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Parking system, function - GF54.65-P-0006FL

MODEL 212.0/2 up to 28.2.13 with CODE (230) Advanced Parking Guidance except CODE (498) Japan version 

MODEL 212.0/2 up to 28.2.13 with CODE (220) PARKTRONIC with CODE (498) Japan version 

Function requirements, general 

IMPORTANT The electronic ignition lock control unit sends the circuit 15 (N73) status over the chassis CAN (CAN E) to the parking system control unit (N62).

Parking system, general 

The parking system uses an ultrasonic measuring system to record the distance of the vehicle to an obstacle.

On vehicles with code (230) Exclusive parking assist, then when driving at speeds of v < 36 km/h, additional longitudinal parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle are measured and saved in the direction of travel.

The driver is assisted when parking by means of corresponding steering and driving instructions. The distance between the vehicle and the obstacle is indicated to the driver visually and acoustically.

IMPORTANT In certain situations warnings from the parking system are suppressed, e.g. when driving backwards through narrow passages (driveway). An obstacle is in the sensing range, however the current steering wheel position means that there will be no collision.

Parking system operation is dependent on speed and direction of travel, and therefore the following input factors have to be determined:

The listed input factors are determined as follows:

Direction of travel and vehicle speed:

The direction of travel and vehicle speed are calculated from the wheel speeds and the wheel rotation direction. These parameters are recorded by the following components:

The rpm sensors are directly read in by the following control units on a model and equipment-specific basis:

The listed control units send the signals over the chassis CAN to the parking system control unit and the instrument cluster (A1).

The parking system control unit calculates the vehicle speed and its direction of travel internally.

At the same time the instrument cluster also calculates the displayed speed and sends it over the chassis CAN to the parking system control unit.

Status of backup lamp switch (transmission 711, 716) or status of gear range (transmission 722 and 724.2):

Transmission 711, 716:

The direction of travel on vehicles with transmission 711 or 716 is defined through the status of the backup lamp switch.

The front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) directly reads in the backup lamp status and - with engaged reverse gear - it sends the "Reverse gear engaged" status over the chassis CAN to the parking system control unit.

Transmission 722 and 724.2:

Each gear range is engaged through the electronic transmission control control unit (N15/3) (transmission 722.6) or through the fully integrated transmission control unit (Y3/8n4) (transmission 722.9 and transmission 724.2). The electronic transmission control: unit or the fully integrated transmission control unit then sends the "Gear range R engaged" status over the drive train CAN (CAN C), CDI control unit or the ME-SFI [ME] control unit and the chassis CAN to the parking system control unit.

Status of parking brake indicator switch:

The status of the parking brake indicator switch is read in over a direct line by the front SAM control unit and sent over the chassis CAN to the parking system control unit.

The parking system is comprised of the following subfunctions:

Illustration of the principle for measuring procedure 

Fig 1: Bumper, License Plate Bracket And Ultrasonic Sensors
G10242322Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Measuring procedure function sequence 

The distance measurement is based on the ultrasound measurement system. The following components are actuated by the parking system control unit:

As a result of this these emit an ultrasonic signal.

The signal reflected by an obstacle is received and evaluated. The respective distance of the vehicle to an obstacle is displayed to the driver on the instrument panel parking system warning indicator (A44/4) and the rear parking system warning indicator (A44/3).

In principle a distinction is made between two measurements:

On the one hand the direct measurement, resulting from a direct echo and on the other hand the indirect distance measurement which is achieved via a cross echo.

Reflected echoes can usually also be received from adjacent distance sensors due to the large distance sensor detection angles, these are known as cross echoes. These occur at the obstacle due to scattered reflection. With the help of the triangulation method, the distance from the vehicle to an obstacle can be calculated from two echo signals. The propagation times of the signals from the direct measurement and from the cross measurement are required for this method.

IMPORTANT The parking system may not work correctly in some cases because of the functional principal (sending and receiving of ultrasound waves). So for example, when approaching a strong sound absorbent obstacle (e.g. a vehicle covered in snow) it is possible that false data may be displayed.

