Radio doesn't work - Mercedes logo turns on and off
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 6
2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 W211
Radio doesn't work - Mercedes logo turns on and off
When I try to turn on the radio the Mercedes logo appears for a few seconds and then turns off. I can hear what I think is the CD changer making a sound but it won't open. Should the CD changer still open when this issue is present?
I swapped the audio gateway with a used unit I purchased. I tried a fiber optic loop cable on the CD Changer and Tele Aid. I have no navigation and my fiber optic loop cable did not have the correct connector for the voice module but I did hold the cable by hand to the connectors. Still the same issue...
Could the Antenna cause this issue? It was damaged, I purchased a used unit and replaced it with no luck.
Please help...
I swapped the audio gateway with a used unit I purchased. I tried a fiber optic loop cable on the CD Changer and Tele Aid. I have no navigation and my fiber optic loop cable did not have the correct connector for the voice module but I did hold the cable by hand to the connectors. Still the same issue...
Could the Antenna cause this issue? It was damaged, I purchased a used unit and replaced it with no luck.
Please help...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 6
2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 W211
I don't believe I have a bluetooth module. I found a used voice module for only $9, because I'm not sure if I bypassed that module correctly due to the different connector I went ahead and purchased it. Hopefully swapping that out will solve the problem, if not back to the drawing board.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 6
2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 W211
Still no luck! I have swapped the audio gateway and voice module with used units. I have used the fiber optic loop cable to bypass the CD Changer and Tele Aid module. I don't have navigation, never have but I bypassed the empty connector anyway.
Does anyone have any ideas? Is there anything else that could cause this issue? Maybe the actual comand/head unit is at fault? Maybe I should purchase more fiber optic loop cables in case I have more then 1 unit bad...
Does anyone have any ideas? Is there anything else that could cause this issue? Maybe the actual comand/head unit is at fault? Maybe I should purchase more fiber optic loop cables in case I have more then 1 unit bad...
Last edited by seawind; Apr 2, 2017 at 09:43 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
Stop throwing money and parts at your car and put it on a diagnostic system. Go through the fault codes and it will point you directly to the problem.
Sometimes you just have to go to the folks that have the proper test equipment. You can keep swapping components but that will not matter a whit if the issue is a short to power or ground in one of the components in the MOST ring.
If you don't have the knowledge or the tools, pay the dealer or an independent to correct the problem.
Sometimes you just have to go to the folks that have the proper test equipment. You can keep swapping components but that will not matter a whit if the issue is a short to power or ground in one of the components in the MOST ring.
If you don't have the knowledge or the tools, pay the dealer or an independent to correct the problem.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Stop throwing money and parts at your car and put it on a diagnostic system. Go through the fault codes and it will point you directly to the problem.
Sometimes you just have to go to the folks that have the proper test equipment. You can keep swapping components but that will not matter a whit if the issue is a short to power or ground in one of the components in the MOST ring.
If you don't have the knowledge or the tools, pay the dealer or an independent to correct the problem.
Sometimes you just have to go to the folks that have the proper test equipment. You can keep swapping components but that will not matter a whit if the issue is a short to power or ground in one of the components in the MOST ring.
If you don't have the knowledge or the tools, pay the dealer or an independent to correct the problem.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 6
2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 W211
I have the knowledge and the tools. You don't always need an expensive Mercedes diagnostic system when you have a little common sense. The only independent/franchise stealerships in the area that work on Mercedes charge a minimum of $120 for a diagnostic. I was hoping someone else had a similar issue which would help me diagnose the issue quicker but no problem I figured it out.
There are 2 components in the ring that can not be diagnosed with the fiber optic loop adapter, the head unit and the audio gateway. I assumed there was no damage to the wiring of the ring because when you pressed power on the old head unit and watched each connector that you unplugged 1 by 1 they would blink red twice indicating they received a signal. In my case the head unit was the cause of the problem, part replaced and everything is working normally.
