CarrsML5

While driving my 2004 ML500, the sound completely cut out. This includes the navigation voice prompts. I have no sound and the HU isn't detecting the cd changer. Everything is factory and I've only had the car for a few months. My mechanic had mentioned something on earlier year ML's that was in the rear (next to the changer) that could come loose and would cause the stereo to cut out the speakers and the changer. He now tells me this year the same device is contained within the HU. If anyone has any advice or insight into this dilemma, please help. I have a feeling that I'll have to replace the HU or buy something after market.

Diesel Benz

You must have a fibre based system, it could be that some of the fibre cables have bent or come out of their connectors.

Changing to an after market HU may not be straightforward if you have a phone, CDC and/or other equipment on the ring. You did not mention if you have sound system, it may then be that you don't have speaker wires at the rear of the HU.

CarrsML5

I haven't added anything "after market" to the vehicle. It has the Bose upgraded sound system and the Mercedes phone. I can't use the phone because of the issues with the V60 and the out-dated connectivity. I appreciate any help anyone can give. I'm just trying to get sound back.

Richard

Sounds like your fibre optics is messed up. There is a loop, so if anything fails on it, or any connector breaks, nothing on D2B works.

With Star diagnosis you can work out where the break/broken item is.

Richard

CarrsML5

Thanks for the help, but I'm not exactly sure what the D2B is and is there anywhere that I can take the car to have the diagnostics done other than the dealer. I'm trying to avoid a large bill for something as ridiculous as this. I do thank you though for your input.

Richard

D2B is the fibre network that goes round the car's audio system, connected the COMAND to the voice recognition to the phone to the CD changer to the sound system and back again

It is likely something on that loop has failed, so if that is the case its not going to be cheap as something needs replaceing. (the phone unit being the cheapest at a couple of hundred $ or more)

It may be , of course, that some plug has dropped out, and someone without the specialist tools the dealer has may be able to find it. Its unlikely because they clip in place, but if any are likely to come loose its the one that connects the CD changer in the trunk, or possibly if youre phone system control unit is under the right front seat that one. The plugs are black with 2 orange leads coming out, which are fibre and must not be bent too much or sharply.

So, you either need a dealer, or an indepedant workshop with the Star Diagnosis system.

If you are in UK I can suggest one south west of London a bit, and one in Poole in Dorset. But I think you are not.

Richard

CarrsML5

Richard - thank you very much. I'll update you as to what the issue is and how i solve it.

Diesel Benz

Yes I understand the car is "original" at the moment. I understood you were thinking of fixing the issue with a new after market head unit where I just wanted to comment that this would not necessarily be straightforward.

Diesel Benz

Some basic info about the Domestic Digital Bus (D2B):
http://www.mercedestechstore.com/pdf...2003-09-04.pdf

You might be able to check the connectors yourself, would just need to know which devices are on the fibre ring and where those are located.