2014 E350 Command REbooting
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Joined: Dec 2022
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E350
2014 E350 Command REbooting
Hi All-
Recently the Command / Computer / Radio in my wife's 2014 E350 started randomly rebooting or failing to come on at all. It happened while I was out of town, so of course, she took it to the dealer and spent $200 for them to say "We tried everything and you need a new system at a cost of $4,400."
Googling around, I've seen several videos and articles that describe using a fiber loop adapter to systematically "remove" various components or modules from the MOST Network; modules like the Sirrus receiver, nav unit, voice control module, etc. In THIS video the fellow uses a fiber loop adapter to "remove" the potentially failed module from the MOST Network, but in THIS video, the guy simply unplugs it.
The modules that I have heard of people having success "removing" from the network are; the CD changer, the amplifier, the Voice Control Module, the satellite radio receiver. I'd have to believe there may be others. I've also read that of these modules, with the amplifier, that module must be replaced, you can't just remove that one from the MOST network.
Is there any definitive guide, or video or Wiki or anything regarding this issue, troubleshooting procedures, and fixes? I really can't afford to replace this thing at $4,400 and my wife can't survive her commute without a radio. Kind of a bummer that her 2014 vehicle with <100k miles has this expensive and problematic of an issue. Hopefully I can resolve it.
Thanks,
Chris
Recently the Command / Computer / Radio in my wife's 2014 E350 started randomly rebooting or failing to come on at all. It happened while I was out of town, so of course, she took it to the dealer and spent $200 for them to say "We tried everything and you need a new system at a cost of $4,400."
Googling around, I've seen several videos and articles that describe using a fiber loop adapter to systematically "remove" various components or modules from the MOST Network; modules like the Sirrus receiver, nav unit, voice control module, etc. In THIS video the fellow uses a fiber loop adapter to "remove" the potentially failed module from the MOST Network, but in THIS video, the guy simply unplugs it.
The modules that I have heard of people having success "removing" from the network are; the CD changer, the amplifier, the Voice Control Module, the satellite radio receiver. I'd have to believe there may be others. I've also read that of these modules, with the amplifier, that module must be replaced, you can't just remove that one from the MOST network.
Is there any definitive guide, or video or Wiki or anything regarding this issue, troubleshooting procedures, and fixes? I really can't afford to replace this thing at $4,400 and my wife can't survive her commute without a radio. Kind of a bummer that her 2014 vehicle with <100k miles has this expensive and problematic of an issue. Hopefully I can resolve it.
Thanks,
Chris
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Did they attempt to update COMAND software, all should be noted on your invoice including fault code(s) found to indicate unit is malfunctioning. For peace of mind you can check all connectors @ head uni & amp. Provide VIN if, in fact, unit is bad I will supply compatible part #s to comparison shop used.
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E350
Did they attempt to update COMAND software, all should be noted on your invoice including fault code(s) found to indicate unit is malfunctioning. For peace of mind you can check all connectors @ head uni & amp. Provide VIN if, in fact, unit is bad I will supply compatible part #s to comparison shop used.
VIN: WDDHF5KB6EB062162
They basically said they "tried every trick we know of and couldn't even get the scan tool to connect / recognize the system" .. " Verified complaint that comand turns off intermittently while driving" "the SDS will not communicate with the SDS at all. Removed the comand and verified it has power, ground, and can connections. see edge for repairs" That's the entirety of the diagnostic notes.
I wil review the attachments you provided. Thanks so much!
Chris
Last edited by chackett; Dec 16, 2022 at 08:42 PM.
Thread Starter
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E350
It's really cold here so I haven't had a chance to look too much into this, but did happen to notice that while the comand is off or unable to turn on, the "on" button on the front console is blinking. Not sure if that's meaningful or not.
I also ordered one of those fiber loops in the hopes that I might be able to use on on various components in the fiber loop to maybe get lucky a nd discover it's something like a faulty Sirrius receiver which we don't use .. or maybe the nav unit, which we also don't need. Really all she wants is her radio (preferably with handsfree bluetooth working) and her backup camera.
Thanks!
Chris
I also ordered one of those fiber loops in the hopes that I might be able to use on on various components in the fiber loop to maybe get lucky a nd discover it's something like a faulty Sirrius receiver which we don't use .. or maybe the nav unit, which we also don't need. Really all she wants is her radio (preferably with handsfree bluetooth working) and her backup camera.
Thanks!
Chris
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1983 Nissan Shltbox
It's just a computer, and a primitive one at that. My 15 year old AM2-powered PC still runs just fine, granted a few formats and OS re-installs over time. It's never hardware, it's always software.
Format and fresh install the OS.
Format and fresh install the OS.
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E350
Thanks. Is there a guide or any YT videos outlining this process? Or any prior threads here discussing that procedure?
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
pretty much only a Mercedes dealer has access to the 'flashware' (thats what Mercedes calls the firmware/software on these cars) and the database of what flashware is needed on which car. If the dealer can't run diagnostics, then they can't do a flashware upgrade either.
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Thread Starter
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E350
pretty much only a Mercedes dealer has access to the 'flashware' (thats what Mercedes calls the firmware/software on these cars) and the database of what flashware is needed on which car. If the dealer can't run diagnostics, then they can't do a flashware upgrade either.
So disappointed with MB. I'm pretty sure this will be the last MB we own.