Throwing money at parts:
$8.37 Voice Module
$8.78 Loop Adapter
$48 Audio Gateway
$80 Head Unit
$145.15 Total
If I had went to dealer and still done the work myself:
$120 Diagnostic
$80 Head Unit
$200 Total
So I saved myself $55 and still have 2 parts to sell reducing my total bill to less then $100, less then the cost of a diagnostic. Thanks for all the suggestions!
There are 2 components in the ring that can not be diagnosed with the fiber optic loop adapter, the head unit and the audio gateway. I assumed there was no damage to the wiring of the ring because when you pressed power on the old head unit and watched each connector that you unplugged 1 by 1 they would blink red twice indicating they received a signal. In my case the head unit was the cause of the problem, part replaced and everything is working normally.
Throwing money at parts:
$8.37 Voice Module
$8.78 Loop Adapter
$48 Audio Gateway
$80 Head Unit
$145.15 Total
If I had went to dealer and still done the work myself:
$120 Diagnostic
$80 Head Unit
$200 Total
So I saved myself $55 and still have 2 parts to sell reducing my total bill to less then $100, less then the cost of a diagnostic. Thanks for all the suggestions!
Last edited by seawind; Apr 11, 2017 at 06:56 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 E500
I have the exact same problem, the CD changer doesn't open and sometimes it makes sounds. My radio ( audio aps 50 ) just freezes on the MB logo. I don't know what to do.
I went to the dealership yesterday and paid around 70 for half an hour inspection and they told me that I have to pay $2425. They said that the amplifier part ( 211-870-69-89) is bad and it costs 2000 + two hours labor. I looked it up online and it costs around 200 used but there are few ones with different serial numbers not sure which one to pick. I tried the resetting the awg fuse and didn't work.
if you got a solution please let me know.
I went to the dealership yesterday and paid around 70 for half an hour inspection and they told me that I have to pay $2425. They said that the amplifier part ( 211-870-69-89) is bad and it costs 2000 + two hours labor. I looked it up online and it costs around 200 used but there are few ones with different serial numbers not sure which one to pick. I tried the resetting the awg fuse and didn't work.
if you got a solution please let me know.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 6
2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 W211
The first alarm after reading your post is "two hours labor". Their computer system may say it takes 2 hours but this part is easily swapped in 30 minutes, it took me about 10. The second alarm is 211-870-69-89 costs $2000. mboemparts (Mercedes of Naperville) sells that part brand new for $335 plus shipping.
I would thank my stealership for their diagnostic and pick up my car. The serial number is not going to matter, it looks like every unit had a different serial number, just pay attention to the part number. I would purchase the part they said I need for $120:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2009-ME...RYlOnO&vxp=mtr or make an offer on this one for $80 and see what he counters with: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-MERCEDE...JX8ANU&vxp=mtr
Then watch the video at the bottom of this post and replace it yourself with a few tools. If you don't feel comfortable with that, take the part you purchased and your smartphone to an independent mechanic, play the video for them and ask how much they'd charge you to swap it. If you didn't want to buy a used part then I'd look online for the best price of a new one or look for a rebuild service. Hope that helps save you a couple of thousand!
I would thank my stealership for their diagnostic and pick up my car. The serial number is not going to matter, it looks like every unit had a different serial number, just pay attention to the part number. I would purchase the part they said I need for $120:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2009-ME...RYlOnO&vxp=mtr or make an offer on this one for $80 and see what he counters with: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-MERCEDE...JX8ANU&vxp=mtr
Then watch the video at the bottom of this post and replace it yourself with a few tools. If you don't feel comfortable with that, take the part you purchased and your smartphone to an independent mechanic, play the video for them and ask how much they'd charge you to swap it. If you didn't want to buy a used part then I'd look online for the best price of a new one or look for a rebuild service. Hope that helps save you a couple of thousand!
Last edited by seawind; Apr 11, 2017 at 06:57 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 E500
Thank you so much @seawind ..
I am going to get one online and replace it at a local shop and I'll post my result. One more Question, my car is a 2003 e500 and the ebay parts you posted and most of what I found belong to 2007-2009 cars with harman kardon's audio system. I am not sure if mine is HK audio system I don't see any signs by the speakers. Does it really matter or as long as the part number match it should work fine ?
