maverik259

oh wow, did not know that!

BF_JC230

"There is also a 2 pin connector behind my head unit that is not plugged into anything." ACR2001

Did you ever find out what that little connector is for? I had it too when I pulled out the Audio 20!

I did remove the gauges, it was easy...and my antenna is in the OEM Retro-Fit location above the gauges.

I have not really taken the time to "Learn" my MCSII unit, but I have a few questions...

1.) The Dealer had to configure my MOST Ring to allow the MCSII unit to make sound...they DID NOT program the MFD to display Turn By Turn, how can I ask them to do that - and does anyone have information I could hand them to get that up and working?

2.) Where are you seeing satellite power?

3.) How can I see the exact coordinates of the car, along with the altitude...I see some pictures with that information displayed in the lower bar.

Thanks - and good luck to all installing COMAND in a Face-Lifted model...it was an easy job, and a direct plug and play! (Well, then STAR configured)

Thanks,
Jake

acr2001

I still don't know what that connector is for.

They need to set comand = present in the gauge cluster. If they are even remotely competent (I'm not sure they are) then they will know how to do this.

I assume you mean seeing the # of satellites present? It's under one of the options when you are viewing the map. This will also let you see the exact coordinates. You can also view that info from the compass screen.

While we've brought this thread back to life, I should mention that the G class COMAND unit has worked flawlessly for me since installing it months ago - until today. I drove to Manhattan using it and it worked perfectly, but after retrieving my car from a parking garage the unit had a very hard time getting a fix (due to the buildings). It was showing me off road or on the wrong road until I finally passed some open sky. I have a feeling the gyroscope in the G class COMAND unit is calibrated slightly differently - this does not pose a problem until you lose GPS. Then again, I'm really not sure because it worked perfectly in the battery tunnel without any GPS signal. Mounting the GPS antenna on the rear window where it belongs might solve this problem.

FrankW

in the ML/GL and the R-class yes and the S-class. just makes it easier to upgrade anyway.

BF_JC230

Thanks - I was going to take some pictures of the install...but forgot to once the project got rolling...it was too exciting to stop...I wish I knew what that little connector was for - I was concerned that it was going to NEED to be plugged in for COMAND...then I was thinking it is for Voice Control, or some other device...???

I will ask the Dealer about ensuring that COMAND=PRESENT in the gauge cluster...I Searched and Searched on the Forum for info...I though there was instructions on that here...like how to set XENON=PRESENT. They DID configure the COMAND to the Most Fiber RING, I guess I just need it set to the gauge cluster.

- Glad to hear your COMAND re-learned it's location!

Thanks!

maverik259

I would actually complain to them and not allow them to recharge you for the service...they should've done this the first time, sounds like their sneaky way to get more money out of you for a 10 minute procedure that they can charge you 30-60 min labor for!

jrsmith_68

That connector is for an external fan. I have the factory installed COMAND in my w203 and it also was not used. I was curious as to what it was for and this is what I found. See Connector 3 in the pinout.

BF_JC230

Should it be plugged in? And if so - Do I plug it into the back of COMAND? I am not too sure I want to pull it all apart if I don't have too...But if I have to - I have to. I know that the little (side fan I think) is running, when it receives a wake up signal (Door opening) it begins to run, and about 30 seconds after door close with no other wake up signal, it shuts off...

Does this little wire end NEED to be plugged in?

Your OEM set up IS NOT plugged into this little connector?

Thanks,
Great info!
Jake

BF_JC230

Is this little connector, for the "External Fan" part of the booster fan in the HVAC system...the blower in the lower part of the center console for rear passengers...or is this related to the COMAND AGW system, and cooling of a component (s)...

Oh the questions,
Jake

acr2001

So that's what it's for! I knew that there was an optional fan just not where it plugged in.

To answer your question - NO the fan is not necessary.
I'm almost certain it is NOT installed in the W203 with COMAND from the factory. On the W204 for example, they do need the extra fan.
If the COMAND unit does overheat it will say so on the screen and shut down before it is damaged (this has never happened to me).

BF_JC230

So do we have an "external fan" already in the car...or are we just pre-wired for it? Would we need to get the additional fan, if we wanted it? Where does it go, how does it mount?

Dang...new questions!...Does EPC show all of the goods?
Jake

acr2001

No, there is no external fan. There is no "pre-wiring" for it ... it would simply plug into that port. I don't even know if there is a place designed for it in the C - I doubt it.

Why are you so concerned with it? Installing one wouldn't help anything except for additional fan noise in the cabin.

maverik259

lol take a step back from the computer and breathe hombre...geez your gonna give yourself a heart attack.

jrsmith_68

Although the question has already been answered, my OEM setup does not have this connector plugged in. Maybe it is for areas that have really high ambient temps. Just speculating. Yes, EPC shows most all of the goods available for your model. You can look up European parts as well. (BTW, its free!)

BF_JC230

I looked in EPC for a little while, and could not find the fan, or the fan's location...I could locate your little #56 connector...that I did see when I pulled out the Audio 20 (It WAS NOT plugged into the HU)

I just did not want to install anything wrong here - I thought that I had done all of my homework, and after reading this, I thought "Shoot, going to have to open it all up again..."

If it WAS NOT (thanks for the info) OEM plugged in, I won't worry about it...I doubt I'll have any worries here in Buffalo, NY as we barely get over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

I imagine, if it was to be clipped in...It would go here - in this upper receiver.

Thanks,
Jake

jrsmith_68

No external fan, no worries. I believe however if there was one it would plug into the main connector. Take a look at the image of the connector pin out from my previous post. There is a Fan+ and a Fan- pin in Connector 3.

acr2001

As long as this thread is dying....

I wish someone would reverse engineer the COMAND software.... the firmware within the unit can be flashed via CD (I have the CD). I'm just surprised no one has reverse engineered it and added new features. The unit and the base software are made by Alpine, so it's not like the hack would be limited to only Mercedes units.

BF_JC230

Very true - Sorry I missed that...
I wonder what goes in that little white upper receiver then?