Automotive Distance Control Systems ARS100 3, ARS100 2 Users Manual

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Überblick über Displayanzeigen im Kombiinstrument. Die
Beschreibung des Systems folgt auf der nächsten Seite.

Distronic (DTR) 1 Distronic is deactivated. The actual distance (5) and

the should-be distance (6) to the vehicle ahead (4)
are displayed.

2 Activating Distronic. The display with the selected

speed is shown for approximately 5 seconds.

3 Distronic is activated. The message “DTR OFF”

appears for approximately 5 seconds when Distronic
is being deactivated.

4 Vehicle ahead.

Only appears if a vehicle is detected ahead.

5 Actual distance to vehicle ahead.

6 Should-be distance to vehicle ahead (as calculated

by Distronic).

7 Own vehicle.

8 Distance warning function is activated, see

page 271.

Press the è or ÿ button repeatedly until the
required system is displayed.

Distronic (DTR) see page 260.

Pressing the è or ÿ button displays the next or
previous system.

Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

133Multifunction steering wheel, multifunction display

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Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

Distronic (DTR)

(optional)

When activated the Distronic system increases driving
convenience, for example over long distances, as it
automatically maintains a speed set by the driver by
actively regulating the throttle setting. It also maintains
within certain limitations a preset distance to a vehicle
ahead.

With Distronic switched off, the multifunction display
continues to show the distance to the vehicle ahead, if
so selected, see page 274.

The distance warning function can be activated
separately, see page 271.

In Distronic mode, if the distance sensor detects a
slower moving vehicle directly ahead, your vehicle
speed will be reduced to the extent permitted by
reduced t hrottle and up to 20% of vehicle bra kin g power,
so that you follow that vehicle at a preset distance, see
page 272.

Maximum range of detection is approximately 500 ft.
(150 m).

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260Driving systems

Any given speed between 25 mph (Canada: 30 km/h)
and 110 mph (Canada: 180 km/h) can be maintained
with the Distronic by operating the control lever on the
steering column.

Warning !

Distronic is a convenience system, its speed
adjustment reduction capability is intended to
make cruise control more effective and usable
when traffic speeds vary. It is not, however,
intended to nor does it replace the need for extreme
care. The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including most
importantly brake operation to assure safe stopping
distance, rests always with the driver.

Warning !

Distronic requires familiarity with its operational
characteristics. We strongly recommend that you
review the following information carefully before
operating the system.

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Note:

For operation in the USA only: This device complies
with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Warning !

Only use Distronic if the traffic and weather
conditions make it advisable to travel at a steady
speed.

Use of Distronic can be dangerous on winding
roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not
allow safe driving at a steady speed.

Use of Distronic can be dangerous on slippery
roads. Rapid changes in tire adhesion can result in
wheel spin and loss of control.

Distronic does not act upon adverse sight distance
conditions. Do not use Distronic during conditions
of fog and heavy rain, snow or sleet.

The “Resume” function should only be operated if
the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed
and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

Distronic does not recognize accordingly and will
not react to stationary objects. It is designed and
intended only to maintain a set speed and keep a
set distance from moving objects in front of it.

Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

261Driving systems

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Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

1

3

4

2

Instrument

cluster display

The speed stored in memory is displayed in the
multifunction display, and one or two segments around
the stored speed light up in the speedometer dial, see
page 275.

1 Accelerate and set:

To increase the speed by 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) –
briefly lift lever up.

2 Decelerate and set:

To reduce the speed by 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) –
briefly depress lever.

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262Driving systems

3 Canceling

To cancel Distronic, briefly push lever to position 3.
The last set speed remains stored in memory.

4 Resume

• If the lever is briefly pulled to position 4 when

driving at a speed above approximately 25 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h), the vehicle resumes the
speed which was selected prior to the
cancellation of Distronic.

• For minor increases of speeds in increments of
1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) – briefly pull lever to
position 4.

The last memorized speed is canceled when the
electronic key in the starter switch is turned to
position 1 or 0.

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Activation of Distronic

Any given speed above approximately 25 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) can be maintained:

• Normally the vehicle is accelerated to the desired
speed with the accelerator.

• Speed is set by briefly moving the control lever to
position 1 or 2.

The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction
display for approximately 5 seconds (see also
page 274), and one or two segments around the
stored speed light up on the speedometer dial (see
also page 275).

• Remove foot from the accelerator.