Thanks again..
I am going to get one online and replace it at a local shop and I'll post my result. One more Question, my car is a 2003 e500 and the ebay parts you posted and most of what I found belong to 2007-2009 cars with harman kardon's audio system. I am not sure if mine is HK audio system I don't see any signs by the speakers. Does it really matter or as long as the part number match it should work fine ?
Thanks again..
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 6
2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 W211
I based the part number on what the dealer gave you. I would be shocked if they got the part number wrong, my guess is it's an updated part revision that's why the eBay ads are saying it came out of a 2007-2009. Looking up the part # on an online OEM Mercedes parts catalog and it says that part # fits a 2003 E500. If you want to be completely safe buy the used part from someone that will allow you to return it with/without a restocking fee or have the independent mechanic remove the part first so you can make sure all the connectors match by comparing it to the eBay photos.
I could check what the part # is on my amplifier/audio gateway when I'm at the car later if you want to know. I'm guessing I have an older part revision.
I could check what the part # is on my amplifier/audio gateway when I'm at the car later if you want to know. I'm guessing I have an older part revision.
Last edited by seawind; Apr 12, 2017 at 01:37 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 E500
So I ordered an amplifier and had it replaced! yes this fast!
I was so excited to try the Radio! but IT DIDN'T WORK! Still freezes on MB LOGO!
The part number that the dealership gave me is different than the one I took out of the car. I scheduled an apointment with an audio expert for tomorrow so we can check other systems and bypass each one of them to see if there's another problem! I don't want to visit the dealership.. they told me it's the amplifier and it's clearly not :@.. I will post my updates
Does it need any programming ? and I noticed that the MB logo disappears after a few mins or secs now, it didn't do that before it used to just freeze and not disappear..
I was so excited to try the Radio! but IT DIDN'T WORK! Still freezes on MB LOGO!
The part number that the dealership gave me is different than the one I took out of the car. I scheduled an apointment with an audio expert for tomorrow so we can check other systems and bypass each one of them to see if there's another problem! I don't want to visit the dealership.. they told me it's the amplifier and it's clearly not :@.. I will post my updates
Does it need any programming ? and I noticed that the MB logo disappears after a few mins or secs now, it didn't do that before it used to just freeze and not disappear..
which is good
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 6
2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 W211
I replaced my amplifier with the identical part # that was already in it and it did not need any programming. Highly unlikely that a new amplifier would need programming. The head unit I replaced had a different part # and it was plug n play, no problems. I wouldn't replace the head unit until someone uses a fiber optic loop adapter to make sure all the other components are good... I would say there is a good chance your stealership just told you what the most common failure was without troubleshooting. Once my stealership wanted to charge me $2000 to replace a programmable module that I had to buy new because a used module couldn't be rewritten. Come to find out it wasn't a programmable module, I picked a used one up and installed it myself for another plug n play experience. Went back told the service manager and got my diagnostic fee back...
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 E500
I bypassed the voice module and then the tele module in the trunk and non of them seem to solve the problem, I got the audio gateway from ebay and asked my mechanic to replace it and still didn't work.. I guess that i'm left with the head unit and the cd changer.. I'll go to a different stealership for a final diagnose if it's not fixed I'll just accept the fact that I don't have a radio system..
Can I install comand gta 2.5 the bigger screen one instead of my current one ?
do you know any place I can go in in Utah ?
