This article will explain the Mercedes Benz ECO mode and answer the following questions: What is a Mercedes Benz ECO mode? What are the additional components required for the ECO mode?
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What is Mercedes Benz ECO mode?
The Mercedes Benz ECO mode is an automatic engine start and stop function aimed at reducing fuel and carbon consumption of passenger cars. It was first introduced in the 2011 C class facelift model and ECO stands for engine cut off.
The general idea behind the eco mode is to turn off the vehicle when the car is waiting at stop signs or signals and thus saving fuel as the engine is not idling. The difference between turning off the engine and switching off the engine in ECO mode is that auxiliary components like radio, blower motor and other interior equipment still function. The driver does not need to turn the key to start the engine in ECO mode.
When the vehicle comes to a halt and the driver is pressing the brake pedal, ECO mode will activate and switch the engine off. The engine will start again as soon as the driver lets go of the brake and touches the throttle pedal. The front signal actuation and acquisition control unit is the master control for the ECO mode.
It is constantly monitoring the voltage of the main as well as auxiliary batteries when the engine is not running in the eco mode. As soon as the voltage goes below 11 V and the vehicle is still at standstill, the SAM control unit will override the ECO function and start the engine.
The ECO start-stop is available in ECO as well as comfort driver programs in the dynamic select. Customers can also create a custom drive mode in the intelligent dynamic select. Many customers think that the ECO function is always active but this is far from the truth.
The ECO mode must satisfy certain pre-conditions before it is activated. The SAM control units also completed a systems check and indicated buying a green LED light on the ECO switch. In the latest models, it is represented on the instrument cluster by a green ECO symbol.
Following are some of the preconditions required for the ECO mode:
- Vehicle speed
The vehicle speed must have exceeded the speed of 20 kmph once after starting the journey and the ECO or comfort drive program must be active.
- Main and auxiliary battery
The condition of the main and auxiliary battery must be good. There should not be any fault code in the fault memory of the front SAM control unit.
- Air conditioning temperature
The Air conditioning temperature should not be set to the lowest settings, also the eco will only activate once the temperature set by the driver is reached and the air conditioning compressor is no longer required. This condition is only applicable to models with air conditioning compressors driven by internal combustion engines. On models with high voltage electric AC compressors, this condition is satisfied more quickly.
The service brake pedal switch must be functioning correctly and there should not be any loose contact in the electrical coupler.
The ECO mode is activated once all the conditions are satisfied, the driver can turn off the ECO mode by simply pressing the ECO switch located either on the lower control or the upper control panel.
What are the additional components required for the ECO mode?
Mercedes Benz has been using ECO mode in almost all passenger cars for more than 10 years. Many components went through modifications but the core components responsible for the ECO mode remained the same. Following are the additional components required for the ECO mode:
- Auxiliary battery
In the models before 2014, ECO mode mainly used an AUxiliary battery to power the vehicle’s onboard systems like blower motor of climate control, audio systems etc when the engine is starting in the ECO mode.
An auxiliary battery is required because there is a 3-4 volts voltage drop across the main battery when the engine is cranked as the starter motor can draw up to 200 amps. Due to this voltage drop, The power supply can drop below 8 volts and there is no sufficient power to support other onboard systems like an ac blower motor, ambient light, radio etc.
- Auxiliary battery relay
The auxiliary battery is connected to a relay control by the front SAM control unit. It is connected to the main power supply for the onboard electric system when the relay is closed. The front sam control unit also actuates the relay one time when the vehicle speed of 20kmph is breached for the first time since the engine start.
The Auxiliary battery relay is located near the auxiliary battery and the positive supply terminal is connected directly to the relay. If there is a fault in the auxiliary battery relay, the ECO mode will not work and the green status LED will change to amber.
- Voltage dip limiter
The voltage dip limiter was introduced with the launch of the fifth generation of the C class model series w205. The auxiliary battery was discontinued in the models above C class as the voltage dip limiter was able to limit the voltage drop across the main battery during the engine start in ECO mode.
A voltage dip limited is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and controlled by circuit 50 (starter circuit) relay. Depending on the construction, It has two separate electrical pathways, one path has a resistance builtin while the other is directly connected to the starter motor. When the vehicle is normally started current flows from a pathway that has no resistance as maximum current is required to start the vehicle for the first time.
