184001908 - E2010 SIDE LIGHTS/NUMBER PLATE LIGHT - DESCRIPTION

Description

The side lights come on when the ring nut on the steering column switch unit left lever is turned to the first position.The switching on of the side lights is managed by the Body Computer.The side lights control function is activated through the enablement signals with the key in the ON position (INT) and the command from the steering column switch unit: the four side lights are supplied in this way.The number plate light and numerous other interior lights for lighting the passenger compartment, instruments and controls are activated together with the side lights (these are described and explained in the wiring diagrams for the relevant components).Activation/deactivation information is sent via the CAN network: in this way, the side lights warning light in the instrument panel is also activated. The instrument panel also activates the nightime lighting.The side lights can be automatically activated using the dusk sensor if the AUTO function is set on the steering column switch unit.The dusk sensor is an infra red device which functions at different sensitivity levels: when the dusk sensor is activated a message appears on the panel display indicating the sensitivity setting (from 1 to 3): this setting can be adjusted using the "Mode +" and "Mode -" buttons.The "parking lights" function is only switched on with the ignition OFF by pressing the button in the panel to the left of the steering wheel: a roger beep signals that it has been switched on.By turning the steering column switch unit left lever (in the same way as for activating the direction indicators) it is possible to choose whether to switch on the side lights on both sides of the vehicle (lever in middle position) or on one side only (lever down to select the left side, lever up to select the right side).The "Follow me home" function allows the dipped headlamps and the side lights to remain on even after the engine has been switched off (key in OFF position) for a period of 30 seconds or multiples thereof.The side lights warning light in the instrument panel signals that the lights have remained on.It comes on by operating the lever in the same way as for activating the flasher within 2 minutes of turning the key OFF: each time the lever is operated, the period for which the lights are kept on is increased by 30 seconds to a maximum of 210 seconds.Turning the ignition ON or keeping the flasher lever pulled for more than 2 seconds results in the function being deactivated.

The correct operation of the lights is checked by the side lights and no. plate lights check function: the following is checked for each of the circuits:

• open circuit or missing bulb
• short-circuit to earth (bulb s.c. or wiring s.c. to earth)
• short circuit to battery voltage (wiring short circuited to Vbatt)

When one of the situations described above is ascertained, the Body Computer makes the failure status available to the CAN: a special failure warning light comes on in the instrument panel and, at the same time, the information is shown in the display.For safe driving, if there is a fault with one of the rear bulbs, with the side lights on the brake light bulb on the corresponding side comes on dimly to simulate the brightness of the side light.The system also detects any faults in the dusk sensor: if a fault is detected, the general failure warning light in the instrument panel is turned on and the information is shown simultaneously on the display.