Command Radio Issue (Intermittent)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 232
Likes: 3
From: Monmouth Junction, NJ
'06 C55, '14 Audi S4, '09 Range Rover Sport, '07 Lexus ES350,
Command Radio Issue (Intermittent)
Hello,
I have an '06 C55 with the Command radio option. Intermittently (and fortunately infrequently - like once every months or few months) the sound coming from the stock radio sounds like one of the speakers is blown. It lasts for a few minutes, sometimes longer (duration of the ride I'm taking), and then disappears as quickly as it comes - not to return again for several months usually. It does not go away by cycling the radio on and off and is not affected by changing the input (radio, sat, CD, aux).
I had asked the dealer a few years ago and they said it sounded like an issue with the amplifier. Since it did not happen when they had the car there was nothing they could or would do about it.
Anyone here experience anything similar? I realized I could post this on the general "C Class" forum, but I actually wanted to get Mike Kuzni's input - given his depth of knowledge from being in the industry.
If it is the amplifier, how much it would cost to purchase a new one?
How easy to replace?
Would I have to purchase a stock unit or would an aftermarket amplifier slot in seamlessly (i.e., requiring no retrofitting)?
Thanks guys in advance for your perspective.
I have an '06 C55 with the Command radio option. Intermittently (and fortunately infrequently - like once every months or few months) the sound coming from the stock radio sounds like one of the speakers is blown. It lasts for a few minutes, sometimes longer (duration of the ride I'm taking), and then disappears as quickly as it comes - not to return again for several months usually. It does not go away by cycling the radio on and off and is not affected by changing the input (radio, sat, CD, aux).
I had asked the dealer a few years ago and they said it sounded like an issue with the amplifier. Since it did not happen when they had the car there was nothing they could or would do about it.
Anyone here experience anything similar? I realized I could post this on the general "C Class" forum, but I actually wanted to get Mike Kuzni's input - given his depth of knowledge from being in the industry.
If it is the amplifier, how much it would cost to purchase a new one?
How easy to replace?
Would I have to purchase a stock unit or would an aftermarket amplifier slot in seamlessly (i.e., requiring no retrofitting)?
Thanks guys in advance for your perspective.
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 660
Likes: 3
From: Maryland
2006 C55, 1995 C36
If the problem is in the head unit, fiber optic between H/U and amp, or the amp itself, my guess is you are screwed. Even used, the head units and amps probably won't be cheap.
Perhaps my logic is wrong, but it seems that since it is an itermittent issue, you can rule out the speakers themselves. The only portion of the system left to check (or easily repairable for that matter) would be the speaker wires and associated connections.
I'm not aware of any aftermarket amps that can swap in for the factory unit...usually it seems people retain the factory amp and use line-level converters to step down the voltage for additional amps.
Is it always the same speaker? If so, perhaps your best option will be to take the output of whatever pair (front or rear) that works correctly, send that speaker level output to a line level converter and split it to front AND rear line level outputs then to an aftermarket amp. You could maintain your stereo output, but would lose the 7.1 surround (does anyone actually use it?
). Just need to be careful not to overwhelm the factory speakers, IIRC they have a low impedance...sure if you search you will find it.
Hopefully Mike chimes in, I'm sure he can answer if there are other options with the fiber optic setup. Either way, good luck!
Perhaps my logic is wrong, but it seems that since it is an itermittent issue, you can rule out the speakers themselves. The only portion of the system left to check (or easily repairable for that matter) would be the speaker wires and associated connections.
I'm not aware of any aftermarket amps that can swap in for the factory unit...usually it seems people retain the factory amp and use line-level converters to step down the voltage for additional amps.
Is it always the same speaker? If so, perhaps your best option will be to take the output of whatever pair (front or rear) that works correctly, send that speaker level output to a line level converter and split it to front AND rear line level outputs then to an aftermarket amp. You could maintain your stereo output, but would lose the 7.1 surround (does anyone actually use it?
). Just need to be careful not to overwhelm the factory speakers, IIRC they have a low impedance...sure if you search you will find it.Hopefully Mike chimes in, I'm sure he can answer if there are other options with the fiber optic setup. Either way, good luck!
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: bay area, california
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
If the problem is in the head unit, fiber optic between H/U and amp, or the amp itself, my guess is you are screwed. Even used, the head units and amps probably won't be cheap.
Perhaps my logic is wrong, but it seems that since it is an itermittent issue, you can rule out the speakers themselves. The only portion of the system left to check (or easily repairable for that matter) would be the speaker wires and associated connections.
I'm not aware of any aftermarket amps that can swap in for the factory unit...usually it seems people retain the factory amp and use line-level converters to step down the voltage for additional amps.
Is it always the same speaker? If so, perhaps your best option will be to take the output of whatever pair (front or rear) that works correctly, send that speaker level output to a line level converter and split it to front AND rear line level outputs then to an aftermarket amp. You could maintain your stereo output, but would lose the 7.1 surround (does anyone actually use it?). Just need to be careful not to overwhelm the factory speakers, IIRC they have a low impedance...sure if you search you will find it.
Hopefully Mike chimes in, I'm sure he can answer if there are other options with the fiber optic setup. Either way, good luck!
Perhaps my logic is wrong, but it seems that since it is an itermittent issue, you can rule out the speakers themselves. The only portion of the system left to check (or easily repairable for that matter) would be the speaker wires and associated connections.
I'm not aware of any aftermarket amps that can swap in for the factory unit...usually it seems people retain the factory amp and use line-level converters to step down the voltage for additional amps.