During the engine start in the ECO mode, complete rotation of the crank is not needed as the engine control unit saves the ignition angle needed for the next engine start. The start motor only cranks the engine for a few degrees.
Hence the second resistive track is used to supply the starter and the engine can be started without turning off the ac blower motor and other interior equipment. If the engine is not started within 2ms then the voltage dip limiter is again switched to the first path and provides a full supply to the starter motor.
Thanks to the use of a voltage dip limiter the voltage level at the main battery can be maintained at 10 to 11 volts during starting the engine. The additional battery is no longer required to supply power to the vehicle. A small capacitor is used instead to put the vehicle in P when the main battery is disconnected or discharged.
- Auxiliary oil pump
An auxiliary oil pump is required to maintain the oil pressure in the automatic transmission as the main oil pump is no longer driven by the engine. The auxiliary oil pump for the 7gtronic transmission is located just next to the torque converter bell housing and it is connected directly to the electro-hydraulic controller unit.
Like any other interior equipment, the auxiliary oil pump is also powered by the auxiliary battery when the engine is started in ECO mode. The auxiliary oil pump is integrated into the electric hydraulic valve body for the 9 g Tronic and dual-clutch transmissions.
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Conclusion
The ECO mode is a great way to reduce fuel consumption and it should be used in city stop and go traffic. There is no excess amount of fuel required to start the engine in eco mode and the driver can turn off ECO mode if the stop intervals are very small. It is possible to turn off the ECO mode entirely by making a custom dynamic select program and selecting it after starting the vehicle.
FAQs
What does eco mode do on a Mercedes? ›
While it's on, the engine reduces its power output, so it doesn't work as hard, and the gas pedals become less responsive. The reduction in power leads the car to accelerate more slowly. Benefits of eco mode include using less gas and creating fewer emissions. Eco mode works best when driving at a relaxed pace.
Is it OK to drive in eco mode all the time? ›Some people only use this mode once they're cruising on the highway. Other people put their cars in Eco mode all the time. Either way is fine. It's up to you when to use Eco mode so do whatever works best for your lifestyle and how you like to drive.
Does Eco mode drain battery? ›"Eco Mode" works by temporarily deactivating the Momento M7's image sensor. This results in nearly 90% decrease in power consumption from your vehicle's battery.
What is the point of ECO mode? ›The Eco mode (or Econ on some vehicles) is a fuel-saving feature offered by several manufacturers that instructs the engine computer to shift into a program that maximizes efficiency over performance. Related: What Are the Most Fuel-Efficient Cars for 2021? This mode is generally engaged by an interior switch.
How much gas does eco mode save? ›Bottom Line. Eco mode is not a magic button that will instantly save fuel. Its true value rests in its ability to encourage frugal driving behavior that can make a difference. We have seen in other tests that driving smoothly can make a 2 to 3 mpg improvement around town, compared with an erratic driving style.
Does Eco Mode save energy? ›Eco mode is the perfect choice if you are looking to minimise your energy consumption. The numbers speak for themselves. However, for sparkling results for your dishes and the environment, you should select the program according to the load and how dirty the dishes are.
Does Mercedes Eco save gas? ›THE ANSWER. No, a car's eco mode does not guarantee money savings on gas -- especially if a driver isn't changing bad driving habits.
Does Eco mode shorten transmission life? ›Yes. It just modifies throttle response.
What is the difference between eco mode and comfort mode on Mercedes? ›ECO focuses on high efficiency and low consumption, with COMFORT as the default setting. The accelerator pedal characteristics are designed for comfort, but can become automatically more dynamic depending on your driving style. Alternatively, the SPORT setting is designed to optimise performance on the road.
Does Eco mode Turn off AC? ›Econ mode, or Energy Saver mode, is a setting that works similar to central AC. The room air conditioner will turn off once the set temp is reached; the fan then cycles on (for 20 sec.) every 10 min to sample the air temp.
How long do ECO batteries last? ›
A single full charge is enough to keep Eco-Drive working for over six months in total darkness. Indeed, some models equipped with power save function can run for as long as seven years.
Is Eco Mode cheaper? ›90% of a washing machine's energy use goes towards heating the water, so eco modes that use cooler water will cost you less to run in terms of electricity. We've found that households can make energy savings of around 30% by using their dishwashers in eco mode.
Does eco mode work on cruise control? ›Transmission: Recalibrates the gear shifts in the transmission to decrease RPMs when ECON mode is on. Cruise Control: Due to the ECON button, the vehicle will be less likely to downshift to maintain speed when using cruise control at the same time.
