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Control/Warning Messages, Function - GF54.30-P-2001FQ

MODEL 218 

Function requirements, general 

IMPORTANT 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:

G12631434Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Shown on model 218.323 

IMPORTANT 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:

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:

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)) over 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 over the 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.

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) (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 High beam Assist (up to 31.08.2014 with code 608 (Adaptive High beam Assist))  Multifunction camera (A40/11) CAN E (up to 28.02.2013) CAN E2 (as of 01.03.2013) - X -
Adaptive High beam Assist Plus (as of 01.09.2014 with code 628 (Adaptive High beam Assist Plus))  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) 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 (Audio 20 CD) or code 510 (Audio 20 CD with CD changer, 6-disk), as of 01.09.2014 with code 505 (Radio 20 NTG5 not navigation capable) or code 522 (Audio 20 radio))
Radio with auto-pilot system (A2/56) (with code 525 (MB Audio 50 APS radio) or code 511 (Audio 50 APS incl. DVD changer))
COMMAND controller unit (A40/3) (until 31.08.2014 with code 512 (COMMAND APS incl. DVD changer), code 526 (COMMAND with single DVD drive (without navigation function)), code 527 (COMMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation function)) or code 528 (COMMAND incl. DVD changer), from 01.09.2014 with code 531 (COMMAND APS))
CAN B - X -
Attention assistance system  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)) 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) or right headlamp control unit (E2n9) (with code 621 (Intelligent Light System (left-hand traffic)) or code 622 (Intelligent Light System)) 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
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 235 (Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC))  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 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))  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 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 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 -
Emergency call system (with code 350 (eCall Europe emergency call system))  Telematics services communications module (N112/2) CAN D/CAN E2 - X -
Emergency call system (with code 360 (HERMES UMTS) or code 362 (HERMES LTE))  HERMES control unit (N112/9) CAN D/CAN E2 - 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))  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 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 (with 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 Assist))  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.

IMPORTANT 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.

IMPORTANT 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 reminder warning is always issued as from v = 6 km/h. After t = 5 s or acknowledgment, the seat belt reminder warning is cleared.

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).

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

Countries with legally prescribed seat belt reminder:

In countries in which the seat belt reminder is prescribed by law (extended NCAP), the seat belt warning lamp (A1e9) is actuated for a period 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.

The status of both seat belts is evaluated only after a period of t = 6 s. 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 these acoustic warnings are being issued, the seat belt warning lamp flashes on and off at a frequency of f = 2 Hz.

After all the acoustic warning phases have expired the seat belt warning lamp is permanently actuated.

Cancellation of seat belt reminder warning:

Seat belt reminder warning reactivation:

  Electrical function schematic of instrument cluster, control/warning message Model 218 up to model year 2014
Model 218 as of model year 2014
PE54.30-P-2054-97XAA
PE54.30-P-2054-97XAB
  Overview of system components, instrument cluster (IC) component description   GF54.30-P-9996FQ