2003 E500 headunit and CD changer inoperable
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
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2003 W211 E500
2003 E500 headunit and CD changer inoperable
2003 E500 with the tape deck and without navigation.
Symptoms: Stereo and CD changer do not function. Pushing the power button on the stereo brings up "Mercedes Benz" for ~ 20 seconds, then the screen goes blank. In dash CD changer does not open.
Tried so far: checking fuses. 6, 26, and 28 all tested ok. Temporary reset: pulled fuse 6 for two minutes, reset it, and no change.
Thoughts: It worked fine this morning and afternoon. I see threads for a command firmware update, but only for the navigation equipped units. It's been record-setting hot the last couple days. 105+F, and it gets quite toasty in the car. I haven't pulled the ash tray and CDC out yet, but that's next.
Any ideas? Threads I might have missed?
Symptoms: Stereo and CD changer do not function. Pushing the power button on the stereo brings up "Mercedes Benz" for ~ 20 seconds, then the screen goes blank. In dash CD changer does not open.
Tried so far: checking fuses. 6, 26, and 28 all tested ok. Temporary reset: pulled fuse 6 for two minutes, reset it, and no change.
Thoughts: It worked fine this morning and afternoon. I see threads for a command firmware update, but only for the navigation equipped units. It's been record-setting hot the last couple days. 105+F, and it gets quite toasty in the car. I haven't pulled the ash tray and CDC out yet, but that's next.
Any ideas? Threads I might have missed?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,632
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Definitive diagnose, pull fault codes with MB DAS. Check main (trunk) & aux (rear, right engine compartment) battery voltage if fine, given hot temperature association audio gateway (amp) may need replacement - PM or post VIN for correct part # to shop used.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
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2003 W211 E500
Mention DTB P-B-82.60/360a MAR07 (initial release SEPT04) – The Audio Gate Way (AGW) control module may shut down due to overheating. As a result, the audio system is shut down (head unit), turns off by itself and cannot be restarted until the AGW cools down after approximately 20 minutes, then the system will operate correctly.
The current AGW needs to be replaced with a modified AGW with proper ventilation. If not covered under your extended warranty, given the original part installed at production was defective (inadequate ventilation) and needed to be modified to operate properly, I would suggest you request a goodwill repair from the dealer and MBUSA.
In addition, have the head unit software updated:
AUDIO50 (cassette) P-B-82.62/226c SEPT06 – special tool (service disc) W211589122200
COMAND (no cassette) P-B-P-B-82.60/382b AUG07 – tool W211589142200
The current AGW needs to be replaced with a modified AGW with proper ventilation. If not covered under your extended warranty, given the original part installed at production was defective (inadequate ventilation) and needed to be modified to operate properly, I would suggest you request a goodwill repair from the dealer and MBUSA.
In addition, have the head unit software updated:
AUDIO50 (cassette) P-B-82.62/226c SEPT06 – special tool (service disc) W211589122200
COMAND (no cassette) P-B-P-B-82.60/382b AUG07 – tool W211589142200
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
2003 W211 E500
F40 (heated steering wheel) tested ok. The car has been parked inside for 24 hours, so it has stayed cool. Tried the radio this morning and no luck. So, while I still don't have real testing abilities, I tried the parts cannon. Replaced F26, F28, F40 and F6. When I replaced F6 (key off and removed), the radio came on and CDC opened.
Ghosts or something...
Cycled the key, and it seems like everything is back to normal.
Ghosts or something...
Cycled the key, and it seems like everything is back to normal.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
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2003 W211 E500
To close this out, I pulled stored DTCs for central gate way over temp and under voltage. Watching the live values on hot days, it's nowhere close to threshold operation. Not sure how to eliminate recurrence... Maybe a 12v fan?