Monitoring ranges of distance sensors, shown on model 212.0 

Fig 2: Overview Of Distance Sensors Monitoring Ranges - Shown On Model 212.0
G10242323Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

The distance sensors are activated according to the direction of travel. The appropriate distance sensors are activated with forward travel for monitoring the front area (A) and the corner protection area (B).

The appropriate distance sensors are activated with reverse travel for monitoring the front area, the corner protection area and the rear area (C).

The monitored front area amounts to a maximum of s = 100 cm (c) and the monitored rear area amounts to a maximum of s = 120 cm (e). If the distance of the vehicle to an obstacle is less than s = 20 cm (a1, c1), the parking system will not obtain any more defined data for technical reasons.

Below a speed of v = 36 km/h the parking space detection range (D) at the right and left of the vehicle is measured up to a distance of s = 400 to 450 cm (d), and stored for s = 15 m in the parking system control unit.

Self-test function sequence 

During the self-test the following components are checked for proper operation:

Parking system control unit self-test:

The parking system control unit performs a self test after the ignition is switched on (circuit 15 ON). The hardware of the parking system control unit is checked here for faults.

IMPORTANT The status of the parking brake, the position of the gearshift lever (for transmission 711, 716) or the gear range (for transmission 722 or 724.2) (reverse gear or gear range "R" engaged or not) do not influence the self-test of the parking system control unit.

Distance sensor self-test:

A self-test of the distance sensors (e.g. for connection) is only performed when a distance sensor is "pulsed" (ultrasonic transmitting).

IMPORTANT This is dependent on the status of the parking brake, the A/T gear range and the speed.

Distance sensor test for subsequent vibrations:

A distance sensor test for subsequent vibrations (acoustic-physical function of distance sensor) is only conducted when the speed v = 60 km/h is exceeded or dropped below.

After the self test all the light-emitting diodes on the parking system warning indicators are fully actuated for approx. t = 1 s.

If there are no malfunctions or errors, the two yellow horizontal "Stand by" bars illuminate on both parking system warning indicators at reduced brightness.

The background illumination of the parking system warning indicators is automatically adjusted to the ambient brightness.

The parking system control unit performs further self tests at regular intervals.

The following states can be recorded here:

With a malfunction or a system error, the parking system is deactivated and the display element in the parking system button (N72/1s8) in the upper control panel (N72/1) lights up.

Malfunction:

A malfunction can be caused by a temporary external disturbance (e.g. a jackhammer on a construction site, a steam jet or by driving through an automatic car wash). If a malfunction occurs during operation, this is indicated by the red light-emitting diodes of each actuated parking system warning indicator lighting up.

If a malfunction exists any longer, identification of the cause takes place during driving operation via a self test. If the malfunction is still present, this is interpreted as a system error.

IMPORTANT A warning sound is not emitted.

System fault(s)

A system fault can have the following causes:

If a system error is detected, the red light-emitting diodes light up on each actuated parking system warning indicator. A warning tone is also emitted for t = 2 s. After another t = 18 s the parking system switches off and a fault is entered into the fault memory of the parking system control unit.

IMPORTANT The size of the license plate carriers attached on the bumper varies depending on the national version. Due to the different dimensions and shapes the parking system must be adapted to the particular circumstances. A diagnostic tester can be used to code the national version to prevent malfunctions caused by the license plate carrier.

Behavior in the event of overvoltage and undervoltage function sequence 

The behavior of the parking system in the event of overvoltage or undervoltage can be seen in the following table

On-board power supply voltage U < 9.0 V On-board power supply voltage U > 16.0 V Undervoltage with reset Undervoltage without reset (start pulse)
Parking system nonfunctional Parking system nonfunctional The function is activated again after a reset Display of distance
Parking system warning indicators, dark Parking system warning indicators, dark No checking up of parking system warning indicators Start pulse has no influence on parking system
No checking up if voltage is normal again No checking up if voltage is normal again - No checking up of parking system warning indicators
LED in parking system ON button LED in parking system ON button - -

Additional function requirements for activation and deactivation 

IMPORTANT If the parking brake is on and gear range "N" is engaged, the parking system is active for t = 2 s before it is automatically switched off.