Does accelerating quickly save fuel? ›Speeding increases fuel consumption and decreases fuel economy as a result of tire rolling resistance and air resistance.
Is Eco mode better for city or highway? ›It is more effective in city driving than on the highway because it primarily affects acceleration. Although you can engage EM any time, it will have much less impact on fuel economy when touring down the highway. As with hybrid vehicles (HEV), most fuel savings are in city driving.
Does sport mode use more gas? ›Does Sport Mode Burn More Gas? By switching to more performance-oriented throttle and transmission settings, your vehicle's engine will rev higher and longer than it would during normal operation. This requires more fuel, and over a long drive, it can negatively impact fuel economy.
What button in car saves fuel? ›The button is usually located around the aircon dial that allows the driver to set the internal temperature. It has a picture of a car with an arrow inside it. Using the button will help reduce fuel consumption as it puts less strain on the car's engine.
Does Eco mode affect heat? ›Eco mode will reduce power demands by various receptacles in the vehicle. It will adjust power output and seating, as well as heating and cooling to prioritize fuel use. When these things aren't a priority, then use eco mode.
What is the difference between eco mode and quick start? ›When the Display is powered off, Eco Mode setting uses less than 0.5W of power. Please note that by changing this setting the energy consumption required to operate this device will change. Quick Start Mode enables your Display to power on faster as well as automatically power on when casting content.
What is eco vs comfort mode Mercedes? ›Comfort: This is the feature's version of “Normal Mode.” If you're looking for smooth handling and a middle-ground between sportiness and efficiency, “Comfort Mode” is a great compromise. ECO: Sacrifice a little torque to increase your efficiency in the stop-and-go traffic of Milton with “ECO Mode.”
What is eco vs normal vs sport? ›
Eco (Economy) is the fuel saving mode in your vehicle, and Sport is the higher performance mode. Whatever mode you're in generally changes the shift points in your transmission. In Eco; softer shifts, lower rpm's between gears, and top gear has the highest overdrive for economy.
Does Eco Mode save fuel Mercedes? ›In addition to saving fuel, ECO mode offers the same features as the Comfort program of your Mercedes Benz, so you will enjoy a relaxed and quiet drive.
Is it better to drive in Sport mode or ECO mode? ›Sport mode is most useful when you want to explore your automobile's full performance capabilities. Since this setting will likely make the throttle response sharper, the steering heavier, and the suspension not quite as comfortable, you'll want to avoid using it while commuting.
Is Sport mode faster than eco mode? ›Sport mode gives a quicker throttle response for a sporty drive, meaning the car accelerates more readily. In addition, more fuel is introduced into the engine to increase the available power. The suspension stiffens up and the steering becomes firmer or heavier for better feel.
When should you drive in comfort mode? ›This standard mode offers a softer suspension and lightened steering that allows for a plush ride. With this mode, you'll get a good balance of power and efficiency. Driving in COMFORT mode would be ideal for: Morning commutes.
What are the different driving modes on Mercedes? ›Mercedes-Benz Dynamic Select Modes
The Mercedes-Benz Dynamic Select system allows you to easily switch driving modes depending on the terrain and location you are exploring. These drive modes are: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. These modes can be selected with the tap of the console button.
Yes, it is. The drive mode switch is intended to give drivers the ability to switch engine and transmission performance misses while driving.
Can you switch from Sport to Eco while driving? ›Can you turn ECO mode on while driving? Yes. You can but why would you use it. Many tests have shown that it makes virtually no difference to your economy.
Is it better to drive with cruise control on or off? ›Since cruise control allows drivers to keep their vehicle at a constant speed, there is less risk of the driver accelerating and speeding past other drivers. Additionally, cruise control limits the amount of fuel your engine uses and reduces gas-wasting acceleration and deceleration.
Does cruise mode save gas? ›Generally speaking, yes. Cruise control can help you become more fuel-efficient and can help you save an average of 7-14% on gas thanks to its ability to maintain a continuous speed. In comparison, the constant change in acceleration and deceleration of the driver placing their foot over the pedals can eat more gas.
Should you always use cruise control? ›
Use cruise control when there is little to no traffic. Cruise lets you enjoy those clear roads and helps you maintain a consistent speed. Speaking of speed, use cruise control only when the speed limit stays the same for long periods of time.