"static" on audio system, all sources....
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
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From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
"static" on audio system, all sources....
I'm getting occasional "static" out of my COMAND audio, and at first I thought it was just real static, that the radio station wasn't coming in well, but it affects CDs, iPod, etc. Luckily, it seems to go away if I restart the car, but does anyone know what it might be?
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 161
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CLS550
My opinion as an audio enthusiast (not an auto expert) is that the power amplifier is distorting and that it either a fuse issue, a speaker impedence issue, or the transistors in the power amplifier. The head unit contains the pre-amplifier and low level signals. Distortion mostly comes from the amp. Anyway, it goes away when the car is restarted. Don't fix what ain't broke. Just an opinion. I could be totally wrong.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
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NO LONGER ACTIVE
What I've experienced is not distortion like a bad speaker or amplifier circuit, but just white noise along with the normal audio. The volume is adjustable, just with this annoying white noise. I have heard of others having this problem and having the head unit replaced to fix it.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
2005 CLK-320
I'm glad 'someone' else is having this problem. I was thinking the same, possibly replacing the OEM head unit. Reading other posts here, I guess its possible other items 'may' be the issue.
I'm looking to replace the head unit anyway. Can anyone suggest what are some good-to-great units for '05 CLK-320, that: 1) fit in the dash without issues; 2) don't cost arm & leg; 3) have iPhone type connections (optional though). Appreciate the info
I'm looking to replace the head unit anyway. Can anyone suggest what are some good-to-great units for '05 CLK-320, that: 1) fit in the dash without issues; 2) don't cost arm & leg; 3) have iPhone type connections (optional though). Appreciate the info
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
I actually had some light static yesterday using the OEM iPod interface as the audio source. As soon as I shutdown the engine and restarted, it went away. I've had it on the iPod and Sirius sources (about the only two sources I ever listen to).
As for replacing the head unit, any double-DIN will fit. I don't have a favorite to recommend because they seem to change so often, but there are many great choices from Pioneer, Alpine, Kenwood, etc. Since you have the "facelift" interior, you need to find a CLK-specific faceplate - don't use the one sold generically for both the W203 and W209 as it will be slightly too wide to fit.
Even with a plug-and-play wiring harness, you will need to tap into the light and 12v at the cigarette lighter to get illumination and switched 12v power. Also, your Harmon-Kardon system will not have any analog audio wiring in the dash - it's fiber optic to the amp in the trunk, then analog from there to the speakers. This isn't terribly complicated - you just need to run some analog wiring from the dash to the trunk, then tie into the speakers there in place of the factory amp. There is plenty of room for wiring in the channels under the door sills.
As for replacing the head unit, any double-DIN will fit. I don't have a favorite to recommend because they seem to change so often, but there are many great choices from Pioneer, Alpine, Kenwood, etc. Since you have the "facelift" interior, you need to find a CLK-specific faceplate - don't use the one sold generically for both the W203 and W209 as it will be slightly too wide to fit.
Even with a plug-and-play wiring harness, you will need to tap into the light and 12v at the cigarette lighter to get illumination and switched 12v power. Also, your Harmon-Kardon system will not have any analog audio wiring in the dash - it's fiber optic to the amp in the trunk, then analog from there to the speakers. This isn't terribly complicated - you just need to run some analog wiring from the dash to the trunk, then tie into the speakers there in place of the factory amp. There is plenty of room for wiring in the channels under the door sills.
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Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 116
Likes: 4
2004 CLK55 AMG
I'm getting occasional "static" out of my COMAND audio, and at first I thought it was just real static, that the radio station wasn't coming in well, but it affects CDs, iPod, etc. Luckily, it seems to go away if I restart the car, but does anyone know what it might be?
My headunit started doing this yesterday. It sounds like it’s steadily modulating, but it doesn’t react to volume or motor RPM (I thought it may be voltage or alternator related). I’m putting my money on a ground or something, but want to check with the community.
I did have a code pop up that was current and stored when I was doing a DAS check - low voltage to the headunit and low voltage to the CD changer (I can look up the specific codes in the morning) but it does tend to go away on its own.
Any ideas?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 2
2005 SL55 AMG
Fix
At start up when the car is cold I wil have no control over the head unit and all it will do is produce ear piercing static. If you hold the power button down (PWR) until the unit reboots, then the static will stop and the head unit will work again.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
From: NC
2007 Mercedes SL550
Thank you for this information!! I started my SL today and I had nothing but loud static. This fixed my issue.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Slk300
Rebooting head unit cleared out static
This worked! Thank you so much!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 32
Likes: 3
From: 618
04 S55
Also worked on my 04 S class. Thank you.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
Sl55 AMG
Just joined the forum. Found this thread because all I got was ear splitting static.. I had no idea about rebooting the Command system. It fixed the issue! Thank you for saving me hours and hours of time and hundreds of dollars! 2007 SL55 AMG
