Radio turning on and off
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
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Ml350
Radio turning on and off
I have a 2006 ML350 and the radio keeps turning on and off, it used to turn on and work for a few days then turn off and keep repeating it self but now it completely shut off and won't turn on. I took out the radio unplugged it and plugged it back in, it would work for roughly 30 seconds and turn off again then it won't turn back on.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
I had a similar problem on my car with the Command (is that your head unit?). It actually happened the first time when I plugged in a scanner but I think it was coincidental - the controls on the head unit were not responsive - only the steering wheel buttons would respond.
I found the only way was to disconnect battery - wait say 5 minutes - then reconnect battery.
It has happened 3 times to me (all about a week apart) but the last time it happened was about 2 months ago. I was wondering if it was ambient temperature related (Australian Summer).
I can't see anything different in disconnecting radio (and disconnecting battery) but It could be worth a try
I found the only way was to disconnect battery - wait say 5 minutes - then reconnect battery.
It has happened 3 times to me (all about a week apart) but the last time it happened was about 2 months ago. I was wondering if it was ambient temperature related (Australian Summer).
I can't see anything different in disconnecting radio (and disconnecting battery) but It could be worth a try
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 507
Likes: 25
From: Massachusetts
2014 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabrio
The Comand system is composed of more than just the head unit. There are other components in other places of the vehicle, which might explain why disconnecting the battery would help with this, but remember that when you do that there are steps to follow to reenable systems in the vehicle. READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
The Comand system is composed of more than just the head unit. There are other components in other places of the vehicle, which might explain why disconnecting the battery would help with this, but remember that when you do that there are steps to follow to reenable systems in the vehicle. READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
I know this is a bit off topic but do you know of any way to turn the Bluetooth off when the key is in position 1 or removed?
I have two cars - both 2006 ML320cdi (one with command, and one with std) both with MB Bluetooth adapter under armrest. Both cars will take the phone call away from the phone handset even if the cars have been locked for hours. (means we have to turn off Bluetooth on phones)
Every other Bluetooth I have had in a car is turn off car and the Bluetooth goes to the phone handset.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
As far as I can work out both cars came with the Bluetooth box under the rear seat, and both had the Bluetooth module wiring in the arm rest.
The car with the Command came with the module installed under the armrest (when I bought it) while the other car (normal head unit) I bought a Bluetooth module for later.
They both operate the same way (ie if you walk close to car even if car is off and locked - the call will be transferred to car. - it seems weird and unproductive to me)
The car with the Command came with the module installed under the armrest (when I bought it) while the other car (normal head unit) I bought a Bluetooth module for later.
They both operate the same way (ie if you walk close to car even if car is off and locked - the call will be transferred to car. - it seems weird and unproductive to me)
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
Thanks for reply (sorry it took a while to get back)
Is this to permanently kill the Bluetooth adapter (under the armrest)?
or do I do something with the disconnected adapter?
Is this to permanently kill the Bluetooth adapter (under the armrest)?
or do I do something with the disconnected adapter?
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
I was hoping there was some setting somewhere that would give me the option so the Bluetooth switches off when the car is off
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 31
Likes: 3
From: Melbourne Australia
2008 ML320 CDI with every option code including Offroad pack, 1978 450SEL
There is, actually! This is the correct way to do it.
Create a new phone contact named "Run-on Time" (exactly as written) and set the phone number to the amount of minutes you want the bluetooth to remain on.
I have mine set to 0 and it turns off when I open the door (as I have Keyless-Go).
Create a new phone contact named "Run-on Time" (exactly as written) and set the phone number to the amount of minutes you want the bluetooth to remain on.
I have mine set to 0 and it turns off when I open the door (as I have Keyless-Go).
I assume the connector to the Bluetooth adapter is under the stowage box, under the armrest, but I don't want to disconnect it permanently (I could just remove the Bluetooth module from the adapter).