• When briefly lifting the control lever to position 1,

the vehicle speed will increase in increments of
5mph (Canada:10km/h).

The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction
display for approximately 5 seconds (see also
page 274), and one or two segments around the
stored speed light up on the speedometer dial (see
also page 275).

• When briefly lowering the control lever to
position 2, the vehicle speed will decrease in
increments of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).

The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction
display for approximately 5 seconds (see also
page 274), and one or two segments around the
stored speed light up on the speedometer dial (see
also page 275).

Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

263Driving systems

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Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

• For a more precise setting the speed can be

increased in increments of 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
by briefly pulling the control lever in direction (4).

Caution!

If the driver’s foot is not fully removed from the
accelerator pedal, the message “DISTRONIC OVERRIDE”

appears in the multifunction display. The Distronic

control system will be overridden and it will not
regulate the preset vehicle speed and following
distance. The vehicle speed and following distance will
be determined only by the accelerator pedal position.

Wa rn in g!

Distronic brakes (up to 20% of vehicle braking
power) the vehicle to restore the preset distance or
to maintain the speed. The brake pedal is
automatically retracted as this happens.

Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times, including
the area under the brake pedal. Objects stored in
this area may impair pedal movement which could
interfere with the braking ability of the Distronic
system.

Do not place your foot under the brake pedal – your
foot could become caught.

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264Driving systems

Invalid attempts to activate

The multifunction display will show “––– MPH” during
invalid attempts to activate Distronic:

• below a speed of approximately 25 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h),

• while the electronic stability program (ESP) is
switched off – ESP warning lamp v in
speedometer dial is illuminated, see page 112,

• by moving the distronic control lever in “RESUME”
direction (4) when no speed is stored in memory,

• during the initialization and self-test phase after the
engine is started – this can take up to 2 minutes,

• while depressing the service brake pedal,

• while the parking brake is set – check ; warning

lamp (Canada: !) in instrument cluster, see
page 112,

• with the gear selector lever in position “P”, “R”
or “N” – check gear range indicator display in
instrument cluster, see page 112.

See page 330 for malfunction and warning messages if
the Distronic is malfunctioning.

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Deactivation of Distronic

Briefly move the distronic control lever in “OFF”
direction (3) – the stored speed remains in the memory
until the electronic key in the starter switch is turned to
position 1 or 0.

Distronic is also deactivated if:

• the service brake pedal is depressed,

• the parking brake is activated,

• the vehicle decelerates to less than approximately

25 mph (Canada: 30 km/h), e.g. while maintaining
the distance to the vehicle ahead,

Wa rn in g!

The Distronic switches off and releases the brakes
when the vehicle decelerates below the minimum
speed of 25 mph (Canada: 30 km/h) by operation of
the system. At that time, the driver must apply the
brakes in order to reduce vehicle speed further or
bring it to a stop.

• the gear selector lever is moved to position “N”,

• the electronic stability program (ESP) is active,

• the electronic stability program (ESP) is switched off

manually.

Note:

A signal sounds and the message “DISTRONIC OFF”
appears for 5 seconds in the multifunction display
everytime Distronic is deactivated (except when moving

distronic control lever in “OFF” direction).

Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

265Driving systems

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Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

Driving with Distronic activated

With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, the
distance warning lamp l in the speedometer dial
comes on and goes out with the engine running.

If the distance sensor detects a slower vehicle moving in
front, your vehicle speed will be reduced by
deceleration and braking of up to 20% of the vehicle
braking capacity, so that you follow the vehicle ahead at
the preset distance, see page 272. Segments in the
speedometer illuminate to indicate the speed range

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266Driving systems

from the speed of the vehicle in front up to your
vehicle’s selected speed. See also page 274 for notes on
the multifunction displays.

Warning !

Distronic brakes (up to 20% of vehicle braking
power) the vehicle to restore the preset distance or
to maintain the speed. The brake pedal is
automatically retracted as this happens.

Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times, including
the area under the brake pedal. Objects stored in
this area may impair pedal movement which could
interfere with the braking ability of the Distronic
system.

Do not place your foot under the brake pedal – your
foot could become caught.

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Wa rn in g!

An intermittent warning sounds and the distance

warning lamp in the speedometer dial is
illuminated if the Distronic system calculates that
the distance to the vehicle ahead and your vehicle’s
current speed indicate that Distronic will not be
capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to
maintain the preset following distance, which
creates a danger of a collision.

