Electrical / Distronic

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System design and function
A radar sensor positioned behind the radiator grille,
permanently transmits radar signals. If the signals are
reflected back by a vehicle ahead, they are again received
by the sensor. The sensor features three transmission and
reception units for this purpose.
The momentary distance is calculated in the Distronic
control module on the basis of the signal propagation time,
and the relative speed between both vehicles by means of
the frequency change (Doppler effect).

The Distronic control module calculates and, with the aid of

these data, controls the actions necessary at the engine,
brake, and if need be, also at the automatic transmission,
for maintaining the safe distance, and also actuates any
necessary displays in the instrument cluster and audible
warning messages.
The control action initiated by the Distronic system is
additionally monitored in the ESP control module.

How to use the system

The Distronic system is activated by pressing the cruise
control selector lever toward the center of the steering
wheel. The Distronic mode is preselected when the limiter
indicator lamp in the cruise control lever is off.
The Distronic operates at speeds between 20 and 100 mph.
If there is no vehicle ahead, the Distronic behaves in the
same way as a conventional cruise control system. The
vehicle speed selected is maintained by varying the output
of the engine or by applying the brakes. The intensity of the
brake application is limited to a maximum deceleration of 2
m/s2.
It is possible to select the time distance to the vehicle ahead
within the range between one and two seconds by means of
a potentiometer located in the control panel.
If the system calculates that a higher braking power is
necessary, the driver is warned of this visually by means of
a warning lamp and audibly by means of a continuous
intermittent signal, and then has to take appropriate action
himself.
If during a control cycle, the speed of the car drops below
20 mph, the system switches off automatically, in addition a
signal sounds and the message DTR off appears in the
multifunction display.
If the maximum set speed of 100 mph is exceeded, the
system is not switched off. If the driver takes his foot off the
accelerator pedal, the system again controls the set speed.
Full system performance is thus also available in this control
phase at speeds higher than 100 mph. The system switches
over to DIR passive for as long as the driver does not
release the accelerator pedal. In this case, no distance
control to the vehicle ahead is active.
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