From Sensor Malfunction To System Overload: Understanding Mercedes Brake Assist Limitations
With the advancement of technology, modern cars have become more intelligent. They can alert you in advance about any hidden technical fault in a remote component so that it can be taken care of. Today’s blog post explains how Mercedes alerts the driver about a malfunction with its brake assist feature.
This article discusses the reasons why your Mercedes may display such an error message and what you can do about it. Let’s start by discussing the basics of Mercedes Brake Assist like what is it and what it does.
Mercedes Brake Assist: What Exactly Is It?
It is basically a part of Mercedes’ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) package. You can think of it as an automatic emergency braking system that springs into action in the event of an emergency maneuver to prevent an imminent collision. The flow chart below gives a better understanding of how Mercedes’ Brake Assist works to ensure passenger safety during emergency maneuvers.
#1- It monitors objects around the vehicle (both front and rear) with the help of a set of radars and cameras.
#2- Based on the inputs received from the said sensors; if it occurs to the Brake Assist’s control unit that there is a potential collision ahead or a vehicle is approaching from behind at a stop, it will issue visual and acoustic warnings to alert the driver.
#3- If the control unit detects no response from the driver- even after issuing adequate warnings, it will activate the automatic emergency braking to slow down the vehicle.
#4- In the event that the driver reacts to the alerts issued by the computer and applies the brakes, the system will make all necessary adjustments to the braking system so that maximum braking force can be applied.
To put it briefly, the sole purpose of Mercedes’ Brake Assist is to ensure maximum safety for the passengers.
Mercedes Brake Assist: What May Limit Its Operation?
#1- Bad weather conditions. Since the Brake Assist relies on real time data from a network of radar sensors and cameras to do its job; if there is insufficient visibility due to poor weather, the ability of the Brake Assist to perform its intended function will reduce significantly. Therefore, if it is snowing or raining outside, it is not wise to rely on brake assist.
#2- Dirt, debris. If the radar sensors and cameras become completely covered with dirt, debris, and other foreign elements, there is a very good chance that your Mercedes’ brake assist will not come to your aid during an emergency situation. It is therefore important that you have your Mercedes’ radar sensors and cameras cleaned every now and then.
#3- Electrical glitch. The Brake Assist feature of your Mercedes depends on a network of components; each of them relies on electricity to function. In the event that the power supply to any of these components is interrupted, the brake assist will stop working. From a bad connector to a blown fuse; there are many different electrical issues that may result in Brake Assist failure in a Mercedes.
#4- Faulty parts. The Brake Assist feature of your Mercedes is a fairly complex unit; made up of many different parts. If one of those parts ceases to function because of a technical or electrical issue, it will have a significant impact on the way your Brake Assist functions.
Mercedes Brake Assist: Signs It Is Giving Up
#1- The “Message”. “Active Brake Assist Functions Limited — See Owner’s Manual” — this is the message your Mercedes’ onboard diagnostic system will throw up to warn you about a malfunction in the brake assist feature. So, if your Mercedes is displaying such an error message, it is important that you have it checked by a certified professional.
#2- Brake Assist not working the way it is supposed to. This is yet another key indication that there is something off with your vehicle’s Brake Assist. If you do not want the problem to become serious, it is important that you have your Mercedes checked by a certified professional as soon as you see the warning message.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it… a list of factors that may prevent your Mercedes’ Brake Assist feature from performing its intended function. In this blog post, we’ve covered everything you need to know about Mercedes’ Brake Assist feature. We hope this helps.