Activate and deactivate function sequence 

The parking system can be manually deactivated or activated by pressing the parking system button in the upper control panel. The parking system button status is sent by the upper control panel control unit over the instrument panel LIN (LIN 1) to the front SAM control unit. This sends the status to the parking system control unit via the chassis CAN.

IMPORTANT If the parking system function is manually switched off using the parking system button, then this is automatically switched on when circuit 15 is activated again.

The intensity of the warning indicator illumination for an activated parking system changes to match the ambient brightness. The ambient brightness is recorded for this purpose by the rain/light sensor (B38/2).

The rain/light sensor data are read in by the front SAM control unit over the wiper/inside rearview mirror-LIN (LIN2) and sent by this over the chassis CAN to the parking system control unit. If the rain/light sensor detects "Night", the parking system warning indicator is actuated at 60 % brightness.

If the rain/light sensor detects "Day", the parking system warning indicator is actuated at 100 % brightness.

When the parking system is deactivated, only the light-emitting diode in the parking system button lights up. The parking system control unit sends a request to actuate the LED over the chassis CAN, front SAM control unit and the instrument panel LIN to the upper control panel control unit.

When driving the parking system switches between v = 60 and 16 km/h into the "Standby mode", i.e. the parking system control unit, parking system warning indicators and the distance sensors are provided with power, but the parking system warning indicators are switched to "Dark".

The respective system states are available in the following tables on a transmission-specific basis:

Status (Transmission 711, 716) 1 2 3 4 5 6
Parking system button OFF ON ON ON ON ON
LED in parking system button ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
Gearshift lever position x x x x All reverse gear Reverse gear
v in km/h x ≥ 60 0 Deceleration of > 60 down to less than 60 ≤ VU ≤VU
Parking brake applied x x Yes x no no
Wheel pulse counter signal x x 0 (t ≥ 2 s) x x x
Front distance sensor (1) inactive inactive inactive active for test, then inactive active active
Rear distance sensor (1) inactive inactive inactive active for test, then inactive inactive active
Instrument panel parking system warning indicator (1) Dark (2) OFF dark active for test, then dark ON ON
Rear parking system warning indicator (1) dark OFF dark active for test, then dark dark ON
D "Drive" 
R Backward 
N Neutral 
P Park position 
V Current speed 
U  Lower speed limit (v = 16 km/h) 
0  Upper speed limit (v = 18 km/h) 
Off Supply voltage switched off 
active Supply voltage applied and in operation 
dark Parking system warning indicator powered, but switched to off 
INACTIVE Distance sensors supplied with power but still not transmitting ultrasound 
x Arbitrary condition/data 
(1) The specified operating conditions are valid only under the following conditions: 

  • Bus not asleep 
  • No malfunction of any system component 

(2) Stand by: Distance sensors and parking system warning indicators are supplied with power. The distance sensors are not transmitting an ultrasound signal and the parking system warning indicator is dark. 
Status (Transmission 722 and 724.2) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4
Parking system button OFF ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON
LED in parking system button ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
Selector lever position (gear range) x D, R or N P P R D O D, R or N D R or N
v (in km/h) x 60 x x x x x Deceleration of > 60 down to less than 60 ≤ vU ≤ vU
Parking brake applied x x x Yes Yes Yes Yes x no no
Wheel pulse counter signal x x x 0 (t ≥ 2 s) 0 (t ≥ 2 s) 0 (t ≥ 2 s) 0 (t ≥ 2 s) x x x
Front distance sensor (1) inactive inactive inactive active inactive active active active for test, then inactive active active
Rear distance sensor (1) inactive inactive inactive active active inactive active active for test, then inactive inactive active
Front parking system warning indicator on instrument panel (1) Dark (2) OFF dark dark inactive active active for t = 2 s, then inactive active for test, then dark ON ON
Rear parking system warning indicator (1) dark OFF dark dark active inactive active for t = 2 s, then inactive active for test, then dark dark ON
D "Drive" 
R Backward 
N Neutral 
P Park position 
V Current speed 
U  Lower speed limit (v = 16 km/h) 
0  Upper speed limit (v = 18 km/h) 
Off Supply voltage switched off 
active Supply voltage applied and in operation 
dark Parking system warning indicator powered, but switched to off 
INACTIVE Distance sensors supplied with power but still not transmitting ultrasound 
x Arbitrary condition/data 
(1) The specified operating conditions are valid only under the following conditions: 

  • Bus not asleep 
  • No malfunction of any system component 

(2) Stand by: Distance sensors and parking system warning indicators are supplied with power. The distance sensors are not transmitting an ultrasound signal and the parking system warning indicator is dark. 

