FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Part 1 of 2



GF54.30-P-2001GM Indicator/warning Messages, Function
- refinement package
- as of model year 09


General function requirements
^ Instrument cluster (A1) activated

Indicator/warning messages, general
The instrument cluster indicator and warning messages notify the driver about the current states of the systems installed in the vehicle.
The instrument cluster can issue indicator and warning messages in the following ways:
- Visual indicator/warning messages
- Acoustic indicator/warning messages

Visual indicator/warning messages:
The visual indicator and warning messages are displayed using the following instrument cluster components:
- Multifunction display (A1p13)
- Indicator/warning lamps

Audible indicator/warning messages:
The audible indicator and warning messages are displayed using the following instrument cluster components:
- Warning buzzer (A1h1)
- Audible turn signal indicator (A1h2) (turn signal clicking)

The warning messages shown on the multifunction display are divided up into three categories:
- Category 1 (warning messages of the highest priority) These warning messages cannot be acknowledged and canceled. When they occur, a brief warning is emitted by the buzzer. Any category 2 and 3 warning messages are cross-faded.
- Category 2 (warning messages with medium priority) These warning messages are information displays or system information, and they can be acknowledged using the trip odometer reset button (A1s3). When they occur, a brief warning is emitted by the buzzer. Any category 3 warning messages are hidden.
- Category 3 (warning messages with lowest priority) These warning messages are menu displays and they can be acknowledged using the trip odometer reset button. There is no warning tone.

Warning messages with lower priority are overlaid by warning messages with higher priority. If several messages with the same priority occur the message currently displayed is overlaid by the new message after a minimum display time of t = 5 s has elapsed.

The indicator and warning messages are made up as follows:
^ Limiter function sequence control messages
^ Function sequence for control/warning messages for Distronic (adaptive cruise control) (DTR) (with code (219) Distronic (DTR))
^ Function sequence for control/warning messages for Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
^ Function sequence for control/warning messages for supplemental restraint system
^ Function sequence for control/warning messages for PRE-SAFE
^ Function sequence for tire pressure loss warning
^ Function sequence for tire pressure monitor warning messages (with code (470) Tire pressure monitor (basis) or code (475) Tire pressure monitor (premium))
^ Function sequence for memory adjustment control messages (with code (275) Memory package (driver seat, steering column, mirrors) or with code (242) Electrically adjustable front passenger seat with memory)
^ Function sequence for audio/communication/navigation control messages
^ Function sequence for emergency call system control messages (with code (359) TELE AID emergency call system)
^ Function sequence for Keyless-Go control/warning messages (with code (889) Keyless Go)
^ Function sequence for antitheft alarm system (ATA [EDW]) control/warning messages (with code (551) antitheft alarm system (ATA [EDW]))
^ Function sequence for AIRmatic control/warning messages (with model 164.1, 251 with code (489) AIRmatic (air suspension with level adjustment and adaptive damping system (ADS)), model 164.8)
^ Door open reminder warning function sequence
^ Function sequence for warning messages for the exterior lights (ABL)
^ Parking brake warning function sequence
^ Function sequence for speed warning (with code (623) Gulf States version)
^ Function sequence, national seat belt reminder warning
^ Function sequence for coolant level and coolant temperature warning
^ Function sequence, engine oil level warning
^ Function sequence for preglow indicator lamp (with diesel engine)
^ Function sequence for brake wear indicator warning messages
^ Function sequence for brake fluid level warning messages
^ Function sequence for windshield washer system fluid level warning messages
^ Function sequence, turn signal confirmation
^ Function sequence for filler cap warning (with code (494) USA version)
^ Function sequence warning messages for AdBlue(R) (with code (U42) BlueTEC (SCR) diesel exhaust treatment)

Additional function requirements for variable speed limiter control messages
^ Variable speed limiter function active
^ Vehicle speed v > 30 km/h

Variable speed limiter function sequence control messages
The variable speed limiter function is activated using the cruise control button (S40) (with code (494) USA version) or using the cruise control button (S40/4) (without code (494) USA version).