Immediately brake the vehicle to increase the
distance to the vehicle in front of you. The warning
sound is intended as a final caution that you have
not interceded with your own braking inputs to
avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Do not wait
for the operation of the warning signal to intercede
with your own braking as that will result in
potentially dangerous emergency braking which
will not always result an impact being avoided.

Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.

The distance warning sound continues until the driver
activates the brake pedal, or the preset distance is
obtained. As soon as the preset distance is obtained, the
distance warning lamp goes out.

Caution!

If the driver’s foot is not fully removed from the
accelerator pedal, the message “DISTRONIC OVERRIDE”

appears in the multifunction display. The Distronic

control system will be overridden and it will not
regulate the preset vehicle speed and following
distance. The vehicle speed and following distance is
determined only by the accelerator pedal position.

Distronic works on steep uphill and downhill gradients
by downshifting gears and applying the brakes to
maintain the speed selected by the driver. The
transmission will upshift again once the gradient evens
out.

The speed can be increased (e.g. for passing) by using
the accelerator. After the accelerator is released, the
previously set speed will be resumed automatically.

Distronic is deactivated if a vehicle in front causes your
vehicle to slow down to less than approximately 25 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h). A signal sounds and the message
“DISTRONIC OFF” appears for 5 seconds in the
multifunction display.

The vehicle speed displayed can briefly vary from the
speed setting of the Distronic system.

Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

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Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

Additional driving hints

Wa rn in g!

Distronic works to maintain the speed selected by
the driver unless a moving obstacle proceeding
directly ahead of it in the same travel direction is
detected (e.g. following another vehicle ahead at a
distance set by Distronic). This means that:

• your vehicle can pass another vehicle after you
change lanes,

• while in a sharp turn or if the vehicle in front
is in a sharp turn, Distronic could lose sight of
a vehicle traveling in front of it, then your
vehicle could accelerate to the previously
selected speed.

Distronic regulates only the distance between your
vehicle and those directly ahead, but does not
register stationary objects in the roadway, e.g.:

• a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam,

• a disabled vehicle,

• an oncoming vehicle.

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268Driving systems

The driver must always be on the alert and observe
all traffic and intercede with steering and braking
inputs as necessary.

Important!

When starting the engine, Distronic goes through an
initialization and self-test phase – this can take up to

2minutes.

The most likely cause for a malfunctioning system is
caused by a dirty sensor (located behind the hood
grille), especially at times of snow and ice or heavy rain.
In such a case, Distronic will switch off, and the
message “DISTRONIC – CLEAN SENSOR!” appears in
the multifunction display.

Warning !

Distronic should not be used in snowy or icy road
conditions.

For cleaning and care of the Distronic sensor, see
page 385.

Restart the engine after cleaning the sensor.

The following are some sample situations which may
influence the functions of Distronic.

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Instruments
and controls

Traveling through turns or bends in the roadway may
result in Distronic detecting a moving vehicle traveling
in front but not in your lane of travel, causing your
vehicle to brake late or unexpectedly. You must be
prepared to intercede with accelerator or brake
application as necessary.

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

The Distronic system’s detection zone is relatively
narrow at the start and becomes broader as it senses
further from the vehicle. Thus, Distronic may not
recognize another vehicle coming into your path close
to the front of your vehicle. You must be prepared to
intercede with braking or steering as necessary.
A vehicle not traveling directly in front of you could
cause detection problems, the actual distance to that
vehicle really being much shorter.

269Driving systems

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Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

A vehicle changing lanes at close range is only
recognized when entering the area scanned by
Distronic. You must apply the service brakes to gain
sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead.

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270Driving systems

P54.70-2164-26

A narrow vehicle (e.g. a motorcycle) is only recognized
when entering the area scanned by Distronic. You must
apply the service brakes to gain sufficient distance to
the vehicle ahead.

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Distance warning function

Even if Distronic is deactivated, the distance to the
vehicle ahead continues to be measured, see page 274
for multifunction display.

The Distronic lamp in the speedometer dial illuminates
to advise the driver of a situation which under normal
braking conditions and dry surfaces should have been
addressed by the driver.

The distance warning function can be activated
separately, see page 271. It operates when driving at
speeds above approximately 25 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h).

When recognizing a stationary obstacle or a slower
vehicle moving in the vehicle’s path and the danger of a
collision exists, the distance warning lamp in the

speedometer dial lights up and simultaneously an
intermittent warning sounds.

