Cruise-control system steering column lever interface

In addition to a high degree of comfort, the cruise-control system via steering column lever also offers the driver increased safety. It is not necessary to take the hands off the steering wheel to operate the various functions. The driver can implement the cruise-control functions without diverting attention from the traffic situation.

The signals for the cruise-control system are sent from the steering column lever to the engine control unit, where they are evaluated. There is no separate control unit for the cruise-control system.

Switching functions of the steering column lever

The steering column lever for the cruise-control system is fitted on the left-hand side of the steering column.

Description of operation of the steering column lever:

• Pressing the steering column lever at the side (I/O): Activates cruise control
  Or:
  Resumption of cruise-control system. The vehicle accelerates or decelerates exclusively from non-controlled operation to the driving speed last set and maintains this speed.
  
• Pressing the steering column lever upwards or downwards (off): Cruise-control system off.
  
• Pressing the steering column lever briefly backwards (+): Sets the road speed. If the cruise control function is activated, the current vehicle speed is kept constant.
  
• Pressing and holding the steering column lever backwards (+): Increases the road speed. The vehicle accelerates for the period the switch is actuated up to its maximum speed.
  
• Pressing the steering column lever briefly forwards or holding pressed (-): Brakes the road speed. The cruise-control system is deactivated for the period the switch is actuated. However, it is not possible for the driving speed to drop below the minimum set speed.
  

Switch-on conditions for cruise-control system

• 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.
  

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.

Conditions required for switching off the cruise-control system

• Pressing the steering column lever upwards or downwards: switches off the cruise-control function.
  
• Operating brake pedal
  
• Operating clutch pedal (manual gearbox)
  
• Engaging drive stages ”P” or ”N” (automatic)