Is it always the same speaker? If so, perhaps your best option will be to take the output of whatever pair (front or rear) that works correctly, send that speaker level output to a line level converter and split it to front AND rear line level outputs then to an aftermarket amp. You could maintain your stereo output, but would lose the 7.1 surround (does anyone actually use it?
). Just need to be careful not to overwhelm the factory speakers, IIRC they have a low impedance...sure if you search you will find it.Hopefully Mike chimes in, I'm sure he can answer if there are other options with the fiber optic setup. Either way, good luck!
lol this same thing happens to me once every few months as well and i have the same setup with command. mine sounds like all of the speakers are blown though. very high distortion. i believe it has something to do with the factory amplifier, not the HU nor the fiber optic system. it happened to me last time after i had the car under WOT. i finally found a solution to fixing the issue when it comes up, turn the volume all the way up on a loud song and it'll go away 
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 232
Likes: 3
From: Monmouth Junction, NJ
'06 C55, '14 Audi S4, '09 Range Rover Sport, '07 Lexus ES350,
here i am lol this same thing happens to me once every few months as well and i have the same setup with command. mine sounds like all of the speakers are blown though. very high distortion. i believe it has something to do with the factory amplifier, not the HU nor the fiber optic system. it happened to me last time after i had the car under WOT. i finally found a solution to fixing the issue when it comes up, turn the volume all the way up on a loud song and it'll go away
lol this same thing happens to me once every few months as well and i have the same setup with command. mine sounds like all of the speakers are blown though. very high distortion. i believe it has something to do with the factory amplifier, not the HU nor the fiber optic system. it happened to me last time after i had the car under WOT. i finally found a solution to fixing the issue when it comes up, turn the volume all the way up on a loud song and it'll go away If it does, what would be the easiest fix in your opinion? Can these amplifiers be purchased and if so at what cost? Where is it located in the car - under the drivers seat?
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Livingston, California.
2002 c32 AMG 2012 c250 Coupe
Not thread jacking but same issue here.. My problem is after a few minutes into my drive there is a loud static noise with the sound going out for a few seconds, sound comes back really low then completely disappears.. By turning off the head unit for 5 minutes then turning it back on it will work for seconds only to do it again.. I have also came to the conclusion that the amp is the culprit.. Never really tried to replace it as amps do not come cheap so currently in the process of installing a double din GPS system..
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From: bay area, california
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Thanks Michael. I will try that next time it happens. Fortunately it is very infrequent so it's not a problem I deal with all that often. My worry is whether it will eventually happen and not go away.
If it does, what would be the easiest fix in your opinion? Can these amplifiers be purchased and if so at what cost? Where is it located in the car - under the drivers seat?
If it does, what would be the easiest fix in your opinion? Can these amplifiers be purchased and if so at what cost? Where is it located in the car - under the drivers seat?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 232
Likes: 3
From: Monmouth Junction, NJ
'06 C55, '14 Audi S4, '09 Range Rover Sport, '07 Lexus ES350,
OEM replacement definitely does not come cheap, but i am about 90% sure it is the amplifier. in the aftermarket world, it's usually a faulty ground wire that causes amps to act up like that. this is so infrequent though, not worth wasting the money to try and fix it. amp is in the trunk on the right hand side.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: GA
2016 Chevrolet SS, 2006 Cadillac STS-V
I've had a similar issue, sometimes when I drive I swear it sounds like a speaker or speakers somewhere (usually sounds like it's in the rear) that weren't on just come on. I don't think I get them sounding like they're distorted (that I've noticed). I've just dealt with it because it's such a pain in the *** to use an aftermarket amp and speakers but keep the factory radio with the HK fiber system. I just took the factory sub out of mine and added a better one in the trunk and it's tolerable.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 232
Likes: 3
From: Monmouth Junction, NJ
'06 C55, '14 Audi S4, '09 Range Rover Sport, '07 Lexus ES350,
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,510
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From: bay area, california
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
just a note to everyone, pick at my brain the most you can within the next few days because i'll be moving over to the W211 AMG area by friday or saturday
Last edited by MIKESV8; Jan 2, 2012 at 01:45 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 325
Likes: 2
From: Bella Vista, AR
05 C55 AMG
This just started happening to me about a month ago. It slowly gets worse and worse and now it appears to be stuck in the varrying distortion blown speaker sounding mode. I was able to get clear sound out of it for about 20 seconds when I turned it on with the engine off. Once I turned the engine on it started acting up again.
I will try cranking it full blast and see if it works. I will keep you all posted.
I will try cranking it full blast and see if it works. I will keep you all posted.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,846
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From: Canada
eclectic assortment of cars
Thought I'd chime in too - in the past month a similar thing has happened to me too, but not with COMAND, but with simple Audio 20. Sounds like the tuning for the radio is off by a few degrees or whatever, ie. you are looking for 102.9 but you tune to 102.7, still hear the 102.9 station but it's fuzzy. No change whether with AM, FM, CD or iPhone hooked up through Dension dock connector.
Both times it happened to me, it disappeared on its own after a few minutes. Maybe I'll have a look at the amp area to see if anything is obviously loose.
Both times it happened to me, it disappeared on its own after a few minutes. Maybe I'll have a look at the amp area to see if anything is obviously loose.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
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From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
This happened to our C55 as well, turned out that the trunk was leaking when it rained and the water seeped into the amp. At random all the speakers would get a loud distorted sound and we could not control the volume, especially after it rained. Took it to the dealer and they replaced the amp. You may be able to check out the amp and see if you can see the damage. I've heard of people opening the amps up, drying them out, and cleaning the oxidation.
