Audio Central Gateway drains the battery
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 13
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2011 ML350 Bluetec
Audio Central Gateway drains the battery
New owner of 2011 ML350 Bluetec.
The battery is drained with 3.7A when it is supposed to be idle ( per my research 0.05A normal). This means that the battery is dead overnight.
I found that the Radio/CD/Navigation unit is draining 1.8A out of that, reason would be that it does not "go to sleep". I did a lot of research and I found out that the Audio Central Gateway has a "Wakeup" signal that keeps the MOST components alive, including the Radio/CD/Navigation.
At this moment I assume that the Audio Central Gateway is not sending the "sleep" signal and MOST components are awake draining the battery.
Looks like this is a problem across late Mercedes; I found postings from other models.
Q1: Anybody else dealing with this puzzle on ML350?
Q2: Where is the Audio Central Gateway in an 2011 ML350 located?
Thanks
The battery is drained with 3.7A when it is supposed to be idle ( per my research 0.05A normal). This means that the battery is dead overnight.
I found that the Radio/CD/Navigation unit is draining 1.8A out of that, reason would be that it does not "go to sleep". I did a lot of research and I found out that the Audio Central Gateway has a "Wakeup" signal that keeps the MOST components alive, including the Radio/CD/Navigation.
At this moment I assume that the Audio Central Gateway is not sending the "sleep" signal and MOST components are awake draining the battery.
Looks like this is a problem across late Mercedes; I found postings from other models.
Q1: Anybody else dealing with this puzzle on ML350?
Q2: Where is the Audio Central Gateway in an 2011 ML350 located?
Thanks
Last edited by Pastarnac; Jun 3, 2018 at 12:43 PM. Reason: mode details added
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 13
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2011 ML350 Bluetec
I looked under :
- the passenger side, rear seat - Rear SAM
- driver side, rear seat - Sirius radio and emergency assistance phone
- passenger seat, front - battery, front SAM and underneath the foot carpet Yaw Rate Sensor
I have reset all I could reset with same result. At least is consistent....
Still, I cannot find the Audio Gate. More suggestions?
- the passenger side, rear seat - Rear SAM
- driver side, rear seat - Sirius radio and emergency assistance phone
- passenger seat, front - battery, front SAM and underneath the foot carpet Yaw Rate Sensor
I have reset all I could reset with same result. At least is consistent....
Still, I cannot find the Audio Gate. More suggestions?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Audio gateway
This is the wrong location of the Audio Central Gateway Module. I cannot remove the image. I will try to find it. Give me some time..
Last edited by Maj. Dundee; Jun 4, 2018 at 09:40 AM. Reason: wrong information
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2018
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2011 ML350 Bluetec
Thanks. Of course is there!
I am not quite fond how the MB design team put together this car. All it looks like an after-thought cobbled together. Parts are all over, whenever thy found an empty pocket.
OK. I will take apart the driver seat and see what is happening to this ACG; why is keeping the radio/CD/navigation and something else ( accounted for another 1.8A).
So far, I am suspecting that this ACG is malfunctioning and is not sending the wake-up/sleep signal to MOST components. Per my research this is not a simple logic signal ( 12V/0V) but more complex therefore I may need an oscilloscope (which I do not have handy).
Also, per schematic it looks like there is a single wake-up signal (black/red wire) distributed to all components, therefore if one is not sleeping than none are sleeping, hence my extra 1.8A that I could not find.
Second hypothesis is a malfunctioning rear gate lock which keeps the system awake. Apparently the lock is working; I pulled the fuses with no change. This is parked for now.
If anybody got this solved and can lead me to a conclusion ... please speak
I am not quite fond how the MB design team put together this car. All it looks like an after-thought cobbled together. Parts are all over, whenever thy found an empty pocket.
OK. I will take apart the driver seat and see what is happening to this ACG; why is keeping the radio/CD/navigation and something else ( accounted for another 1.8A).
So far, I am suspecting that this ACG is malfunctioning and is not sending the wake-up/sleep signal to MOST components. Per my research this is not a simple logic signal ( 12V/0V) but more complex therefore I may need an oscilloscope (which I do not have handy).
Also, per schematic it looks like there is a single wake-up signal (black/red wire) distributed to all components, therefore if one is not sleeping than none are sleeping, hence my extra 1.8A that I could not find.
Second hypothesis is a malfunctioning rear gate lock which keeps the system awake. Apparently the lock is working; I pulled the fuses with no change. This is parked for now.
If anybody got this solved and can lead me to a conclusion ... please speak
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 13
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2011 ML350 Bluetec
I have a decent scanner ( icarsoft MB II) and is telling me that there are no errors. The scanner reports no errors for Central Gateway (while the MB documentation refers to it as Audio Central Gateway). I think they are the same and is a matter of nomenclature inconsistency. No other outstanding errors present.
This is one of those situations when the scanner is not sufficient.
This is one of those situations when the scanner is not sufficient.
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Thread Starter
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2011 ML350 Bluetec
My 2011 ML350 Bluetec (Diesel) does not have premium sound. This is for the better as I do not have to deal with an amplifier.
I found the Audio Central Gateway! It was under the driver seat. I had to partially remove the rug underneath the seat, the air duct and a covering plastic plate.
I will chase a replacement and see how it goes.
On the other hand, I am thinking to remove this Audio Gateway and disable entire MOST network. I am planning to replace the radio/CD/navigation with a 9" Android system that can do all OEM can do and more.
