Electrically Adjustable Steering Column (ESC), Function - GF46.15-P-0003GW

Model 463 

as of model year 2013 

Model 463 except model 463.342 

as of 03.04.2018 

Model 463 except model 463.342 up to 02.04.2018, model 463.342 

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Electrically adjustable steering column, general 

The electrically adjustable steering column function allows the steering column to be adjusted as required and increases comfort when getting into and out of the vehicle.

The electrically adjustable steering column function includes the following subfunctions:

• Function sequence for normalization 
• Function sequence for adjusting/saving steering column 
• Function sequence for easy entry/exit 

Function sequence for normalization 

Normalization is the basis for the assignment of the current steering column position and the position of the steering column recorded by the driver seat control unit. Normalization must be performed during initial startup or in a denormalized condition. The following mechanical stops have to be moved to for the normalization procedure:

• Front end stop
• Upper stop

The normalization procedure is performed at the in-service date using the diagnostic tester. Circuit 15R must be switched on here. The normalization procedure after denormalization can be performed using the adjustment function. To do so, press and hold the steering column adjustment switch after reaching the mechanical end stops for another 250 ms.

For model 463 except model 463.342 as of 03.04.2018 the steering column tube module control unit reads in the switch position of the steering column adjustment switch directly and sends it over the suspension FlexRay, electronic ignition lock control unit and the interior CAN to the driver's seat control unit.

For model 463 except model 463.342 up to 02.04.2018 or for model 463.342, the steering column tube module control unit reads in the switch position of the steering column adjustment switch directly and sends it over suspension CAN 1, the electronic ignition lock control unit and the interior CAN to the driver's seat control unit.

Model 463

as of model year 2013

with code VL0 (Heated steering wheel)

The steering column adjustment switch is integrated into the steering column adjustment and steering wheel heater switch.

The driver seat control unit then directly actuates the corresponding steering column adjustment motor and evaluates the signals from the respective steering column Hall sensor.

Upon successful normalization, the driver's seat control unit switches off the corresponding steering column adjustment motor.

Function sequence for adjusting/saving steering column 

The adjust/store steering column function allows the steering column to be adjusted to various different positions and these positions to be stored.

The adjust/store steering column function includes the following subfunctions:

• Adjust steering column function sequence 
• Function sequence for storing position of steering column (except model 463.342) 
• Function sequence for calling stored position of steering column (except model 463.342) 

Adjust steering column function sequence 

The steering column is adjusted by operating the steering column adjustment switch.

The steering column tube module control unit reads in the switch position of the steering column adjustment switch directly and sends it over the suspension FlexRay (model 463 except model 463.342 as of 03.04.2018) or suspension CAN 1 (model 463.342, model 463 except model 463.342 up to 02.04.2018), the electronic ignition lock control unit and the interior CAN to the driver's seat control unit.

The driver seat control unit actuates the steering column in/out adjustment motor or the steering column up/down adjustment motor to match the requirement.

Actuation takes place as long as the steering column adjustment switch is operated or until an end position is reached.

Function sequence for storing position of steering column (except model 463.342) 

The current position of the steering column can be saved together with the adjustment of the driver seat and the outside mirrors.

The steering column position is defined by the signals of the steering column Hall sensors. Saving is done using the switch group, seat adjustment at front left.

The following options are available for saving:

• Actuate and hold the left front memory function switch, then press the left front memory switch 1, 2 or 3.
• Press left front memory function switch for more than 100 ms and then release. Press memory 1, 2 or 3 switch at left front within 0.2 to 3 s.

The left front door control unit reads in the status of the corresponding switches in the left front seat adjustment switch group over the left front door LIN and sends the "Store memory position" request over the interior CAN to the driver seat control unit.

The driver's seat control unit uses the signals from the steering column

Hall sensors to save the current position of the steering column.

Up to three different data records can be stored.

Once the position of the steering column has been successfully saved, a warning buzzer in the instrument cluster issues an acknowledge tone.

For vehicles as of 03.04.2018 the drivers seat control unit sends the request for this over the interior CAN, electronic ignition lock control unit and the user interface CAN to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster emits the acknowledgment tone through the instrument cluster speaker.

For vehicles up to 02.04.2018 the driver's seat control unit sends the request for this over the interior CAN to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster emits the acknowledgment tone through the integrated warning buzzer.