I was hoping there was some setting somewhere that would give me the option so the Bluetooth switches off when the car is off
I was hoping there was some setting somewhere that would give me the option so the Bluetooth switches off when the car is off
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
There is, actually! This is the correct way to do it.
Create a new phone contact named "Run-on Time" (exactly as written) and set the phone number to the amount of minutes you want the bluetooth to remain on.
I have mine set to 0 and it turns off when I open the door (as I have Keyless-Go).
Create a new phone contact named "Run-on Time" (exactly as written) and set the phone number to the amount of minutes you want the bluetooth to remain on.
I have mine set to 0 and it turns off when I open the door (as I have Keyless-Go).
Not sure if I did it right but it didn't work (on the car with Command- other car is away)
I created Run-on Time as an iPhone contact (with 0 as number) and went to car.
Car picked up phone, checked address book and Run-on Time was in there. But took key out, and even locked car but when I did a call it went through car, I also tried turning off car halfway through a call and it stayed with car.
Any thoughts?
BTW its good to see a fellow Aussie on here
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 31
Likes: 3
From: Melbourne Australia
2008 ML320 CDI with every option code including Offroad pack, 1978 450SEL
Hi Thanks for that -
Not sure if I did it right but it didn't work (on the car with Command- other car is away)
I created Run-on Time as an iPhone contact (with 0 as number) and went to car.
Car picked up phone, checked address book and Run-on Time was in there. But took key out, and even locked car but when I did a call it went through car, I also tried turning off car halfway through a call and it stayed with car.
Any thoughts?
BTW its good to see a fellow Aussie on here
Not sure if I did it right but it didn't work (on the car with Command- other car is away)
I created Run-on Time as an iPhone contact (with 0 as number) and went to car.
Car picked up phone, checked address book and Run-on Time was in there. But took key out, and even locked car but when I did a call it went through car, I also tried turning off car halfway through a call and it stayed with car.
Any thoughts?
BTW its good to see a fellow Aussie on here
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
Thanks again
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 507
Likes: 25
From: Massachusetts
2014 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabrio
I did some research and I doubt this will work. The manual for the bluetooth adapter says this:
Switching off
Deactivation of the hands-free system is delayed by the run-on time. During the run-on time, the hands-free system remains fully available. The run-on time begins, as soon as the ignition is switched off. The run-on time is stopped during a call for up to two hours. After two hours have passed, the hands-free system is deactivated, regardless. The run-on time can be set at a MercedesBenz Service Centre using the vehicle diagnosis system. The standard setting is 30 seconds.
It looks like this parameter is set incorrectly in your vehicle to force the standard run-on time to infinite (and I am surprised this hasn't depleted your battery). I think you either need to take it to the dealer to check and correct this, or find someone with a Star Diagnosis computer to do so (cheaper).
Switching off
Deactivation of the hands-free system is delayed by the run-on time. During the run-on time, the hands-free system remains fully available. The run-on time begins, as soon as the ignition is switched off. The run-on time is stopped during a call for up to two hours. After two hours have passed, the hands-free system is deactivated, regardless. The run-on time can be set at a MercedesBenz Service Centre using the vehicle diagnosis system. The standard setting is 30 seconds.
It looks like this parameter is set incorrectly in your vehicle to force the standard run-on time to infinite (and I am surprised this hasn't depleted your battery). I think you either need to take it to the dealer to check and correct this, or find someone with a Star Diagnosis computer to do so (cheaper).
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
I did some research and I doubt this will work. The manual for the bluetooth adapter says this:
Switching off
Deactivation of the hands-free system is delayed by the run-on time. During the run-on time, the hands-free system remains fully available. The run-on time begins, as soon as the ignition is switched off. The run-on time is stopped during a call for up to two hours. After two hours have passed, the hands-free system is deactivated, regardless. The run-on time can be set at a MercedesBenz Service Centre using the vehicle diagnosis system. The standard setting is 30 seconds.