I'll go to a different stealership for a final diagnose if it's not fixed I'll just accept the fact that I don't have a radio system..Can I install comand gta 2.5 the bigger screen one instead of my current one ?
do you know any place I can go in in Utah ?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1
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Mercedes E320 2005
Should check I have a Mercedes E320 2005
My radio turned on in the logo appeared then turned off after I did some checking found out the audio gateway was my issue but it was just my fuse for this model it’s on F006 In the back of the Mercedes and it’s a 40 amp fuse Besides for that all I can tell you is to buy a fuse detector and a wire detector to make sure you’re getting power because radios from Mercedes runs on both ends usually the back in and where your radio say it besides for that all I can tell you is to buy a fuse detector in a wire detector to make sure you’re getting power because radios for Mercedes runs on both ends usually the back in and where your radio sits Hope this helps some of you or all
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1
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2014 Mercedes c250
Fix for 2014 Mercedes c250 (204) radio command turning on and off
I had this problem before where my radio command receiver unit would suddenly and constantly turn on and off every so many seconds. I drove around like this for 2 weeks! However, fortunately the fix is very simple and works. For the c250 model, replace fuses #11 and # 26 in the engine compartment fuse box. Fuse #11 is the "Audio/Command display, Audio/Command control panel fuse: and Fuse #26 is the "Radio, Radio with auto pilot system, Command controller unit" fuse. Remove both fuses and replace with new fuses and wait 60 seconds and then start your vehicle. The radio should then play normally. For other Mercedes models the fuse numbers may be different, but just look at the fuse charts and find the same or similar descriptions and replace with new fuses. Keep in mind that my fuses #11 & #26 did not appear to be blown (no visible breaks) but I changed both of them anyway and this was the solution.
Last edited by Maui Boy; Oct 1, 2021 at 09:05 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2005 W211
W211 Bluetooth System Cut Off - Car Won't Bypass Tele Aid
Hi Guys,
Good afternoon from South Africa. I cut the Bluetooth dongle from the armrest compartment(when I bought the car, the dongle was missing and I could not get it anywhere else), hoping I'd just bypass the Tele Aid module and the SAM will see everything okay and I'll be able to use the audio system. Unfortunately I have got no sound still. Can anyone help please, I only cut the Bluetooth cables in the armrest compartment, and my ausio system stopped working since. ANY assistance would be highly appreicated. Thanks.
Good afternoon from South Africa. I cut the Bluetooth dongle from the armrest compartment(when I bought the car, the dongle was missing and I could not get it anywhere else), hoping I'd just bypass the Tele Aid module and the SAM will see everything okay and I'll be able to use the audio system. Unfortunately I have got no sound still. Can anyone help please, I only cut the Bluetooth cables in the armrest compartment, and my ausio system stopped working since. ANY assistance would be highly appreicated. Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 50
Likes: 3
From: Somewhere deep in Florida
2003 E500, 52k miles
Thanks, exactly whats needed.
The first alarm after reading your post is "two hours labor". Their computer system may say it takes 2 hours but this part is easily swapped in 30 minutes, it took me about 10. The second alarm is 211-870-69-89 costs $2000. mboemparts (Mercedes of Naperville) sells that part brand new for $335 plus shipping.
I would thank my stealership for their diagnostic and pick up my car. The serial number is not going to matter, it looks like every unit had a different serial number, just pay attention to the part number. I would purchase the part they said I need for $120:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2009-ME...RYlOnO&vxp=mtr or make an offer on this one for $80 and see what he counters with: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-MERCEDE...JX8ANU&vxp=mtr
Then watch the video at the bottom of this post and replace it yourself with a few tools. If you don't feel comfortable with that, take the part you purchased and your smartphone to an independent mechanic, play the video for them and ask how much they'd charge you to swap it. If you didn't want to buy a used part then I'd look online for the best price of a new one or look for a rebuild service. Hope that helps save you a couple of thousand! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwJjxDcQCas
I would thank my stealership for their diagnostic and pick up my car. The serial number is not going to matter, it looks like every unit had a different serial number, just pay attention to the part number. I would purchase the part they said I need for $120:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2009-ME...RYlOnO&vxp=mtr or make an offer on this one for $80 and see what he counters with: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-MERCEDE...JX8ANU&vxp=mtr
Then watch the video at the bottom of this post and replace it yourself with a few tools. If you don't feel comfortable with that, take the part you purchased and your smartphone to an independent mechanic, play the video for them and ask how much they'd charge you to swap it. If you didn't want to buy a used part then I'd look online for the best price of a new one or look for a rebuild service. Hope that helps save you a couple of thousand! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwJjxDcQCas
