Multi-function steering wheel (MFL) interface

With the aid of the multi-function steering wheel (MFL), the driver can operate various vehicle functions from the steering wheel. These functions include:

• Radio functions
  
• Telephone functions
  
• Cruise-control system functions
  

In addition to a high degree of comfort, the multifunction steering wheel also offers the driver increased safety as it is not necessary to take the hands off the steering wheel to operate various functions. The driver can implement the functions from the multifunction steering wheel without diverting attention from the traffic situation.

The response times to MFL keystrokes are so fast that no feedback from the vehicle is noticeable.

The signals for the cruise-control system are sent from the multi-function steering wheel to the engine control unit where they are evaluated. There is no separate control unit for the cruise-control system.

Operating the cruise-control system

A keypad for operation of the cruise-control system is located on the right-hand side of the steering wheel. Description of operating keys from top to bottom:

• Resume: The vehicle accelerates or decelerates from non-controlled operation to the driving speed last set and maintains this speed.
  
• Accelerate: The speed is increased by 1 km/h by briefly hitting this button. If pressed longer, the speed is increased until the button is released again. Cruise control is only switched on, however, if all switch-on conditions are fulfilled.
  
• Decelerate: The driving speed is reduced from the set speed by pressing the ”decelerate” button on the steering wheel. The speed is decreased by 1 km/h by briefly hitting this button. If pressed longer, the speed is decreased until the button is released again. However, it is not possible for the driving speed to drop below the minimum set speed.
  The deceleration function is terminated by a switch-off condition occurring:
  
• Off: switches off the cruise-control system. Switching the ignition lock to position 1 or 2 and actuating the main switch (I/O) places the cruise-control system on standby. The system preparation (arming) prevents inadvertent actuation of the MFL cruise-control system control elements. Cruise-control standby is indicated by an LED in the instrument cluster.
  

Switch-on conditions:

• ”Accelerate” button in neutral position before switching on cruise control.
  
• The minimum speed of 30 km/h must be exceeded.
  
• The brake pedal must be in rest position.
  
• The clutch pedal must be in rest position on vehicles with manual gearboxes.
  
• Drive stage ”2” to ”D” must be engaged on vehicles with automatic gearboxes.
  
• No switch-off condition must be active.
  

Faults detected in the cruise-control system are stored in the fault code memory of the engine control unit. These fault code memory entries prevent any activation of the cruise-control system.

Cutout conditions:

• Deactivation via main switch
  
• Operating brake pedal
  
• Operating clutch pedal (manual gearbox)
  
• Engaging drive stages ”P” or ”N” (automatic)
  
• Off: switches off the cruise-control system.