It looks like this parameter is set incorrectly in your vehicle to force the standard run-on time to infinite (and I am surprised this hasn't depleted your battery). I think you either need to take it to the dealer to check and correct this, or find someone with a Star Diagnosis computer to do so (cheaper).
Switching off
Deactivation of the hands-free system is delayed by the run-on time. During the run-on time, the hands-free system remains fully available. The run-on time begins, as soon as the ignition is switched off. The run-on time is stopped during a call for up to two hours. After two hours have passed, the hands-free system is deactivated, regardless. The run-on time can be set at a MercedesBenz Service Centre using the vehicle diagnosis system. The standard setting is 30 seconds.
It looks like this parameter is set incorrectly in your vehicle to force the standard run-on time to infinite (and I am surprised this hasn't depleted your battery). I think you either need to take it to the dealer to check and correct this, or find someone with a Star Diagnosis computer to do so (cheaper).
Is there any way this can be accessed through engineering mode on the head unit? I have tried various internet instructions on getting to this mode but none have worked so far (Australian delivery car)
I will see if I can get it scanned with STAR, I have free access to a snap-on Solus scanner but it didn't bring up anything to do with stereo/aircon etc
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 507
Likes: 25
From: Massachusetts
2014 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabrio
Big thanks - I think you are right. I too was worried with the battery.
Is there any way this can be accessed through engineering mode on the head unit? I have tried various internet instructions on getting to this mode but none have worked so far (Australian delivery car)
I will see if I can get it scanned with STAR, I have free access to a snap-on Solus scanner but it didn't bring up anything to do with stereo/aircon etc
Is there any way this can be accessed through engineering mode on the head unit? I have tried various internet instructions on getting to this mode but none have worked so far (Australian delivery car)
I will see if I can get it scanned with STAR, I have free access to a snap-on Solus scanner but it didn't bring up anything to do with stereo/aircon etc
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
No worries , will do, closest dealer is 2 hours away - will see who I can find locally with a STAR
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
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Ml350
hey guys so I unplugged the radio and plugged it back in and it seems to work, but everytime I put the bass high and put the volume up it keeps shutting off then I'll have to unplug and tinker around with it to turn back on .
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
When you say volume hi and bass hi do you mean rock concert hi? Or just easy listening hi?
if rock concert levels it could mean you are having a low current issue and it is closing down from low voltage.
Assume car is running when you are doing this? (Alternator working etc?). Have you tried a voltage test. Even through the one on dash
I remember in my youth I had a house stereo that the lights behind the tuner dial used to blink to the beat when the bass and volume were hi.
if rock concert levels it could mean you are having a low current issue and it is closing down from low voltage.
Assume car is running when you are doing this? (Alternator working etc?). Have you tried a voltage test. Even through the one on dash
I remember in my youth I had a house stereo that the lights behind the tuner dial used to blink to the beat when the bass and volume were hi.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6
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Ml350
It usually shuts off when there's hard bass from the song and mostly when the volume is very high, I've tried leaving on normal listening levels and it doesn't seem to shut off. Also how can I check the voltage thruoug the dash?
Last edited by dilaxsan65; Apr 3, 2018 at 12:31 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6
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Ml350
Yes, everything is stock no modifications have been done to the stereo, and today while driving it there seemed to be some sort of noise coming through the speakers especially as I pressed more gas, but if I turn off the radio it stops anyone know what it might be?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 507
Likes: 25
From: Massachusetts
2014 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabrio
This is way too weird. My hunch is that you have moisture and corrosion somewhere in the system, most likely in the power circuit. Have you scanned the computer for codes with a scanner that understands Mercedes codes (no, generic scanner won't do)?
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
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From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
As flydb5 said a week ago, there is no easy way to find the problem. The codes must be read. It could be over or under voltage or any other problem.
Last edited by Maj. Dundee; Apr 4, 2018 at 04:32 PM.