Additional function requirements for monitoring reverse travel 

Function sequence for monitoring reverse travel 

During reverse travel the areas in front of and behind the vehicle are monitored.

When the lower limit speed of

v = 16 km/h is dropped below, the parking system enters measuring mode.

When obstacles are detected in front of or behind the vehicle, the driver is initially visually warned by the appropriate light-emitting diodes lighting up in the parking system warning indicators.

When a distance of s = 30 cm is dropped below, the warning is then intensified by an intermittent tone and subsequently by a continuous signal (see following tables).

When the upper speed limit of v = 18 km/h is exceeded, the parking system goes over into stand by mode again.

Warning messages (Front monitoring range, in the parking system warning indicator on the instrument panel) Display element Warning chime Distance (cm)
Distance sensor (B8/1, B8/6) Distance sensor (B8/2, B8/3, B8/4, B8/5)
Visual 1 (yellow) - - < 100
2 (yellow) - - < 80
3 (yellow) - < 60 < 65
4 (yellow) - < 50 < 50
5 (yellow) - < 40 < 40
Visual and acoustic 6 (red) Intermittent tone with f = 6 Hz < 30 < 30
7 (red) Continuous signal < 15 < 20
Warning messages (Rear monitoring range, in the rear parking system warning indicator on the instrument panel) Display element Warning chime Distance (cm)
Distance sensor (B8/7, B8/10) Distance sensor (B8/8, B8/9)
Visual 1 (yellow) - - < 120
2 (yellow) - - < 95
3 (yellow) - < 80 < 75
4 (yellow) - < 55 < 55
5 (yellow) - < 40 < 40
Visual and acoustic 6 (red) Intermittent tone with f = 6 Hz < 30 < 30
7 (red) Continuous signal < 20 < 20

Additional function requirements for monitoring forward travel 

Function sequence for monitoring forward travel 

When driving forwards the area in front of the vehicle is monitored.

When the lower limit speed of v = 16 km/h is dropped below, the parking system enters measuring mode.

When obstacles are detected in front of the vehicle the driver is initially visually warned by the lighting up of corresponding light-emitting diodes in the parking system warning indicators. When distance of s = 30 cm is dropped below, the warning is then intensified by an intermittent tone and subsequently by a continuous signal (see previous tables).

When the upper limit speed of v = 18 km/h is exceeded the parking assist system switches back to the standby mode.

Additional function requirements for parking space detection (with code (230) Exclusive parking assist) 

Parking space recognition function sequence (with code (230) Exclusive parking assist) 

The parking space detection function is used for simple locating of suitable parallel parking spaces. The parking space detection function is implemented via the outer front distance sensors. These monitor the area left and right of the vehicle and therefore have a larger range than the rest of the distance sensors.

IMPORTANT At a speed of v = 0 to 18 km/h the parking system operates in mixed mode between obstacle and parking space detection. As of v > 18 km/h the parking system changes to the parking space detection function and is activated up to v = 36 km/h.

The range of outer front distance sensors amounts to a maximum of between s = 400 and 450 cm depending on environmental influences (e.g. rain, snowfall, air humidity, extreme temperature (T = -40 to +85°C), air pressure, hot engine air).

The data from the outer front distance sensors is read in and evaluated by the parking system control unit.

It is calculated whether the parking space is suitable for the vehicle from the stored vehicle dimensions and deviations of the recorded parking space.

For a parking space to be recorded by the parking system, it must be:

As soon as a parking space is detected a "Activate Park Assist?" message appears in the multifunction display (A1p13) of the instrument cluster.

