Hi folks,

Another issue I discovered in my vehicle is when using the COMAND, in particular when pressing the Navi button. Regardless of how you access the Navi, it causes the screen freeze. 1 out of 10 cases it will launch, but works very slow without ability to select the destination (that menu is accessible, but every option in it is disabled - city, street, zip, etc).
Other functions work fine, I can switch to any other menu without a delay (e.g. from radio to phone, seat settings, clock, fuel consumption screen, drivetrain mode etc).

So whenever I want to access the Navi, the radio/other music source continue to play, but the screen becomes inoperable. If I try to press the other button, like Favorite or Seat Settings, it is accessible after 10sec or so.
Rebooting in by pressing the ON button for 7sec helps to restart the COMAND, but if I decide to access the Navi again I get the same results.
It is 2015 v13, North America maps. Once the Navi is on, I can walk its menus, like map settings. But hitting the Compass also causes the screen freeze.

Beside the dealer, is there any way to reset/refresh/update the COMAND or the Navi itself? I don't really care about the navigation as it's old, but the fact that this menu doesn't work properly puzzles me.

Sometimes the COMAND may restart by itself too. It feels like it lacks RAM)) Since it's 2015 GL450, I assume it is NTG 4.5.

Please advise.

 

there are many issues I know that are combined to stress Mitsubishi NTG4.5 into disfunctioning. This is done to draw attention, fortunately this can be very insignificant.

The easiest step and most practical for you would be to disconnect batteries to REBOOT.

Others involve reducing issues with:

CAN- B failed modules (usually Doors)
Marginal GND connection
Poor connections to remote controls buttons

Try Reboot first for free instant but temporarily relief.

Scan you vehicle for faults. These cam impact proper timings of NTG module.

 

If it’s a Comand hardware issue, but the amplifier is otherwise working properly, you could simply try using a small, inexpensive aftermarket CarPlay/Android Auto kit. They only require very low Comand resources so they might work when other Comand features crash the system. IMHO, it would be worth a shot as these units are FAR less expensive than a new head unit, are very easy to install in a X166 (literally two bolts), and provide a serious upgrade of capabilities including always current maps.

Also, a 2015 GL very likely has NTG 4.7. (That’s what’s in our 2014)

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...tallation.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...play-x166.html

Installation video:


FWIW, there are several companies that sell similar units and the installation video above pretty much covers all of them. I went with a here in the USA, and it works well, but there are many options depending on your location.

 

So do I just disconnect the PLUS cable under the seat for 5min or something else is required?

 

Do you happen to know if there's a Harman-Becker port in GL450?
Other models have that in a glove compartment. I don't. Or maybe there's a way (and adaptor) for iPod outlet to connect the ?

Thanks

 

It depends on your geographic location and equipment levels. Generally, the port was installed in vehicles without factory nav so MB could sell the Becker Nav hardware separately.

For example, I’m in the USA and don’t believe any, or perhaps only a tiny number, of GL’s were sold with that port.

 

Got it. I'm in the USA as well.
Will ask dealership then.
Is there a way to update the COMAND software at all without going to the dealer?
Navi literally kills the device, causing it to reboot.

 

Yes, but it’s not a simple DIY software download off the internet to apply via USB. You'll need access to Mercedes software tool (Xentry) which is not inexpensive, however quasi-bootleg versions are available online for $$$.

But on a 2015 with NTG 4.7 it’s possible that that you already have the most current factory software installed anyway. It may be a matter of reinstalling the software or, more likely IMHO, a underlaying hardware problem. The Navi system runs off a spinning hard drive, for example.

If it's a corrupted nav database, there are sellers online for nav database updates that you can install yourself (via USB) at a deep discount compared the dealer.

 

I don't really like the idea to play with the whole software as it may turn the car into a brick.
You think just updating just the map may help?

Unless it's a hardware issue. But I assume everything else would be slow as well. So just updating the navigation may be the rescue in my case. I believe I need to order the CDs/memry card with latest maps on eBay (at least I saw they are sold separately but must be linked to the VIN).

 

*IF* it’s a database issue, a map update could fix it, but there’s no guarantees. The risk is wasting $$$ on an update that does not fix the problem.

But yeah, updates are linked to VIN. You can pay big bucks to a dealer or a quick web search will turn up a couple sites that sell MB map updates online. You enter your VIN, they code with a download file, and you install on your vehicle via USB. I’ve done it a couple times previously on both our GL and E350 but stopped bothering a couple years ago once I got CarPlay working. The X166 era of Comand navigation is pretty obsolete these days compared to newer Mercedes MBUX, CarPlay or Android Auto.

 

That's exactly what I'm going to do. I've ordered the RoadTop device and planning to install next week. Hope everything will go smooth.

 

Excellent. FWIW, our GL has Harmon-Kardon speakers and I was able to make the adjustment in the Engineering Menu to enable AUX (as shown in the video.). As a result, I never had to wire anything to the center console (as showing the RoadTop instructions) so the installation in the GL was insanely simple compared to the E350. As shown in the video: pop off the HVAC panel, pop off the chrome trim around the Comand unit, there’s literarily only 2 bolts involved and the everything is plug and play. The only challenge is sliding the Comand unit back into place with the new wiring harness. It takes a bit of work, but with care it can all be made to fit and there’s plenty of room for the RoadTop unit below the Comand unit (i.e. behind the HVAC panel.)

 

Thank you for the tips.
I'll reply once I get everything settled.

Another topic I have which bothers me more is the transmission when downshifting to the 4th gear. There's a separate thread. I'd appreciate it if you have some opinion on that too.

 

I have not experienced that issue, but I also have a different engine in the GL350 (3.0L V6 turbo diesel) so I can't be of much help there.

 

Finally managed to connect the RoadTop myself. Took me about an hour or so. Connecting cables and event taking off the interface was relatively easy, but putting all that stuff back in was a bit of a challenge.
Interesting thing happened with the COMAND headunit after I unclipped the power cord. I did the test run of everything after managed to connect the RoadTop. So the Navi launched in a snap and was fully operable without delays. But the issue returned after I restarted the car... so I assume something is wrong with the software (or firmware or both). Anyway, doesn't need it anymore.

So, few things to mind for those who install the RoadTop unit.
To get the sound I had to not only activate the AUX via engineering menu but also connect two back tiny cables together Audio GND and GND (they both coming from different sets of cables). Thanks God, I din't have to connect the AUX cable itself as it would bring another challenge where to hide the cable nice and neatly. But according to the manual I had to connect it. So I did A/B testing (both options, with and without), and turned out that AUX cable that should go into the armrest is not required, but to get the sound I still had to connect those Audio GND. Today is the second day of me using it and looks good so far.
I bought it mainly for the maps.
Forgot to test the calls... will do later this week. But I did have to disconnect the phone from the original car BT. With the next engine starts audio was coming through with a slight delay which I observe on most of the cars, so not big deal.
When I switch to the Reverse gear the screen switches to the 360 camera automatically and then returns to the CarPlay after I switch to any other gear. Works like a charm.
Siri commands work good, navigation voice commands too. However, when I press the "speak" button, both MB and Siri are listening. I know there's a way to disable the MB voice control in the engineering menu, but I don't care as I still use "Hey Siri" voice control to run it.

Need to test the WiFi as I wasn't able to use the AirPlay even after successful connection. There was a message on a phone that it was unable to connect despite I could see the device in the AirPlay list. Waiting for their support to respond. Not critical but still wanna know why I have struggled so much to put the wifi antenna away from metal objects).