User's Manual

271Driving systems
Technical
data
Instruments
and controls
Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display
Practical hints Car care Index
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.
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.
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.
part3_01.fm Seite 271 Montag, 7. Mai 2001 7:05 07