mbpharoh

Whats up guys this is (youssefabe) from the forums, wanted to change my username.

As i promised here is a DIY on how to install the FT-MB204-DC Remote start module.

First i want to thank the user "myinternetsucks" for posting some things that definetally helped out with the installation.
Now while the manual has some pictures, I took some more to elibarate on the install and give you a hands on experience.

Bare with me as this is my first DIY
Installation Time : 30 Minutes
Level Of Difficulty 1-10 (5)


#1 On the bottom footwell under the dash you need to remove 3 t-20 screws. You can just leave it unscrewed for now, you will utilize this at the LAST step.


#2 using your interior trim removal tool, from the top working your way to the sides you want to pry the bezel from your cluster. and pull OUTWARDS


#3 set the streering wheel at the maximum out, as well as on the full down position.


#4 Remove the steering wheel boot, push the two tabs in
wards and then down.


#5 pull the boot all the way towards you so reveal the EIS wiring.



#6 unplug the harness connected into the EIS


#7 take off the white shroud from the plug, what i did is stick a small screwdriver in between the white and black parts of the harness to loosen it up and pull the black part out while holding the white. (or you can use the EIS removal tool, and picks that are from harbor freight)



#8 Install the white shroud onto the black harness on your compustar unit. Arrow on the black harness facing inwards to the shroud



#9 install the blue shroud that came with the compustar unit on the EIS harness. Arrow on the black harness facing inwards to the shroud



#10 Snake the wires from the bottom of the dash and pull up, you should only be pulling the white & blue sensor at this time. I used the bigger portion of the harness to snake everything down to make it easier.


#11 Connect the white harness into the EIS


#12 Connect the two blue harness together until you hear a click.


#13 Start your car - verify everything was plugged in correctly.


#14 Put back your top steering wheel boot cover.


#15 Put back in your cluster dash trim. there is a black tab on the right hand side that should be put in first. then snap in.

#16 connect the white harness into the compustar brain unit on the bottom of the dash.


#17 Programming time. Turn your key into the on position (1click) 5 times within 7 Seconds, After that you want to remove your key and press the lock button once. You will see your hazards flash. Step outside of your car, lock the door and press panic button ONCE, your car should now start.


#18 My car didn't start? check your valet switch - flip it the other way and now step back outside your car, lock the door and press panic once. Vrrooom!


#19 I didnt mount my valet switch because i won't use it, i zip tied the harness together tightly, and tucked it into the center console carpet with some doubble sided tape.

#20 Install the 3 screws back into the under dash


#21 Box up the unused harness, and store for resell later.


#22 Last test before i go inside and drink some beer!


Hope this has helped you guys, I know compustar had directions but wanted to provide my first hand experience to the forum. If you have any questions feel free to ask. You assume everything you do at your own risk.

ilumunus

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!! I've been looking to order a CompuStar remote starter, but I had no clue how to install it, and didn't want to pay for pro installation. I will probably order and install my own soon. This will be a huge help!! A++++!

myinternetsucks

Awesome write up man and thanks for the props! Good job, I found the hardest part was getting the new harness back into the EIS. It would've helped to have child size hands to get back in there.

Knightmare69

Er.......my keyfob doesn't have a panic button. Maybe it's a regional thing?

RVC

How much is the compustar unit? Did you get any error messages on your dash? Good job thanks for the write up.

myinternetsucks

I paid $589 for the Compustar unit, and $250 for the Drone Mobile add on.

YoussefAbe

no errors and i paid about 600$ for the unit

YoussefAbe

you gave me the courage to do this lol. and yes the eis was the hardest part than understanding what a shroud was also lol but after i got in at a wierd angle my hand grabbed the whole thing

YoussefAbe

go for it! if you need help just pm me & yes ot of shops wanted over 400$ to install and it dosent take that long

CzchMex

You're correct. But I think you can still use the FOBs that don't have a panic button. You just have to hit a certain combo of buttons

W204Man

Can you use your phone to start the car?

Drazil

you need to install the additional dronemobile module and pay for their service to have smartphone controls.

mbpharoh

like Drazil said, you have to buy the dronemobile module which is an extra about 200$

The range of the remote control is limited to the factory antenna, trying to see if thres a way to integrate an aftermarket one.

trif_romeo

Thanks for the DYI! Just installed mine, works perfect.

Doa

maybe a stupid question but is that only to start the engine or can you actually compare it with keyless go? i mean do you still have to put the key in the lock to drive the car (for the steering lock for example)

vipsa

Good question. I'm guessing it would have to be to unlock the steering wheel and prevent the car from turning off when you press the brake pedal. Otherwise anyone can get in the car and drive away.

hiworld1

can you please tell us where u bought this unit for $589?

trif_romeo

I have a drone mobile add-on for sale if anyone interested.

nudda

also interested in knowing where the unit costs this price.

Thanks so much for the writeup OP!!!

trif_romeo

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-Approved-Remote-Starter-for-2002-2014-Models-/200974656680?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ecb05e4a8&vxp=mtr

aznmode

Nice job. Time to start saving

nudda

thanks but its 680 + shipping here ...

benzdude

Looks like you can extend the range with a Compustar Remote Kit with (2) remotes
for about $95. Should be plug & play with the unit.

I can't find the compatible remote kit model numbers. Anyone? :/

RavenMDX

This is great. Do I need a special version since I also have keyless go on my 2009 W204 C300?

Thanks

benzdude

Looks like the guy on ebay includes a harness for keyless GO options.