2008 e350 radio issue
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Joined: Apr 2023
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2008 e350
2008 e350 radio issue
I've owned my 2008 e350 for many years and recently it started doing several odd things. The radio/cd/COMMAND has always worked fine but all of a sudden:
1. The radio stays on after turning the engine off and removing the key
2. COMMAND/radio/cd shuts off randomly when driving down the road
3. I get a message on COMMAND saying "Please start the engine. Otherwise, COMMAND will switch off in 10 seconds" Obviously the engine is running when I get this message. It never does shut off and I can make the message go away
I initially thought the auxiliary battery was acting up but the car doesn't have one. I checked under the cabin air filter in front of the passenger in the engine bay, the driver side access hatch on the left side of the dash (drivers door must be open) and in the trunk. The main starting battery is in the trunk on the passenger side.
I tested the battery and alternator and both are fine. The fuse to the radio is good although it's a 5 amp and the diagram shows it should be a 15. Doing online research I saw that another e350 had a 5 also so not sure what's up with that. Regardless everything about the COMMAND system/radio/cd works fine other than the problems mentioned above.
Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.
1. The radio stays on after turning the engine off and removing the key
2. COMMAND/radio/cd shuts off randomly when driving down the road
3. I get a message on COMMAND saying "Please start the engine. Otherwise, COMMAND will switch off in 10 seconds" Obviously the engine is running when I get this message. It never does shut off and I can make the message go away
I initially thought the auxiliary battery was acting up but the car doesn't have one. I checked under the cabin air filter in front of the passenger in the engine bay, the driver side access hatch on the left side of the dash (drivers door must be open) and in the trunk. The main starting battery is in the trunk on the passenger side.
I tested the battery and alternator and both are fine. The fuse to the radio is good although it's a 5 amp and the diagram shows it should be a 15. Doing online research I saw that another e350 had a 5 also so not sure what's up with that. Regardless everything about the COMMAND system/radio/cd works fine other than the problems mentioned above.
Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.
Last edited by tauger; Apr 20, 2023 at 11:25 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Need to have someone check for fault codes using Xentry (MB diagnostics) head unit may need replacement. Provide VIN I’ll pull compatible part #s to shop in the event unit is confirmed bad or you want to circumvent definitive diagnose and replace.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 4
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2008 e350
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2008 e350
Believe it or not the whole issue was caused by a bad battery. First thing I did was to have it checked and they said it was fine but came out to use the car one day and it was completely dead. I replaced the battery and all the issues I was having went away
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,992
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Plan B
Do you have handheld scanner to read codes? Now would be a good time to buy an iCarsoft or similar.
Disconnecting the battery does help temporarily sanitize crazy modules. It's quick easy reboot.
Also you can connect a CTEK float charger to prevent drain inconveniences.
MB temperamental modules can get restless with very little warning or protection .... Get a jump battery booster pack to ensure unconditional startings.
🤘
Disconnecting the battery does help temporarily sanitize crazy modules. It's quick easy reboot.
Also you can connect a CTEK float charger to prevent drain inconveniences.
MB temperamental modules can get restless with very little warning or protection .... Get a jump battery booster pack to ensure unconditional startings.
🤘
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Apr 30, 2023 at 03:57 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,086
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
Totally believable. Any drop in voltage plays havoc with electronic modules. They have a threshold level of power they need to operate or they switch off, rather than run at a lower level of efficiency. Thats why good mechanics test your electrical system first.
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