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Cruise control (CC), function - GF30.30-P-0001GN

MODEL 166 as of model year 2016 

MODEL 292 

Fig 1: Cruise Control Block Diagram - Except Model 166.063
G10076536Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Block diagram, except model 166.063 

Fig 2: Cruise Control Block Diagram - Model 166.063
G10076537Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Block diagram of model 166.063 

Function requirements, general 

Cruise control - general 

The cruise control regulates the vehicle speed constantly and automatically to the desired speed set by the driver. To do this, the cruise control evaluates the driver's commands and the current driving condition.

In vehicles with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) or in vehicles with CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), the radar sensors control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)) transmits function-related requests via the chassis FlexRay, the chassis gateway control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)), and chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit. The Electronic Stability Program control unit processes these and prioritizes them according to the respective own evaluated parameters.

Operation of cruise control using CRUISE CONTROL lever 

Fig 3: Identifying Cruise Control Lever Operation
G10076538Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

The cruise control is activated using the resume from memory switch. Here the last stored or momentary vehicle speed is set as the set speed.

The target speed can be altered in steps of v = 1 km/h or v = 10 km/h using the "decelerate and set" switch and the "accelerate and set" switch.

Actuation up to the actuation point increases the set speed by v = 1 km/h. If the switch is pressed beyond the actuation point, the target speed is altered in steps of v = 10 km/h. If the switch is held at or beyond the actuation point, the target speed is altered every t = 0.6 s.

The following input factors are evaluated to implement the function: 

Operating condition for engine/drivetrain:

IMPORTANT In model 166.063, all acceleration, deceleration, and shift requests are coordinated by the ME-SFI [ME] control unit, among other things. The ME-SFI [ME] control unit prioritizes requests according to their relevance while taking account of additional variables such as the charge level of the high-voltage on-board electrical system, the operating condition of the ancillaries, or requests from comfort systems such as the automatic climate control.

Engaged gear range:

Information about the gear range engaged is sent by the fully integrated transmission control unit via:

Vehicle speed:

The vehicle speed is calculated by the Electronic Stability Program control unit from the wheel speeds.

In vehicles with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) or vehicles with CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), the Electronic Stability Program control unit also transmits the wheel speed signals via chassis CAN 1, the chassis gateway control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)), and the chassis FlexRay to the radar sensors control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)).

Driver request via the cruise control lever:

The driver request over the CC lever are directly read in by the steering column tube module control unit. The steering column tube module control unit transmits the control signals of the cruise control lever via chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit, and in vehicles with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) or vehicles with CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), also via the chassis gateway control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)) and the chassis FlexRay to the radar sensors control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)).

Accelerator pedal position:

The following initial parameters (requests) are issued to implement the function: 

Increase/reduce the drive torque

On vehicles without CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) and without CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), the Electronic Stability Program control unit evaluates the input factors and further driving dynamics requests and sends the "increase/decrease drive torque" request via:

In vehicles with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) or vehicles with CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), the radar sensors control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)) transmits the "Increase/decrease drive torque" request via the chassis FlexRay, the chassis gateway control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)), and chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit. The Electronic Stability Program control unit evaluates these and transmits them in accordance with their priority via:

The CDI control unit or the ME-SFI [ME] control unit implements this request.

Engage targeted gear (downshift or upshift):

On vehicles without CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) and without CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), the Electronic Stability Program control unit evaluates the input factors and further driving dynamics requests and sends the "engage targeted gear" request via:

In vehicles with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) or vehicles with CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), the radar sensors control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)) transmits the "Engage targeted gear" request via the chassis FlexRay, the chassis gateway control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)), and chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit. The Electronic Stability Program control unit evaluates these and transmits them in accordance with their priority via:

This request is to be understood as a shift recommendation. Downshifting or upshifting of the automatic transmission takes place autonomously by the fully integrated transmission control unit dependent on the current operating condition.

Raise/reduce braking torque:

On vehicles without CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) and without CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), the Electronic Stability Program control unit evaluates the input factors and actuates the traction system hydraulic unit accordingly.