Function sequence for calling stored position of steering column (except model 463.342) 

Press and hold left front memory switch 1, 2 or 3 until the stored end position is reached.

Releasing leads to immediate termination of the adjustment procedure.

The left front door control unit reads in the status of the respective memory switch via the left front door LIN and sends this status via the interior CAN to the driver seat control unit. The driver seat control unit actuates the steering column adjustment motors directly.

Additional function requirements for easy entry/exit 

• For model 463 except model 463.342 as of 03.04.2018: Easy entry and exit feature activated through the head unit
• For model 463 except model 463.342 up to 02.04.2018 or for model 463.342: Easy entry and exit feature activated through the instrument cluster

Model 463 (except 463.342)

as of model year 2019

The easy entry and exit feature function can be activated or deactivated in the head unit through the "Vehicle" menu.

Model 463 (except 463.342)

as of model year 2013 up to model year 2019

Model 463.342

as of model year 2017

The easy entry/exit function can be activated or deactivated in the instrument cluster via the "Settings" menu in the "Comfort" sub-menu.

Function sequence for easy entry/exit 

The easy entry/exit function allows the driver to get in and out of the vehicle easily.

The steering column is moved upwards before entering or exiting the vehicle.

For model 463 except model 463.342 as of 03.04.2018, the head unit sends the status of the easy entry and exit feature function over the user interface CAN, electronic ignition lock control unit and the interior CAN to the driver's seat control unit.

For model 463 except model 463.342 up to 02.04.2018 or for model 463.342, the instrument cluster sends the status of the easy entry and exit feature function over the interior CAN to the driver's seat control unit.

The steering column adjustment easy entry/exit function comprises the following subfunctions:

• Function sequence for move to easy entry/exit position 
• Function sequence for "Move to driving position" 
• Function sequence for repeat limiter 
• Function sequence for crash-active easy exit feature Function sequence for move to easy entry/exit position 

The function is actuated when circuit 15C is switched off and the driver door is opened.

The electronic ignition lock control unit sends the circuit 15 status over the interior CAN to the driver's seat control unit. The left front door control unit sends the status of the left front door over the interior CAN to the driver seat control unit.

The driver seat control unit reads in all relevant information, stores the current position of the steering column (drive position) and moves the steering column adjustment motor up and down so that the steering column is moved upwards.

Function sequence for "Move to driving position" 

The driver seat control unit actuates the steering column up/down adjustment motor under the following conditions in order to return the steering column to the driving position:

• Closing driver door with circuit 15 On
• Change from circuit 30 to circuit 15C with driver door closed
• Change from circuit 15C to circuit 15R with driver door closed
• Change from circuit 15R to circuit 15 ON with driver door closed

The electronic ignition lock control unit sends the circuit 15 status over the interior CAN to the driver's seat control unit.

The left front door control unit sends the status of the left front door over the interior CAN to the driver seat control unit.

The driver seat control unit reads in all relevant information and actuates the steering column up/down adjustment motor according to the stored data.

The "Move to entry/exit position" or "Move to driving position" functions are aborted under the following conditions:

• Undervoltage or overvoltage
• Manual adjustment request over the steering column adjustment switch
• Memory adjustment request (except model 463.342)
• Reversal of circuit 15 transition or driver door status change
• Defect of steering column Hall sensor integrated into steering column up/down adjustment motor

Function sequence for repeat limiter 

Repeatedly switching circuit 15C on and off results in the function changing from the entry/exit position to the drive position. In order to prevent overload of the steering column adjustment motor high and low, the number of adjustment cycles is limited to five only.

The count of adjustment cycles is reset is in the following instances:

• As soon as the electronic ignition lock control unit sends the status of circuit 15R
• If the left front door control unit sends a driver door open or driver door closed status

Function sequence for crash-active easy exit feature 

Following the occurrence of a crash event the driver seat and the steering column are automatically moved upwards to a defined position.

For model 463 except model 463.342 as of 03.04.2018, the supplemental restraint system control unit sends the crash signal over the user interface CAN, electronic ignition lock control unit and the interior CAN to the driver's seat control unit. The driver seat control unit then actuates the steering column adjustment up/down motor accordingly.

For model 463 except model 463.342 up to 02.04.2018 or for model 463.342, the supplemental restraint system control unit sends the crash signal over suspension CAN 1, the electronic ignition lock control unit and the interior CAN to the driver's seat control unit. The driver seat control unit then actuates the steering column adjustment up/down motor accordingly.

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