COMAND Anti-Theft Activated after ECU/ESL Replacement
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Fort Bragg, NC USA
2013 c-class | Codename: NightOwl
Sorry to hijack and existing post. If you've seen my other posts, you'll know I've spent a few diagnosing a Command unit which crashes when putting the car in gear or any kind if power fluctuation. Long story short, I wound up buyying another head unit from eBay and was able to fit it to my car - 2014 W212 E250 - The good news is that it power up and stays on, albeit with the Anti Theft message.
I know I can purchase a 25 digit code which can be generated from the SN of the radio, I believe. However, I just wanted to know if there was more to it than just entering it in the radio diagnostic screen? I do not have access to Xentry C4. however, I do have a Launch Tablet which does have some coding abilities. I used it to disable stop start, for example. I also heard there is some cable trick.
I would be very grateful of any info on how I can get my radio up and running.
Classic Mercedes owner with a lot of experience working on older 70's and 80's SL and SDL's/
Matt
I know I can purchase a 25 digit code which can be generated from the SN of the radio, I believe. However, I just wanted to know if there was more to it than just entering it in the radio diagnostic screen? I do not have access to Xentry C4. however, I do have a Launch Tablet which does have some coding abilities. I used it to disable stop start, for example. I also heard there is some cable trick.
I would be very grateful of any info on how I can get my radio up and running.
Classic Mercedes owner with a lot of experience working on older 70's and 80's SL and SDL's/
Matt
However, programs such as Vediamo (what I used) or Monaco, can allow offline coding so long as you know the appropriate module and data set you are attempting to change. Some don’t have access to the use of a proper multiplexer so as with anything always exercise caution when attempting.
Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 136
Likes: 29
2015 S600, 2014 E550 4-Matic
Hi trigital, Are you able to provide an unlock code for my wife's W212? The serial number is MEA600E520B803 VIN WDDHF9BBXEA975231
My Vediamo is working, as I was able to activate my ILS with version 5 on the W222. Thank you so much for your support!
My Vediamo is working, as I was able to activate my ILS with version 5 on the W222. Thank you so much for your support!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 490
From: Spain UTC/GMT +2 hours
W213 All-terrain
Hi trigital, Are you able to provide an unlock code for my wife's W212? The serial number is MEA600E520B803 VIN WDDHF9BBXEA975231
My Vediamo is working, as I was able to activate my ILS with version 5 on the W222. Thank you so much for your support!
My Vediamo is working, as I was able to activate my ILS with version 5 on the W222. Thank you so much for your support!
PIN EYNCGEKVWBIW6EX94472048S2
Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 136
Likes: 29
2015 S600, 2014 E550 4-Matic
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Denver, Colorado
2014 GL 450
Hi Everyone,
Just bought my first used Mercedes – a 2014 GL 450 – I’m loving the car – only issue is the head unit is completely non-responsive – it was part of the deal that I would have to resolve this myself….
No noises – infotainment screen is blank – the ‘ON’ button on the center dial lights up – but that is the only sign of life. A friendly Mercedes mechanic reluctantly suggested I go to the dealer, as he was concerned he could not get around the anti-theft protections associated with the head unit. Off to the dealer I went – they confirmed the head unit is not communicating with the vehicle – they recommended a replacement for $5000! That’s a non-starter for me.
I can buy a used replacement for $500 on eBay – but I’m not 100% sure how to get around the anticipated Anti-theft message I expect to see when the head unit identifies my car has a different VIN to the car it was originally registered against. The dealer has told me they can not help if I decide to install a used head unit, and I haven’t been able to find a Mercedes mechanic in Denver, Colorado who can help.
Does anyone know if it’s possible to ‘unlock’ a used head unit if I buy one off eBay? I see @trigital helping a few folks in the thread above - but not sure if my situation is identical?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Just bought my first used Mercedes – a 2014 GL 450 – I’m loving the car – only issue is the head unit is completely non-responsive – it was part of the deal that I would have to resolve this myself….