Next to the "Note surrounding area" warning message, the lower part of the multifunction display also enables the Park Assist to be activated. The symbolism shown in the multifunction display corresponds to the OK button (S110s6) for "Yes" (activate) or the "Back" button and the voice control system from (S110s4) for "No" (do not activate) in the left multifunction steering wheel button group (S110).

IMPORTANT Parking space recognition only recognizes a free space which is geometrically suitable for parking, but not whether this free space actually also represents a parking space.

Illustration of the principle of parking space detection, shown on model 212.0 

Fig 3: Overview Of Parking Space Detection Principle - Shown On Model 212.0
G10242324Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

IMPORTANT The trajectory, which consists of two arcs, forms the path to be taken into the parking space.

Additional function requirements for displaying possible parking spaces (with code (230) Exclusive parking assist) 

Function sequence for display of possible parking spaces (with code (230) Exclusive parking assist) 

If the parking system searches for a parking space, a display is shown on the multifunction display of the instrument cluster in the shape of a P symbol (6). As soon as an appropriate parking space is detected by the parking system, a left directional arrow (8) or a right directional arrow (7) also appears, that indicates the side of the vehicle on which the parking space is located.

IMPORTANT For vehicles as of 1.6.11 the symbols are displayed in color.

Fig 4: Parking Space Symbols
G10242325Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Parking spaces are always looked for on both sides of the vehicle. However, only parking spaces on the passenger side are pointed out by default. To also allow parking spaces on the driver side to be displayed, the driver must actuate the turn signal in the appropriate direction. The signal to activate the display in the multifunction display is sent by the parking system control unit over the chassis CAN to the instrument cluster.

The switch position of the combination switch (S4) is read in by the steering column tube module and transmitted via the chassis CAN to the parking system control unit.

IMPORTANT Changes to the parking situation after parking space detection are not considered by the parking system.

Additional function requirements for steering and driving instruction output (with code (230) Exclusive parking assist) 

Function sequence for steering and driving instruction output (with code (230) Exclusive parking assist) 

If the parking system has recorded a parking space and the parking procedure is to be conducted, corresponding steering and driving instructions are issued through the multifunction display in the instrument cluster.

IMPORTANT The displayed arrow symbol fills or empties according to the steering angle or the distance traveled.

The steering angle is recorded by the steering angle sensor (N49).

The steering angle sensor data are read by the steering column tube module control unit and transmitted to the parking system control unit over the chassis CAN.

This calculates the required steering angle from the values read in and the calculated trajectory.

The distance traveled is calculated from the rpm sensor signals. The rpm sensor signals are read in by the regenerative braking system control unit or the Electronic Stability Program control unit and sent over the chassis CAN to the parking system control unit.

The parking system is active during the parking procedure.

IMPORTANT If an obstacle in the trajectory is detected during the parking procedure, the instrument cluster issues a warning message via the multifunction display and actuates the internal warning buzzer (A1h1). The warning mode is abandoned if the obstacle is removed or the obstacle position is passed. The parking system control unit sends a corresponding request over the chassis CAN to the instrument cluster.

The following displays are possible with steering and driving instructions:

Fig 5: Overview Of Steering And Driving Instructions (Steer Right)
G10242326Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA
Fig 6: Overview Of Steering And Driving Instructions (Reverse)
G10242327Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA
Fig 7: Overview Of Steering And Driving Instructions (Steer Left)
G10242328Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

The drive indicator "Please drive forwards" is also possible.

IMPORTANT In the event of any "oversteer", a "Please correct left/right" message is displayed in the multifunction display. The steering wheel image remains the same, only the arrow changes direction.

The message "Parking Guidance Completed" is displayed after the target position in the parking space is reached.

IMPORTANT For vehicles as of 1.6.11 the symbols are displayed in color.

  Parking system, location of components   GF54.65-P-0006-01FL 
REFER TO SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS Electrical function schematic of parking system   PE54.65-P-2054-97DAA
  Parking system, block diagram   GF54.65-P-0006-02FL 
  Overview of system components, parking system   GF54.65-P-9992FL