/56) (with CODE 511 (Audio 50 APS incl. DVD changer) or CODE 525 (MB Audio 50 APS radio)) or COMAND controller unit (A40/3) (with CODE 512 (COMAND APS incl. DVD changer) or CODE 526 (COMAND with single DVD drive (without navigation)) or CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or CODE 528 (COMAND incl. DVD changer)) CAN B - X -
Attention assistance system  Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4) (model 212 (except 212.074/077/095/098/274/277/298) except CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS)) or Regenerative braking system control unit (N30/6) (model 212.095/098/298) or Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (model 212 (except 212.095/098/298) with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS), model 212.074/077/274/277) CAN-E - X X
Exterior lights (ABL)  Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1), Rear SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/2), Left front door control unit (N69/1), Left front door control unit (N69/2) Trailer recognition control unit (N28/1) (with CODE 550 (Trailer hitch)) or CAN B Low beam indicator lamp (A1e67)
High beam indicator lamp (A1e3)
X X
  Left xenon light control unit (E1n1) and right xenon light control unit (E2n1) (with CODE 615 (Bi-xenon headlamp unit with integrated curve illumination) or CODE 616 (Bi-xenon headlamp unit with integrated asymmetric curve illumination) or CODE 621 (Intelligent Light System (left-hand traffic)) or CODE 622 (Intelligent Light System (right-hand traffic))) CAN G / CAN B   X -
Automatic transmission control  Electronic transmission control unit (N15/3) (transmission 722.6), Electronic selector lever module control unit (N15/5),
Intelligent servo module for DIRECT SELECT (A80) (transmission 722.9), Fully integrated transmission control unit (Y3/8n4) (transmission 722.9, 724.2)
CAN C / CAN E - 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)
- X
Brake fluid level  Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) CAN B Brake system warning lamp (A1e51) X -
Brake wear indicator  Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) CAN B - X -
Damping system (with CODE 489 (AIRmatic (air suspension with continuous adjustment damping) or CODE 488 (Steel/air suspension))  AIRmatic control unit (N51/3) CAN-E - X -
DISTRONIC (with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS))  DISTRONIC electric controller unit (A89) CAN H / CAN E DISTRONIC warning lamp (A1e59) - X
Anti-theft alarm system (ATA) (with CODE 551 (Anti-theft alarm system (ATA)))  Rear SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/2) CAN B - X -
Parking system (with CODE 220 (PARKTRONIC) or CODE 230 (Exclusive Parking Assist))  Parking system control unit (N62) CAN-E - X X
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)  Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4) (model 212 (except 212.074/077/095/098/274/277/298) except CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS)) or Regenerative braking system control unit (N30/6) (model 212.095/098/298) or Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (model 212 (except 212.095/098/298) with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS), model 212.074/077/274/277) CAN-E ESP®/ASR OFF warning lamp (A1e32) (status ESP® ON/OFF), Electronic Stability Program warning lamp (A1e41) (ESP® system active), ESP SPORT indicator lamp (A1e46) (model 212.074/077/274/277) X -
Natural gas engine (engine 271.958 with CODE 924 (Bivalent natural gas drive))  CNG control unit (N118/2) CAN C / CAN E CNG indicator lamp (A1e31) X -
Parking brake warning  Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) CAN B Brake system warning lamp (A1e51) (as of 01.12.2009 except CODE 494 (USA version))
Brake fluid and parking brake indicator lamp (A1e6)
X -
Windshield washer system fluid level  Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) CAN B - X -
Speed Limit Assist (with CODE 513 (Traffic sign recognition))  Multifunction camera (A40/11) CAN-E - 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), rear SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/2) CAN-E
CAN B
Seat belt warning lamp (A1e9) - X
HYBRID high-voltage on-board electrical system (model 212.095/098/298)  Power electronics control unit (N129/1) CAN L / CAN E - X -
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) (diesel engine) or ME-SFI control unit (N3/10) (gasoline engine) CAN-E - X -
Lights on warning  Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) CAN B - X X
Power steering (with CODE 213 (Speed-sensitive power steering))  Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4) (model 212 (except 212.074/077/095/098/274/277/298) except CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS)) or
Regenerative braking system control unit (N30/6) (model 212.095/098/298) or
Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (model 212 (except 212.095/098/298) with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS), model 212.074/077/274/277)
CAN-E - X X
Memory adjustment (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) (diesel engine) or ME-SFI control unit (N3/10) (gasoline engine) CAN-E - X -
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 / CAN B - X -
PRE-SAFE®  Left front reversible emergency tensioning retractor motor (A76) or Right front reversible emergency tensioning retractor (A76/1) CAN-E Supplemental restraint system indicator lamp (A1e15) X -
RACE START (model 212.074/077/274/277)  Transmission mode control unit (N145) CAN-E - X -
Tire pressure monitor (with CODE 475 (Tire pressure monitor (premium)), Schrader)  Tire pressure monitor control unit (N88) CAN-E Tire pressure monitor warning lamp (A1e66) X -
Tire pressure loss warner (except CODE 475 (Tire pressure monitor (premium), Schrader))  Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4) (model 212 (except 212.074/077/095/098/274/277/298) except CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS)) or
Regenerative braking system control unit (N30/6) (model 212.095/098/298) or
Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (model 212 (except 212.095/098/298) with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS), model 212.074/077/274/277)
CAN-E - X -
Lane Keeping Assist (with CODE 476 (Lane Keeping Assist))  Multifunction camera (A40/11) CAN-E - 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 Supplemental restraint system indicator lamp (A1e15) X -
Fuel cap warning (with CODE 494 (USA version))  CDI control unit (N3/9) (diesel engine) or ME-SFI control unit (N3/10) (gasoline engine) CAN-E Fuel reserve warning light (A1e4) X -
Cruise control  Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4) (model 212 (except 212.074/077/095/098/274/277/298) except CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS)) or
Regenerative braking system control unit (N30/6) (model 212.095/098/298) or
Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (model 212 (except 212.095/098/298) with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS), model 212.074/077/274/277)
CAN-E Segment ring on speedometer (A1p8) X X
Blind Spot Assist (with CODE 234 (Blind Spot Assist))  Up to 31.05.2010:
Radar sensors control unit (N62/1)
CAN-E - - X
  As of 01.06.2010:
Left rear bumper intelligent radar sensor (B29/4) or right rear bumper intelligent radar sensor (B29/5)
CAN G / CAN B - - X
Doors OPEN warning  Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1),
Rear SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/2),
Left front door control unit (N69/1), Right front door control unit (N69/2)
CAN B - X X
Preglow indicator (diesel engine)  CDI control unit (N3/9) CAN-E Preglow indicator lamp (A1e16) - -
Rear window wiper system (model 212.2)  Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) CAN B - X -