No noises – infotainment screen is blank – the ‘ON’ button on the center dial lights up – but that is the only sign of life. A friendly Mercedes mechanic reluctantly suggested I go to the dealer, as he was concerned he could not get around the anti-theft protections associated with the head unit. Off to the dealer I went – they confirmed the head unit is not communicating with the vehicle – they recommended a replacement for $5000! That’s a non-starter for me.
I can buy a used replacement for $500 on eBay – but I’m not 100% sure how to get around the anticipated Anti-theft message I expect to see when the head unit identifies my car has a different VIN to the car it was originally registered against. The dealer has told me they can not help if I decide to install a used head unit, and I haven’t been able to find a Mercedes mechanic in Denver, Colorado who can help.
Does anyone know if it’s possible to ‘unlock’ a used head unit if I buy one off eBay? I see @trigital helping a few folks in the thread above - but not sure if my situation is identical?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Denver, Colorado
2014 GL 450
Hi Everyone,
Just bought my first used Mercedes – a 2014 GL 450 – I’m loving the car – only issue is the head unit is completely non-responsive – it was part of the deal that I would have to resolve this myself….
No noises – infotainment screen is blank – the ‘ON’ button on the center dial lights up – but that is the only sign of life. A friendly Mercedes mechanic reluctantly suggested I go to the dealer, as he was concerned he could not get around the anti-theft protections associated with the head unit. Off to the dealer I went – they confirmed the head unit is not communicating with the vehicle – they recommended a replacement for $5000! That’s a non-starter for me.
I can buy a used replacement for $500 on eBay – but I’m not 100% sure how to get around the anticipated Anti-theft message I expect to see when the head unit identifies my car has a different VIN to the car it was originally registered against. The dealer has told me they can not help if I decide to install a used head unit, and I haven’t been able to find a Mercedes mechanic in Denver, Colorado who can help.
Does anyone know if it’s possible to ‘unlock’ a used head unit if I buy one off eBay? I see @trigital helping a few folks in the thread above - but not sure if my situation is identical?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Just bought my first used Mercedes – a 2014 GL 450 – I’m loving the car – only issue is the head unit is completely non-responsive – it was part of the deal that I would have to resolve this myself….
No noises – infotainment screen is blank – the ‘ON’ button on the center dial lights up – but that is the only sign of life. A friendly Mercedes mechanic reluctantly suggested I go to the dealer, as he was concerned he could not get around the anti-theft protections associated with the head unit. Off to the dealer I went – they confirmed the head unit is not communicating with the vehicle – they recommended a replacement for $5000! That’s a non-starter for me.
I can buy a used replacement for $500 on eBay – but I’m not 100% sure how to get around the anticipated Anti-theft message I expect to see when the head unit identifies my car has a different VIN to the car it was originally registered against. The dealer has told me they can not help if I decide to install a used head unit, and I haven’t been able to find a Mercedes mechanic in Denver, Colorado who can help.
Does anyone know if it’s possible to ‘unlock’ a used head unit if I buy one off eBay? I see @trigital helping a few folks in the thread above - but not sure if my situation is identical?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Quick followup to this thread - this is the replacement HU I have purchased - would be incredibly grateful if anyone can provide the unlock pin for this? My car's VIN is: 4JGDF7CE1EA340996
The replacement HU Serial is: ME6780C157A012
Thanks!
Last edited by shduthie; Oct 6, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2013 c200 cgi
[QUOTE=RocketVibes;9081753]
I’m having a similar issue. I never replaced anything. I just checked fuse n relays and the anti theft msg show up. I took the car to an mb aproved work shop. They use xentry but still they cant communicate with the ecu. They said they checked the canbus n its ok. Now they suspect the ecu.. o dont think so ad the car wad running perfect i only checked fuse n relays.
Plz help
Spoiler
Plz help
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Denver, Colorado
2014 GL 450
I ended up using BenzNinja to solve my issue. He reset my head unit back to factory stock and it now works like normal. You can find him on MB World or through his Benz Ninja website. His service was great and I will use him again if I have a similar coding related issue.
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