In vehicles with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) or vehicles with CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), the radar sensors control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)) transmits the "Increase/decrease braking torque" request via the chassis FlexRay, the chassis gateway control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)), and chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit. The Electronic Stability Program control unit evaluates these and actuates the traction system hydraulic unit appropriately.

The traction system hydraulic unit reacts by increasing or reducing the braking torque.

IMPORTANT In model 166.063, the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy via a generator (regenerative braking) within defined limits. If the required braking torque exceeds the deceleration through regenerative braking, the regenerative braking system control unit also actuates Electronic Stability Program control unit and the traction system hydraulic unit and therefore the service brake.

Cruise control encompasses the following subfunctions:

Additional automatic speed control function requirements 

Function sequence for automatic speed control 

Through actuation of the "Resume from memory" switch the last set speed stored is applied, provided a set speed was stored since the last engine start. If no set speed was stored, the current vehicle speed is set as the set speed. The setting speed is shown in the multifunction display of the IC.

On vehicles without CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) and without CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), the Electronic Stability Program control unit sends the set speed (target speed) via the chassis CAN 1, electronic ignition lock control unit, and chassis CAN 2 to the instrument cluster.

In vehicles with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) or vehicles with CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), the radar sensors control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)) transmits the set speed (target speed) via the chassis FlexRay, the chassis gateway control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)), chassis CAN 1, the electronic ignition lock control unit, and chassis CAN 2 to the instrument cluster.

IMPORTANT The driver also has the option to accelerate beyond the set target speed through actuation of the accelerator pedal (for example when overtaking). The set speed is regulated again after removal of the acceleration request (releasing the accelerator pedal).

The following events deactivate the automatic speed control:

The following activities are started in order to reach or maintain the set speed:

Function sequence for SPEEDTRONIC 

The SPEEDTRONIC comprises the following subfunctions:

Additional function requirement for variable SPEEDTRONIC (without CODE 494 (USA version)) 

IMPORTANT The steering column tube module control unit actuates the SPEEDTRONIC LED directly.

Function sequence for variable SPEEDTRONIC (without code 494 (USA version)) 

The variable SPEEDTRONIC can be used to limit the vehicle's rated maximum speed to a freely selectable value (e.g. v = 50 km/h in urban traffic). The driver can accelerate the vehicle up to the set limit.

If the set limit was reached, the following activities are started:

IMPORTANT If switching takes place on the variable SPEEDTRONIC on the CC lever, the automatic speed control is deactivated.

The following events deactivate the variable SPEEDTRONIC:

Function sequence for permanent limiter 

The rated maximum speed of the vehicle can be limited in steps of v = 10 km/h from v = 160 to 240 km/h. Adjustment of the rated maximum speed takes place in the menu "Settings", "Vehicle" and "Limitation (winter tires)" in the instrument cluster.

In vehicles without CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) and without CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), the instrument cluster transmits the permissible maximum speed setting via chassis CAN 2, the electronic ignition lock control unit, and chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.

In vehicles with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) or vehicles with CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot), the instrument cluster transmits the permissible maximum speed setting via chassis CAN 2, the electronic ignition lock control unit, chassis CAN 1, the chassis gateway control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)), and chassis FlexRay to the radar sensors control unit (with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package plus)).

Approximately v = 10 km/h before reaching the permissible maximum speed setting, a message appears in the multifunction display of the instrument cluster that point out the permissible maximum speed limit. The driver can accelerate the vehicle up to the set permissible maximum speed.

If the set permissible maximum speed was reached, the following activities are started:

Electrical function schematic for cruise control (CC) MODEL 166 as of model year 2016 without CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) without CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot) MODEL 292 without CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) without CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot) PE30.30-P-2051-97NBA 
MODEL 166 as of model year 2016 with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) MODEL 166 as of model year 2016 with CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot) MODEL 292 with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS) MODEL 292 with CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot) PE30.30-P-2051-97NBB 
Overview of system components for driver assistance systems   GF54.00-P-9998GN