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 instrument cluster evaluates the following information for issuing a country-specific seat belt reminder warning:

IMPORTANT The seat belt reminder message for the front passenger is only issued, if the front passenger seat is recognized as occupied.

The rear seat belt reminder warning is only issued, if the status of a rear seat belt buckle switch changes during a journey.

If a seat belt is not being worn, the Supplemental Restraint Systems control unit sends a corresponding signal over the chassis CAN to the instrument cluster.

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).

IMPORTANT NCAP is an assessment program for safety in new vehicles.

Countries with legally prescribed seat belt reminder:

Extended NCAP: USA, Arab States of the Gulf and up to 31.05.2012 Japan and Korea.

Countries without seat belt reminder warning prescribed by law:

European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP): Europe, China, Australia, Canada and as of 01.06.2012 Japan and Korea.

In countries in which the seat belt reminder is prescribed by law (extended NCAP), the seat belt warning lamp is activated for a time interval 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.

IMPORTANT If the driver seat belt is fitted during this time interval, the acoustic warning is canceled.

An assessment of whether the front passenger seat belt is fitted or not given during this time interval.

Only after the time interval of t = 6 s has expired, does the assessment of both seat belts occur.

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 an engine start ("Engine running" or "Drivetrain operational" signal set), both the status of the driver restraint system seat belt buckle switch and the status of the front-passenger restraint system seat belt buckle switch are evaluated.

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 successive acoustic warnings are issued once it reaches a speed of v ≥25 km/h.

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. When a speed of v ≥25 km/h is reached, a quiet acoustic warning is sounded at an interval of t = 4 s. The acoustic warning phase 1 lasts for a maximum t = 20 s. This is then followed by a transition to acoustic warning phase 2.

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.

The transition into warning phase 3 follows.

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. The transition into warning phase 4 follows.

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:

Seat belt reminder warning reactivation:

The rear seat belt reminder warning is realized by monitoring the number of belt tabs inserted into the seat belt buckles.

If this situation alters during a journey or at vehicle standstill, without a rear door being opened, the instrument cluster actuates the seat belt warning lamp and the warning buzzer to issue the rear seat belt reminder warning.

If the seat belt reminder warning is issued when the vehicle is moving, it is displayed again another t = 30 s when the vehicle is determined to be at rest. This is contingent on a change in the door status for a rear door while the vehicle is at a standstill. The rear seat belt reminder warning, however, does not exert any effect on restraint equipment deployment, it only serves as information for the driver.

  Electrical function schematic of instrument cluster, control/warning message   PE54.30-P-2054-97DAA
  Overview of system components, instrument cluster (IC) component description   GF54.30-P-9996FL