The instrument cluster uses the wheel speeds provided by the ESP control unit (N47-5) over the engine compartment CAN (CAN C) to calculate the vehicle speed.

The limiter control messages function is comprised of the following component functions:
^ Function sequence for variable speed limiter display
^ Function sequence for permanent limiter display

On vehicles with code (219) Distronic (DTR) the functions are displayed by actuating segments in the corresponding area of the electronic speedometer (A1p8).
For vehicles without code (219) DISTRONIC (DTR), the functions are displayed on the multifunction display.

Function sequence for variable speed limiter display
If the variable speed limiter is activated, the segments in the speedometer are switched to bright between 0 km/h and the se speed limit. In addition the function indicator lamp LIM (variable speed limiter) (A1e33) is actuated in the instrument cluster. On vehicles without code (219) Distronic (DTR) the selected speed is displayed for t = 5 s in the upper part of the multifunction display. Afterwards the menu selected beforehand is displayed. The text "LIM" as well as the set speed is displayed in the lower part of the multifunction display.

Function sequence for permanent limiter display
The instrument cluster can be used to limit the vehicle speed permanently to a particular value (e.g. for winter tire operation). If only the permanent speed limiter is active, no segments are inserted.
If the permanent speed limiter is active in parallel with the variable speed limiter, the area between the set speed limit of the variable speed limiter and the set speed value of the permanent speed limiter is set to bright. On vehicles without code (219) Distronic (DTR) the value of the adjusted maximum speed is shown for a period t = 5 s in the multifunction display. The display then disappears automatically.

The permanent speed limiter can only be switched on via the corresponding menu in the instrument cluster.

Additional functional requirements for DTR control/warning messages (with code (219) Distronic (DTR))
^ Vehicle speed v > 30 km/h (calculated by instrument cluster)

Function sequence for control/warning messages for DTR
When DTR is activated a tracking graphic is inserted into the multifunction display in addition to the segment ring in the electronic speedometer. In this tracking graphic one's own vehicle is shown on the right edge of the picture as well as the vehicle driving in front (if recognized).
The following information is also displayed:
- Vehicle speed set
- Current distance to vehicle ahead
- Following distance

In the event of the following distance being dropped below the DTR warning lamp (A1e59) (in the form of a red triangle) is actuated in the instrument cluster.

The ESP control unit reads in the signals from the Distronic controller unit (DTR) (A89) over the vehicle dynamics CAN (CAN H) and sends them over the engine compartment CAN to the instrument cluster.

Additional function requirements for ESP indicator/warning messages
^ Circuit 15 On

The circuit status of circuit 15 is provided by the EIS [EZS] control unit (N73) on the interior CAN (CAN-B).

Function sequence for ESP indicator/warning messages
For a passively connected ESP or for an ESP control intervention function, the ESP warning lamp (A1e41) is actuated by the instrument cluster. In the event of fault messages, the ESP control unit also issues a warning message on the multifunction display. The ESP can be passively connected by pressing the ESP OFF switch (N72/1s1) when the engine is running.

The status of the ESP OFF switch is read in by the upper control panel control unit (N72/1) and sent to the instrument cluster on the interior CAN. ESP control intervention functions and error messages are sent by the ESP control unit over the engine compartment-CAN to the instrument cluster.

Additional function requirements for supplemental restraint system control/warning messages
^ Circuit 15 ON (sent by EIS [EZS] control unit to interior CAN)

Function sequence for control/warning messages for supplemental restraint system
If there is a fault in the supplemental restraint system, the supplemental restraint system control unit (N2/7) sends a corresponding signal over the engine compartment CAN to the instrument cluster. As a result of this the instrument cluster actuates the airbag indicator and warning lamp (A1e15) and outputs a message via the multifunction display.

Additional function requirements for PRE-SAFE control/ warning messages
^ Circuit 15 ON (sent by EIS [EZS] control unit to interior CAN)

Function sequence for control/warning messages for PRE-SAFE
If the left front reversible emergency tensioning retractor (A76) or the right front reversible emergency tensioning retractor (A76/1) has a fault in the PRE-SAFE system, this sends an appropriate signal over the engine compartment CAN to the instrument cluster. In response, the instrument cluster actuates the airbag indicator and warning lamp and issues a message on the multifunction display.