Chris
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From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
Thanks. I am doubtful, but I've ordered the fiber loop dealio to see if I can take things like the Sirrus receiver, voice control module, or navigation module out of the fiber loop and observe any change in behavior. I lieu of that, I'm really not sure what my next steps are. I really can't afford $4,400 from MBUSa to replace / repair it. But my wife certainly can't live without a radio.
So disappointed with MB. I'm pretty sure this will be the last MB we own.
Chris
So disappointed with MB. I'm pretty sure this will be the last MB we own.
Chris
If none, I will reconsider the MB specialist opinion.
Have you personally tried the common suggestions to reset the head unit?
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E350
Did you read @konigstiger message? What does the MB diagnosis receipt/form say about it? Any code number?
If none, I will reconsider the MB specialist opinion.
Have you personally tried the common suggestions to reset the head unit?
If none, I will reconsider the MB specialist opinion.
Have you personally tried the common suggestions to reset the head unit?
Thanks,
Chris
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E350
Thanks!
Chris
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Tampa, Fl
2014 E550 Cab, 2009 CLK550 Cab, 2006 CLK350 Cab
A long shot
I had a CLK550 that exhibited similar actions
I was messing with it one day and noticed when I had it out it came on and went off
discoverd when i moved the main plug to the side it stayed on.
Shimmed the connector with a sliver of wood and never had any more reboots.
Never took time to diagnose and properly repair
Good luck
I had a CLK550 that exhibited similar actions
I was messing with it one day and noticed when I had it out it came on and went off
discoverd when i moved the main plug to the side it stayed on.
Shimmed the connector with a sliver of wood and never had any more reboots.
Never took time to diagnose and properly repair
Good luck
Thread Starter
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E350
A long shot
I had a CLK550 that exhibited similar actions
I was messing with it one day and noticed when I had it out it came on and went off
discoverd when i moved the main plug to the side it stayed on.
Shimmed the connector with a sliver of wood and never had any more reboots.
Never took time to diagnose and properly repair
Good luck
I had a CLK550 that exhibited similar actions
I was messing with it one day and noticed when I had it out it came on and went off
discoverd when i moved the main plug to the side it stayed on.
Shimmed the connector with a sliver of wood and never had any more reboots.
Never took time to diagnose and properly repair
Good luck
I appreciate the hint. I'm definitely willing to look at any possibility that isn't me spending $4,400 at the dealer
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From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
I hope I'm that lucky when I can get in there and mess with it. I had a similar situation on my F150 where I thought the window motor hand burned out. I was replacing the master / driver side window controller unit in the armrest. Somehow while I was messing with it, the motor sprang to life and I realized the problem was in the switch, not the motor. Adjusting a few pins in the unit, and I was back in business. That was 3 years ago and it's still working great.
I appreciate the hint. I'm definitely willing to look at any possibility that isn't me spending $4,400 at the dealer
I appreciate the hint. I'm definitely willing to look at any possibility that isn't me spending $4,400 at the dealer
Thread Starter
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E350
Also, you should read a thread by @CaliBenzDriver where he analyzes the electronics of the head unit (do not recall the thread, but it is in this forum). A loose component, a bad connection, or starting to fail component when warming up can produce intermittent failures. Your approach so far is sound: take it out and try to find bad connections of any kind, and go from there. Good luck, and keep us posted.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...s-modules.html
I've just run through that thread and man, what a wealth of awesome information. I was a little dissappointed in the amount of info specifically on the head unit and the CAN associated with it and the fiber ring and associated modules. Maybe there's a different thread you are referring me to? I'll keep looking. I was really hoping he was going to open that headunit up and get in there, but I missed it if he did.
Thanks!
Chris
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From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
He probably did not open it.. I do not recall at the moment.
Here is another link describing the pin-out for these units (https://pinoutguide.com/Car-Stereo-M...__pinout.shtml ) That site has quite a bit of information in general.
Here is another link describing the pin-out for these units (https://pinoutguide.com/Car-Stereo-M...__pinout.shtml ) That site has quite a bit of information in general.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
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E350
He probably did not open it.. I do not recall at the moment.
Here is another link describing the pin-out for these units (https://pinoutguide.com/Car-Stereo-M...__pinout.shtml ) That site has quite a bit of information in general.
Here is another link describing the pin-out for these units (https://pinoutguide.com/Car-Stereo-M...__pinout.shtml ) That site has quite a bit of information in general.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7
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From: Virginia Beach
2007 E63
The same issue just happened to me two nights ago. First it was flickering if the MB logo then just complete failure. Did the Comand reset by pulling fuses, verified the fuse behind the H/U is good and did a main battery disconnect for a few hours. All no joy. I was looking into the possibility of just picking up a second hand unit from a salvage car but those run upwards of $300. A fraction of the 4K but I’m still not convinced it’s the whole unit at fault. A few minutes ago I read that a bad aux battery may cause this issue. Will probably try my luck with that first, fingers crossed !
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
but, I dunno, if the dealer coudlnt' stabilish CANbus communications with it to get diagnostics, odds are thats not happening.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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1983 Nissan Shltbox
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2021
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1983 Nissan Shltbox
I've rebooted mine a few times just because I can. The first time was actually because of some kind of malfunction that I forgot, and it cleared it up just fine. Haven't had a problem since.
