Displays in the Instrument Cluster
Indicator Light
Depending on how the vehicle is equipped, the indicator light in the instrument cluster shows whether the system is switched on.
Desired Speed and Stored Speed
- Green display: system active, indicates desired speed
- Orange display: system interrupted, indicates stored speed
- No display: system switched off
If no speed is indicated, the conditions necessary for operation may not be fulfilled.
System Limits
Engine Power
Desired speed is maintained downhill but may not be maintained uphill if engine power is insufficient.
PDC (Park Distance Control)
Concept
PDC assists when parking. When slowly approaching an object in the rear or front, it reports through:
- Signal tones
- Visual display
General Information
Ultrasound sensors are located in the bumpers. Maneuvering range: approx. 6 ft / 2 m.
- Front middle & corner sensors: warning at approx. 24 in / 60 cm
- Rear middle sensors: warning at approx. 5 ft / 1.5 m
- Collision imminent: warning sounds
Warning: System does not relieve personal responsibility. Adjust driving style and watch traffic and surroundings closely.
Warning: High speeds may delay warnings. Avoid approaching objects too fast and avoid driving off fast while PDC not active.
Overview: Front PDC Button in Vehicle
Park assistance button activates PDC. Ultrasound sensors located in bumpers.
Functional Requirements
- Do not cover sensors (stickers, bike racks, etc.)
- Keep sensors clean and unobstructed
Switching On/Off
Automatic Activation
- Rear PDC: Engaging R with engine running switches system on; rearview camera activates
- Front PDC: Detects obstacles in front or rear when speed < 2.5 mph / 4 km/h
- Front PDC automatic activation can be switched off via CID: Settings → Parking → Select setting
Manual Activation
- Press park assistance button: LED lights on/off
- Rearview camera displayed if reverse gear engaged
Signal Tones
- Intermittent sound indicates object position; shorter distance → shorter intervals
- Distance < 10 in / 25 cm → continuous tone
- Front PDC with objects front & rear: alternating continuous tone
- Tone stops when selector in P (Steptronic transmission)
Volume Adjustment
Via CID: Multimedia/Radio/Settings → Tone → Volume Settings → PDC. Turn Controller to adjust and press to store.
Visual Warning
Object approach shown on Control Display; range represented with colors (red, yellow, green). Switching to rearview camera display shows PDC overlay.
Warning: System may not react correctly due to system limits. Actively intervene if needed.
Limits of Ultrasonic Measurement
- Small children, animals, certain clothing, external ultrasound interference
- Dirty, iced-over, damaged, or misaligned sensors
- Protruding cargo, tow bars, trailers
- Thin, wedge-shaped, moving, or elevated objects; fine surfaces; low objects entering blind area
False Warnings
- Heavy rain, dirty/covered sensors, snow, rough or uneven surfaces, underground garages, vehicle washes, heavy exhaust, other ultrasound sources
Continuous alternating tone signals malfunction; resolves when interference ceases. Front PDC automatic activation can be disabled to reduce false alarms.
Malfunction
Check Control message displayed; red symbol shows; sensor range dimmed. PDC failure requires service center inspection.
Rearview Camera
Concept
Assists with parking and reversing. Area behind vehicle displayed on Control Display.
Warning: System does not relieve personal responsibility. Adjust driving style and actively monitor traffic and surroundings.
Overview
- Park assistance button in vehicle
- Camera lens in tailgate handle; clean if needed
Switching On/Off
- Automatic: selector in R with engine running
- Deactivation during forward travel: switches off after certain speed/distance
- Manual: press park assistance button; LED on/off; reverse gear shows rearview camera on Control Display
Switching View via CID
PDC activated → Rear view camera shown on Control Display.
Functional Requirements
- Rearview camera switched on
- Tailgate fully closed
- Keep camera range clear; protruding cargo or trailers may cause malfunctions
Activating Assistance Functions
- Parking aid lines: indicate lanes and turning radius
- Obstacle marking: highlights obstacles if available
- Pathway lines: superimposed on rearview camera image, adjusted to steering angle
- Turning radius lines: course of smallest turning radius displayed
Parking Using Pathway and Turning Radius Lines
- Position vehicle so turning radius lines align within parking space
- Turn steering so pathway line covers corresponding turning radius line
Display Settings
- Brightness: select symbol, turn Controller, press to store
- Contrast: select symbol, turn Controller, press to store
System Limits
Very low obstacles or high, protruding objects may not be recognized. Objects on display may appear closer than they are.
Parking Assistant
Concept
Assists driver in parallel parking. Three steps:
- Switching on and activating
- Parking space search
- Parking maneuver
Ultrasound sensors measure parking spaces on both sides. Parking assistant calculates best parking line and controls steering. PDC Park Distance Control is integrated.
Warning: System does not relieve personal responsibility. May not react to all traffic situations. Actively intervene and watch surroundings.
Note: Parking assistant can steer over/onto curbs. Risk of property damage. Follow PDC Park Distance Control safety information.
Overview
- Park assistance button
- Ultrasound sensors on wheel housing
Functional Requirements
- Do not cover sensors; keep clean
- Maximum forward driving speed: 22 mph / 35 km/h
- Maximum distance to parked row: 5 ft / 1.5 m
- Suitable parking space: gaps ≥ 5 ft / 1.5 m; minimum depth 5 ft / 1.5 m
- Doors/tailgate closed; parking brake released
