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I've got a 2014 E300 with the 360 camera system. It was working all this time, however a few days ago the front camera stopped working. When the 360 camera is displayed on the screen, there's a small icon of a camera with a red line going through it and if I toggle the screen to show front camera only it just shows a black screen.
All the other cameras work fine, both mirrors and rear camera are fine. 2 days ago while parking the car, I saw the front camera turn on for a few seconds and then it went black again.
Scanner picked up these codes:
SVS (360° camera)
U014786 - Communication with the Audio/COMAND control module is faulty. An incorrect signal exists. (Stored)
B1FBF8F - The 360° camera at the front end is faulty. The signal or message is irregular. (Current and Stored)
I've already booked an appointment with the dealer for Monday morning, but is there any troubleshooting I can do myself in the meantime?
Was going through old threads to try and see if anyone else had a similar problem, and while I came across a few front camera specific threads, they either said it fixed itself or they went to the dealer for a COMAND software update and that fixed it.
Anything I could try? Pulling a fuse or resetting something to see if that fixes it?
I only got the car 2 months ago, so I've got no idea if it's ever had a software update before. Since it's out of warranty, will the dealer charge me for updating COMAND and how long do these updates usually take? I'd hate for them to say they want to keep the car for a few days.
You've done a great deal already by pin pointing the front camera issue.
Are there any additional codes besides that modules?
Take a close look (picture) at the camera's harness connector for sign of water intrusion.
By unplugging the camera, this will wipe any eventual corrosion off the pins.
You can always try a battery float followed by a reboot by disconnecting you batteries for 10mn.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Nov 15, 2021 at 11:33 AM.
2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
Welcome good luck with the camera problem. I have had to replace the camera 3 times on a different vehicle I own. the one installed in the E350 has been working great since installed in 2014.
You've done a great deal already by pin pointing the front camera issue.
Are there any additional codes besides that modules?
Take a close look (picture) at the camera's harness connector for sign of water intrusion.
By unplugging the camera, this will wipe any eventual connection off pins.
You can always try a battery float followed by a reboot by disconnecting you batteries for 10mn.
Something weird happened today, the warning beep that I get when attempting to change lanes if someone is behind me / in my blind spot went crazy today even though the road was empty. I was at a red light, as soon as I started moving, it started beeping repeatedly for about 10 seconds and then it stopped. This continued for 2 or 3 red lights after that. Very weird, never happened before my visit to the dealer today.
Additional codes (other than the SVS codes in the main post).
VGS (Fully integrated transmission control)
U010300 - Communication with the ESM (Electronic Selector Lever Module) is faulty. (Stored)
PARK (Parking System)
U016887 - Communication with the Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS/EZS) is faulty. The message is lost. (Stored)
KG (Keyless Go)
U100814 - LIN bus 1 is faulty. There is a short circuit to ground or an open circuit. (Current and Stored)
ESED (Electric Seat Adjustment (ESA/ESV) for driver)
9EAF97 - Easy-Entry/Exit is faulty. The system function is restricted. (Current and Stored Event).
Originally Posted by dbldpr
Welcome good luck with the camera problem. I have had to replace the camera 3 times on a different vehicle I own. the one installed in the E350 has been working great since installed in 2014.
Did you have it replaced by the dealer every time or by an independent shop?
I'm considering getting the part from eBay since you can find them for around $200 which definitely beats paying the dealer upwards of $1,400 which is what they quoted me today to replace the camera.
Just have to find a shop that can calibrate the cameras which I believe can be done with some higher end OBD2 scanners / diagnostic tools.
Sorry to read how your car has decided to through the whole book at you. I don't think this is caused by a camera issue...
This whole collection of modules acting up is caused by a temporary condition: a glitch of the car networks from low voltage.
I would not through any PARTS at this problem just now.
PRACTICALLY:
1- I ended my previous post with FLOAT & REBOOT, that is where I believe you should start. This will allow the sleepless SAMs to resume normal processings.
2- Then clear faults after making notes.
3- Deal with low voltage condition. Consider driving with Headlights_ON to get 13.5V Min.
(2¢... beware of LimpModes: keep out of the fast lane).
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Nov 17, 2021 at 11:43 AM.
Pull up threads on here dealing with corrosion at the blind spot sensors which are located inside the bumper areas behind the rear wheel wells. They can wreak havoc on the canbus
Sorry to read how your car has decided to through the whole book at you. I don't think this is caused by a camera issue...
This whole collection of modules acting up is caused by a temporary condition: a glitch of the car networks from low voltage.
I would not through any PARTS at this problem just now.
PRACTICALLY:
1- I ended my previous post with FLOAT & REBOOT, that is where I believe you should start. This will allow the sleepless SAMs to resume normal processings.