When pressing the brake pedal, the warning sound
stops. The warning sound also stops, when the distance
to the vehicle ahead is sufficient again without applying
the brake pedal. In this case the distance warning lamp
also extinguishes

Important!

With the Distronic switched off, only the distance
warning function operates, meaning the vehicle does
not slow down.

Distronic does not register oncoming vehicles. Therefore
there is no distance warning.

Warning !

If the distance warning lamp in the speedometer
dial lights up while driving and an intermittent
warning sounds, immediate attention on the part of
the driver is required.

As required by the traffic situation, apply the
service brakes and navigate around a possible
obstacle. However, do not drive by relying on the
distance warning function as that will result in an
emergency braking application which, especially
depending on road surface conditions and driver
reaction, will not always be able to avoid a collision.

Important!

Complex driving situations are not always fully
recognized by Distronic, which could result in wrong or
missing distance warnings. See page 268 for additional
driving hints.

Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

271Driving systems

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Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

Distronic settings

1 Switch – for distance warning function

2 Thumbwheel – for setting distance

Distronic provides a safe following distance range to the
vehicle in front. The medium setting is noticeable by a
detent in the center position of the thumbwheel (2).
If you want to:

• Increase distance – turn thumbwheel (2)

towards ¯.

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272Driving systems

• Decrease distance – turn thumbwheel (2)

towards ®.

Warning !

It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to select
the appropriate setting given road conditions,
traffic, driver’s preferred driving style and
applicable laws and driving recommendations for
safe following distance.

To switch the distanc e warning function on or off:

To switch on – press upper half of switch (1).
The indicator lamp in the switch lights up. If the

Distronic menu is active in the multifunction display, a
loudspeaker symbol appears.

To switch off – press lower half of the switch (1).
The indicator lamp in the switch goes out. If the

Distronic menu is active in the multifunction display,
the loudspeaker symbol disappears.

See page 271 for distance warning function and

page 274 for multifunction displays.

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Notes:

With the distance warning function activated, you will
still be advised by an intermittent audible warning if a
potential emergency braking circumstance has been
detected, even if Distronic has been deactivated.

The last selected warning function mode (on/off) will be
stored in memory, even when removing the electronic
key from the starter switch.

Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

273Driving systems

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Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

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274Driving systems

Multifunction displays 1 Distronic is deactivated. The actual distance (5) and

the should-be distance (6) to the vehicle ahead (4)
are displayed.

2 Activating Distronic. The display with the selected

speed is shown for approximately 5 seconds.

3 Distronic is activated. The message

“DISTRONIC OFF” appears for approximately
5 seconds when Distronic is being deactivated.

4 Vehicle ahead.

Only appears if a vehicle is detected ahead.

5 Actual distance to vehicle ahead.

6 Should-be distance to vehicle ahead (as calculated

by Distronic).

7 Own vehicle.

8 Distance warning function is activated, see

page 271.

To call up Distronic display:

Press button è or ÿ on the multifunction
steering wheel repeatedly until the display (1 or 3)
appears.

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Displays in the speedometer dial

Instruments
and controls

When Distronic system is activated, one or two
segments around the speed stored in memory light up
in the speedometer dial.

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

If a vehicle is detected ahead, those segments in the
speedometer dial light up that indicate the speed range
from the speed of the vehicle in front up to the Distronic
stored speed.

When the vehicle in front can no longer be detected,
only the segments around the stored speed light up. The
vehicle is accelerated to the stored speed.

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Instruments
and controls

Operation Driving

Instrument

cluster display

Cleaning the Distronic system sensor

1

P54.25-2003-26

Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water to clean
the sensor (1).

To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and only
use a soft non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the sensors.
Do not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry cloth or
sponge.

Note:

Restart the engine after cleaning the sensor (1).

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385Cleaning and care of the vehicle

Cleaning the parktronic system sensors

Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.

When using a steam cleaner or power washer, aim
nozzle only briefly from a minimum distance of 4 in.
(10 cm) at sensors (1).

To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the
sensors. Do not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry
cloth or sponge.

Prüfstatus:

______________________

Datum/Unterschrift Prüfer

G in Ordnung G Korrektur

Hr. Lauer (07031-90-77279)

Prüfung/Freigabe

Projekt :

Operator's Manual USA MY2002

Thema/Umfang :

Distronic (DTR)

Ersteller :

M. Kinzel (mühlbauer+partner)

Prüfer :

DaimlerChrysler

VSE/IA