194000018 - E2010 SIDE LIGHTS/NUMBER PLATE LIGHT - DESCRIPTION

The side lights come on when the ring nut on the steering column switch unit left stalk is turned to the first position.The switching on of the side lights is managed by the Body Computer.The side light control function is activated with the enablement signals for key inserted and turned ON in the ignition (INT from steering lock control unit) and control signals from the stalk 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 for the symbols.The side lights may be activated automatically by the dusk sensor (built into the electrochromic rear view mirror) if the AUTO function is set via the left steering wheel stalk wheel.The dusk sensor is an infrared device that detects changes in vehicle exterior light intensity according to the light sensitivity setting: the higher the sensitivity, the lower the amount of exterior light required to activate the side lights.When the dusk sensor is activated a message is shown on the instrument panel display indicating the sensitivity setting (from 1 to 3; 2 is default): it is possible to adjust this intensity by means of MODE keys on the exterior lighting panel on the left side.The parking light function turns on the side lights and the number plate lights with the key turned top STOP in the ignition. The system is activated by pressing the PARK button on the left panel. Pressure on the key is indicated by a Roger beep acoustic signal.If the steering column switch unit left lever is turned (in the same way as for activating the direction indicators) it is possible to choose whether to turn on the side lights on both sides of the vehicle (lever in middle position) or only those on one side (lever downwards to select the left side, lever upwards to select the right side).When the ignition key is next turned ON, the parking light function is deactivated and reset.The Follow me home function allows the side lights and low beams to be left on after turning the ignition key to OFF or removing it (STOP position) for a time greater than or equal to 30 seconds.The lights are activated by operating the light flasher stalk within 2 minutes of switching the engine 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. The instrument panel, in turn, increases the time for the Follow me home display: This display persists for 20 seconds starting from the last time the steering column switch unit is pressed unless the function is deactivated by operating the reset control during the display.Holding the light flasher lever in place for longer than 2 seconds causes the function to deactivate (lights off and counter on the instrument panel showing the remaining time and active commands reset). The function can also be deactivated by turning the ignition key ON.The correct operation of the lights is checked by the side lights and no. plate lights check function: the fault is detected by vehicle branch (right and left side). The following are 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)- replacement of 5 W bulb with 21 W bulbWhen one of the situations described above is ascertained, the Body Computer makes the failure status available to the CAN: a special "lights failure" warning light comes on in the instrument panel and, at the same time, the information is shown in the display.If there is a failure with one of the bulbs for the rear side lights, with the side lights on, the brake light on the same side comes on dimly (5W) 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 is turned on and the information is shown simultaneously on the display.