2- Then clear faults after making notes.
3- Deal with low voltage condition. Consider driving with Headlights_ON to get 13.5V Min.
(2¢... beware of LimpModes: keep out of the fast lane).
Sent the car in for a major service yesterday, so will try this when I get it back on Sunday.
Want to try and diagnose it myself so I really appreciate your help and if I give up, I'll get the shop to take a look at it.
Originally Posted by KEY08
Pull up threads on here dealing with corrosion at the blind spot sensors which are located inside the bumper areas behind the rear wheel wells. They can wreak havoc on the canbus
I don't think it's corrosion but do you think an accident could have caused it? The previous owner was in an accident that took out the rear bumper and messed up the trunk. .
I don't think it's corrosion but do you think an accident could have caused it? The previous owner was in an accident that took out the rear bumper and messed up the trunk. .
if you have BlindSpot troubles, we may help... hopefully there is an easy way you can drive with no extreme disturbance.
BlindSpot circuit board BlindSpot leaky connector
Take some pics of your connectors looking for wiring shorts caused by accident damage.
Poke around... Working, Flaky or Dead:
- Query modules through OBD2
- Test drive with rear side traffic
- Unplug both units, problem gone?
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Nov 18, 2021 at 08:13 PM.
I've been through a few threads and some YouTube videos and they all have the bumper removed.
I simply looked under... the module slided out so that was pretty quick.
Save time... simply unplug these 2 modules and see if your whole car still goes wonky without any BlindSpot modules involved - or if they are directly tied to your problem.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Nov 21, 2021 at 01:59 AM.
I simply looked under... the module slided out so that was pretty quick.
Save time... simply unplug these 2 modules and see if your whole car still goes wonky without any BlindSpot modules involved - or if they are directly tied to your problem.
So I tried looking under the car and can see the two blind spot sensors, however I can not reach them. I'd have to put the car on a lift to be able to fit my arm in there.
I've got a busy few weeks ahead so finding time to do this will be difficult, however I will keep this thread updated with my progress if I do find time to take it to a shop that'll let me use their lift.
Thank you for your help so far. If the blind spot sensors do turn out to be the ones causing the issue, what exactly would have to be replaced? The sensors themselves or the wiring harness?
So I tried looking under the car and can see the two blind spot sensors, however I can not reach them. I'd have to put the car on a lift to be able to fit my arm in there.
I've got a busy few weeks ahead so finding time to do this will be difficult, however I will keep this thread updated with my progress if I do find time to take it to a shop that'll let me use their lift.
Thank you for your help so far. If the blind spot sensors do turn out to be the ones causing the issue, what exactly would have to be replaced? The sensors themselves or the wiring harness?
goood question!
That's why we are trying to figure out what is causing your major problems.
Right now the spot light has been focused on your rear end accident of possibly BlindSpots.
Process of Elimination:
I suggested you could simply unplug your sensors to rull them either out or in.
To pull your BlindSpot connectors, NO need to remove the modules off the bumper.
Hopefully this will be your root cause else the disruptions of you MY'14 are likely low voltage transients - Test to find clues.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Nov 23, 2021 at 12:14 AM.
goood question!
That's why we are trying to figure out what is causing your major problems.
Right now the spot light has been focused on your rear end accident of possibly BlindSpots.
Process of Elimination:
I suggested you could simply unplug your sensors to rull them either out or in.
To pull your BlindSpot connectors, NO need to remove the modules off the bumper.
Sorry I didn't clarify. I meant my arm doesn't reach the sensors properly so I can't even unplug the harness from the angle that I'm trying, let alone remove the sensor from the bumper.
The car needs to be higher for me to even reach the harness to unplug them hence why I mentioned needing a lift to try and get to them.
Hopefully this will be your root cause else the disruptions of you MY'14 are likely low voltage transients - Test to find clues.
Can you elaborate on this? I'd like to read about it.
Sorry I didn't clarify. I meant my arm doesn't reach the sensors properly so I can't even unplug the harness from the angle that I'm trying, let alone remove the sensor from the bumper.
The car needs to be higher for me to even reach the harness to unplug them hence why I mentioned needing a lift to try and get to them.
Can you elaborate on this? I'd like to read about it.
The way your MY'14 car acted up with half-dozen modules including VIP modules (Transmission, ignition, gear select) plus miscellaneous (seat, camera, parking,...) made it seem unrelated to the BlindSpot also acting up.
Disrupting the powertrain network is next to impossible for casual sensors.
BlindSpot modules... PICS ?
You being unable to pull the connectors, makes it harder to rule them out.... Can you take a good picture of both modules to confirm if your wiring harness looks normal.
This will give us visual confidence about BlindSpots wiring not being chewed up.
