help radio volume knob not working
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
2011 E550(Mine) 2011 E350 Wagon(Wife's)
help radio volume knob not working
2011 E550 my radio volume knob quit working, volume on the steering wheel works fine. anyone run into this that can help before i do something dumb like go to the stealership?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
2011 E550(Mine) 2011 E350 Wagon(Wife's)
Yeah the on off still works as does everything but the volume, like I said the volume still works on the steering wheel. I talked to my friend who works in parts at my local MB dealer and he has not heard of this happening, he is going to talk to his master techs and get back to me.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
If your 2011 model is like the Comand system in my 2015, you may have an unpleasant issue on your hands. The "Volume" knob is not a traditional potentiometer "volume control." The control in these systems is an optical encoder, a digital device. As such, it is not likely to be even remotely user-serviceable. Yes, there may be some fixes out there (similar to those for the Comand knob on the console), but this is not an old-fashioned wire-based component. It is a device with a precision control with a lot of attendant electronics to make it work.
My guess is that Maybe you can get that part of the Comand system and switch it out, but otherwise this will be a costly one to fix.
My guess is that Maybe you can get that part of the Comand system and switch it out, but otherwise this will be a costly one to fix.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
2011 E550(Mine) 2011 E350 Wagon(Wife's)
If your 2011 model is like the Comand system in my 2015, you may have an unpleasant issue on your hands. The "Volume" knob is not a traditional potentiometer "volume control." The control in these systems is an optical encoder, a digital device. As such, it is not likely to be even remotely user-serviceable. Yes, there may be some fixes out there (similar to those for the Comand knob on the console), but this is not an old-fashioned wire-based component. It is a device with a precision control with a lot of attendant electronics to make it work.
My guess is that Maybe you can get that part of the Comand system and switch it out, but otherwise this will be a costly one to fix.
My guess is that Maybe you can get that part of the Comand system and switch it out, but otherwise this will be a costly one to fix.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 129
From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
2012 E550 4matic - Volume knob is not working in a linear fashion. I spin the knob and sometimes volume changes the same direction, opposite direction, or does pretty much nothing until I spin it about 5+ full turns. I have resorted to using the steering wheel control most of the time. Is there any known fix? I had an Acura that was helped some by spraying electrical contact cleaner under the knob, but the previous reply regarding this being optical puts me off from spraying that in there.
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
Too true, Jon. I would not spray anything in the control. The old style potentiometers (volume controls) had carbon resistance tracks with a brass tab that rubbed across them to vary the resistance (and volume). They did sometimes get dirty or wear, and sometimes contact cleaner sprays would help. With the optical encoders in use in modern systems, this is no longer the case. The only fix is to either replace the encoder or the entire chassis sub-assembly. We should consider ourselves lucky that we have the redundant control on the steering wheel. At least we can continue using the system.
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 7
2012 E550 Cabrolet
The Fix
Don't listen to the knuckleheads giving advise. Mine was doing the same thing. I pulled the volume and power knob off and blew compressed air into the area. Reinstalled knobs and it works great now. The volume control is optical, probably got some dirt or dust in there. FYI I used shop air from a compressor and blower nozzle. I would imagine contact cleaner would work just as well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 68
From: Charlotte, NC
2014 E350 4M Diamond Silver
If your 2011 model is like the Comand system in my 2015, you may have an unpleasant issue on your hands. The "Volume" knob is not a traditional potentiometer "volume control." The control in these systems is an optical encoder, a digital device. As such, it is not likely to be even remotely user-serviceable. Yes, there may be some fixes out there (similar to those for the Comand knob on the console), but this is not an old-fashioned wire-based component. It is a device with a precision control with a lot of attendant electronics to make it work.
My guess is that Maybe you can get that part of the Comand system and switch it out, but otherwise this will be a costly one to fix.
My guess is that Maybe you can get that part of the Comand system and switch it out, but otherwise this will be a costly one to fix.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2018
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2014 c250
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Don't listen to the knuckleheads giving advise. Mine was doing the same thing. I pulled the volume and power knob off and blew compressed air into the area. Reinstalled knobs and it works great now. The volume control is optical, probably got some dirt or dust in there. FYI I used shop air from a compressor and blower nozzle. I would imagine contact cleaner would work just as well.
Why did you bump this thread?
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 18
Likes: 10
S212 e350 wagon
Let the Insults fly and the bumping continue!! This thread is exactly what I was looking for. First HIT on Google too - that's rare!
I was early for a meeting and searched this while sitting in a parking lot. Air compressor is at home of course. So what the hell... I just blew into the hole with my breath and it's working again! I didn't even know that knob came off so easily.
Thank you, everyone!
I was early for a meeting and searched this while sitting in a parking lot. Air compressor is at home of course. So what the hell... I just blew into the hole with my breath and it's working again! I didn't even know that knob came off so easily.
Thank you, everyone!
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 5
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2012 e350
Same problem
Try squeezing the knob while turning it. If that's the problem yank it out and see what you can do.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
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From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
I'd probably use 'canned air' duster, being careful to hold the can upright and not shake it so you don't get any liquid spray out....
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 42
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From: Tripolo-Libanon
W212 2011
Don't listen to the knuckleheads giving advise. Mine was doing the same thing. I pulled the volume and power knob off and blew compressed air into the area. Reinstalled knobs and it works great now. The volume control is optical, probably got some dirt or dust in there. FYI I used shop air from a compressor and blower nozzle. I would imagine contact cleaner would work just as well.
How you fix it
Which knob you took off? And how?
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Sweden
2018 E220 4-matic Estate, 2010 E220 Cab
So, now this error is in my car as well, volume control acting funny and slow. How did you guys pull the volume control off? Just brute force backwards? I tried, but is was pretty stuck - was afraid i would brake it off so I gave up.