Additional function requirements for tire pressure loss warning
^ Vehicle speed v > 0 km/h (calculated by instrument cluster)

Function sequence for tire pressure loss warning
A pressure loss at one of the tires is recognized by the change in wheel circumference and the associated change in wheel speed. If the ESP control unit detects a pressure loss at one of the tires, it sends a corresponding signal over the engine compartment CAN to the instrument cluster. In response the instrument cluster issues a corresponding message on the multifunction display.

Additional function requirements for tire pressure monitor warning messages (with code (470) Tire pressure monitor (standard) or code (475) Tire pressure monitor (premium))
^ Circuit 15 ON (sent by EIS [EZS] control unit to interior CAN)

Function sequence for tire pressure monitor warning messages
If the TPM [RDK] control unit (N88) detects a pressure loss at a tire, it sends an appropriate signal over the interior CAN (up to 30.6.09) or over the engine compartment CAN (as of 1.7.09) to the instrument cluster. In response the instrument cluster then actuates the tire pressure monitor warning lamp (A1e66) and issues a message on the multifunction display.

Function sequence for memory adjustment control messages (with code (275) Memory package (driver seat, steering column, mirrors) or with code (242) Electrically adjustable front passenger seat with memory)
The instrument cluster outputs an acknowledgment tone when a memory position is stored. The request to output this acknowledgment tone is transmitted by the driver-side front seat adjustment control unit with memory (N32/1) or by the passenger side front seat adjustment control unit with memory (N32/2) to the instrument cluster via the interior CAN.

Additional function requirements for audio/communication/ navigation control messages
^ Circuit 15 ON (sent by EIS [EZS] control unit to interior CAN)

Function sequence for audio/communication/navigation control messages
The multifunction display shows the information from the audio systems installed in the vehicle.
Depending on the equipment specification, additional navigation information or communication-relevant information (e.g. network provider, telephone book entries) is shown on the travel distance display or the multifunction display.

The instrument cluster receives all relevant information from the installed audio components over the interior CAN.
- Radio (A2) (with code (510) Audio 20 with CD changer or with code (523) MB Audio 20 radio)
- Radio with auto pilot system (A2/56) (with code (511) Audio 50 APS incl. DVD changer or code (525) Radio MB Audio 50 APS)
- COMAND controller unit (A40/3) (with code (512) COMAND APS incl. DVD changer or code (527) COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation) or code (528) COMAND incl. DVD changer)

Emergency call system function sequence control messages (with code (359) TELE AID emergency call system)
Vehicle-related services are shown on the multifunction display. If the emergency call system control unit (N123/4) detects a fault during the self-test or if the emergency call system is activated, it sends a corresponding signal over the diagnostic CAN (CAN D) to the central gateway control unit (N93), which then sends this signal to the interior CAN.

The instrument cluster reads-in this signal and issues a corresponding message over the multifunction display.

Additional function requirements for Keyless-Go control/ warning messages (with code (889) Keyless Go)
^ Circuit 15 ON (sent by EIS [EZS] control unit to interior CAN)

Function sequence for Keyless-Go control/warning messages
If, during a start attempt, a valid transmitter key (A8/1) is not detected in the interior or if the fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS) (Y3/8n4) sends a "Gear stage engaged" status, the instrument cluster then issues a chime and displays a message in the multifunction display.
The KEYLESS-GO control unit (N69/5) sends the "Valid transmitter key not detected" status over the interior CAN to the instrument cluster. The fully integrated transmission-control control unit sends the "Gear stage engaged" status over the engine compartment CAN to the instrument cluster.

Additional function requirements, ATA control/warning message (with code (551) Antitheft alarm system (ATA))
^ Circuit 15 ON (sent by EIS [EZS] control unit to interior CAN)

Function sequence for control/warning messages for antitheft alarm system
The rear SAM control module (N10/8) is the master control module for the antitheft alarm system. Information and fault messages to the driver are sent over the interior CAN to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster shows the corresponding message on the multifunction display.