When troubleshooting, I follow evidences + tests.
Hope this helps you further sort things out...
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Nov 23, 2021 at 03:26 PM.
Reason: BlindSp
The way your MY'14 car acted up with half-dozen modules including VIP modules (Transmission, ignition, gear select) plus miscellaneous (seat, camera, parking,...) made it seem unrelated to the BlindSpot also acting up.
Disrupting the powertrain network is next to impossible for casual sensors.
BlindSpot modules... PICS ?
You being unable to pull the connectors, makes it harder to rule them out.... Can you take a good picture of both modules to confirm if your wiring harness looks normal.
This will give us visual confidence about BlindSpots wiring not being chewed up.
When troubleshooting, I follow evidences + tests.
Hope this helps you further sort things out...
I tried my best, but my stupid phone was refusing to focus in some photos and in most cases would focus on bits of the exhaust instead of the sensors. The pictures shouldn't be compressed so you should be able to zoom and see the connectors in the photos where the focus is actually on the sensors.
Those photos are actually pretty good and you can see how water/salt spray can work its way into the connector
Fortunately no need for salt here in the Middle East, this car has probably seen light rain twice or thrice in its entire life and most definitely never seen any snow.
Thanks to @KEY08 for pointing out how most of these radars simply die from exposure.
The harness channels in water. exposed module by virtue of harness feeding rain
I have resealed with RTV all these rear connectors (BlindSpt, NinjaKick, TPMS) after fixing the solderless pins.
I am expecting a similar setup with upfront sensors (PreSafe, Distronic,...) and side mirrors. HL connector... 👎
Did the quick reseal on both priceless headlights connectors already.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Jan 31, 2022 at 03:44 PM.
Long overdue update, finally got time to check this out.
Tried both your suggestions, unfortunately no change in behaviour.
Talked to official MB dealer and they are least interested in diagnosing what the actual problem is and want me to pay upwards $1,300 USD to replace the front camera.
Booked an appointment with an independent Mercedes specialist on Friday and they said they will try and diagnose the issue for me, so fingers crossed that it goes well.
Really not interested in paying upwards of $1k for a camera.
It's been a decade since I've been to Dubai, and with all due respect, I remember a lot of cars there came from New Jersey, so maybe it had some experience with salt previously? I keep a car in Arizona in the sand, the underside looks sand-coated, yours looks more like my Cleveland car with salt residue. I wonder if just the connectors need disassembly and cleaning?
I would try clearing all the codes and disconnecting the negative battery cable for 15-20 minutes, then see what comes back code-wise and if somethings start working again, Ive found that a lot of parts just stop communicating and need a reset to function.
Free...:
- Follow the advice from @pierrejoliat
- Disconnect both blindspots sensors
- See what errors come back first
Fee...:
- Hopefully your local indy shop can get things sorted out within your budget.
🤞
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Jan 31, 2022 at 06:33 PM.
It's been a decade since I've been to Dubai, and with all due respect, I remember a lot of cars there came from New Jersey, so maybe it had some experience with salt previously? I keep a car in Arizona in the sand, the underside looks sand-coated, yours looks more like my Cleveland car with salt residue. I wonder if just the connectors need disassembly and cleaning?
I would try clearing all the codes and disconnecting the negative battery cable for 15-20 minutes, then see what comes back code-wise and if somethings start working again, Ive found that a lot of parts just stop communicating and need a reset to function.
For cars that were imported from the US, it's entirely possible that the car has had experience with salt in the past, but buying a US-spec car in Dubai is like opening a can of worms, since most of them are salvage auction cars that are rebuilt locally here with aftermarket parts.
My car is a GCC-spec model, was sold brand new by the dealer here in Dubai.
I tried Cali's suggestion of the battery float + reboot, as well as the unplugging of the blind spot sensors, however neither of those fixed the issue.
Originally Posted by CaliBenzDriver
Free...:
- Follow the advice from @pierrejoliat
- Disconnect both blindspots sensors
- See what errors come back first
Fee...:
- Hopefully your local indy shop can get things sorted out within your budget.
🤞
Had some free time last night and found another shop that was much further from me, but after a quick conversation over the phone, he was confident that he could fix the camera. Took the car over first thing in the morning, got a call 3 hours later saying it was ready. Turns out after some diagnosing, the cable/harness for the front camera was damaged, which is why it would work occasionally for a few seconds sometimes and then go black again.
They replaced the harness, calibrated the camera, and it works perfectly now. All done for $400 including labour, it was a tad pricey and if I shopped around I probably could've gotten it done cheaper, but I just wanted to get this out of the way.
Before After
Last edited by MeltdownSpectre; Feb 1, 2022 at 10:00 AM.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
