Controls in detail – Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2009 Owners Manual User Manual
Page 156
Driving systems
154
This section describes a number of driving
situations where special precaution is
required on the part of the driver. Be prepared
to brake in such situations. Braking will deac-
tivate the Distronic system.
Distronic works to maintain the speed
selected by the driver unless a moving
obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in
the same travel direction is detected (e.g.
following another vehicle ahead of you at
your set distance).
This means that:
R
Your vehicle can pass another vehicle
after you have changed lanes.
R
While in a sharp turn or if the preceding
vehicle is in a sharp turn, Distronic could
lose sight of the preceding vehicle. Your
vehicle could then accelerate to the pre-
viously selected speed.
Distronic regulates only the distance
between your vehicle and those directly
ahead of it, but does not register stationary
objects in the road, e.g.:
R
a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam
R
a disabled vehicle
R
an oncoming vehicle
The driver must always be alert, observe all
traffic and intercede as required by means
of steering or braking the vehicle.
Distronic should not be used in snowy or
icy road conditions.
The most likely cause for a malfunctioning
system is a dirty Distronic system sensor
cover (located in the hood grille), especially
at times of snow and ice or heavy rain.
In such a case, Distronic will switch off, and
the message DISTRONIC Currently
Unavailable – See Oper. Manual
appears in the multifunction display.
For cleaning and care of the Distronic system
sensor cover, see (
i
If the message DISTRONIC Currently
Unavailable – See Oper. Manual dis-
appears during driving, the dirt (e.g. slush)
has dissolved. Distronic is available again if
you reactivate it (
Turns and bends
In turns or bends, Distronic may not detect a
moving vehicle in front, or it may detect one
too soon. This may cause your vehicle to
brake late or unexpectedly.
Controls in detail