Q1: How do you disable the MOST network ?
Q2: Do you see a downside of disabling the MOST network, other than not having some messages available on the LCD display?
Thanks
I found the Audio Central Gateway! It was under the driver seat. I had to partially remove the rug underneath the seat, the air duct and a covering plastic plate.
I will chase a replacement and see how it goes.
On the other hand, I am thinking to remove this Audio Gateway and disable entire MOST network. I am planning to replace the radio/CD/navigation with a 9" Android system that can do all OEM can do and more.
Q1: How do you disable the MOST network ?
Q2: Do you see a downside of disabling the MOST network, other than not having some messages available on the LCD display?
Thanks
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 507
Likes: 25
From: Massachusetts
2014 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabrio
If you don't have the Harman Kardon option what you removed is not an audio gateway and does not do anything related to MOST. It is likely the central gateway that controls communication between the car's systems.
https://www.youcanic.com/solution/fa...control-module
The audio central gateway, when it is under the seat, communicates audio through fiber optic lines but ONLY IF YOU HAVE THE PREMIUM AUDIO OPTION IN YOUR CAR.
I *strongly* recommend you take the car to someone who knows exactly what they are doing before you do something that you'll regret and have to undo at some significant cost.
https://www.youcanic.com/solution/fa...control-module
The audio central gateway, when it is under the seat, communicates audio through fiber optic lines but ONLY IF YOU HAVE THE PREMIUM AUDIO OPTION IN YOUR CAR.
I *strongly* recommend you take the car to someone who knows exactly what they are doing before you do something that you'll regret and have to undo at some significant cost.
Last edited by flybd5; Jun 8, 2018 at 07:24 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
If you don't have the Harman Kardon option what you removed is not an audio gateway and does not do anything related to MOST. It is likely the central gateway that controls communication between the car's systems.
https://www.youcanic.com/solution/fa...control-module
The audio central gateway communicates audio through fiber optic lines.
I *strongly* recommend you take the car to someone who knows exactly what they are doing before you do something that you'll regret and have to undo at some significant cost.
https://www.youcanic.com/solution/fa...control-module
The audio central gateway communicates audio through fiber optic lines.
I *strongly* recommend you take the car to someone who knows exactly what they are doing before you do something that you'll regret and have to undo at some significant cost.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 507
Likes: 25
From: Massachusetts
2014 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabrio
Yes, he is confusing the standard audio gateway with the Harman Kardon premium audio fiber optic audio gateway and the Central Gateway that handles comm between systems in the car. I almost made the same mistake when I was upgrading my US Comand to an EU Comand, but I had enough sense to stop and take it to someone who was knowledgeable on the subject. In the end it only cost me €100 and half a day in the picturesque city of Szecyn, Poland, to get the work done correctly.
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Joined: Jun 2018
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2011 ML350 Bluetec
Thanks for clarifications.
I would gladly visit the picturesque city of Szecyn and solve this for 100Euro but I am stuck in MA/USA where the dealer wants more than that just to diagnose it. Where is outsourcing when you need it?
Back to the issue:
Problem: The battery is drained with 3.7A when idle, when current is supposed to be less than 0.05A.
Other info: I am looking to replace the radio/CD/navigation with an aftermarket Android system. I do not have interest in the Sirius or the Mercedes Emergency module
Found one culprit: The radio/CD/navigation unit is responsible for 2A.
I removed all other fuses -from the cargo area and driver side of the dashboard - with no success, the balance of 1.7A is still present, even after 1h with the car doors closed.
Since the Radio has the Audio Central Gateway => it is supposed to send the wake-up signal to MOST network => one assumption is that a MOST component is awake and drawing 2A. However, removing the fuses did not solved the problem, hence conflicting info.
Looks like on my car, MOST components are:
- Central Unit (Radio/CD/Navigation)
- Sirius Radio
- Emergency module
Either I forgot a MOST component and I did not removed the fuse OR the balance of 1.7A is from another issue non-related to MOST.
I would gladly visit the picturesque city of Szecyn and solve this for 100Euro but I am stuck in MA/USA where the dealer wants more than that just to diagnose it. Where is outsourcing when you need it?
Back to the issue:
Problem: The battery is drained with 3.7A when idle, when current is supposed to be less than 0.05A.
Other info: I am looking to replace the radio/CD/navigation with an aftermarket Android system. I do not have interest in the Sirius or the Mercedes Emergency module
Found one culprit: The radio/CD/navigation unit is responsible for 2A.
I removed all other fuses -from the cargo area and driver side of the dashboard - with no success, the balance of 1.7A is still present, even after 1h with the car doors closed.
Since the Radio has the Audio Central Gateway => it is supposed to send the wake-up signal to MOST network => one assumption is that a MOST component is awake and drawing 2A. However, removing the fuses did not solved the problem, hence conflicting info.
Looks like on my car, MOST components are:
- Central Unit (Radio/CD/Navigation)
- Sirius Radio
- Emergency module
Either I forgot a MOST component and I did not removed the fuse OR the balance of 1.7A is from another issue non-related to MOST.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 507
Likes: 25
From: Massachusetts
2014 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabrio
Thanks for clarifications.
I would gladly visit the picturesque city of Szecyn and solve this for 100Euro but I am stuck in MA/USA where the dealer wants more than that just to diagnose it. Where is outsourcing when you need it?
Back to the issue:
Problem: The battery is drained with 3.7A when idle, when current is supposed to be less than 0.05A.
Other info: I am looking to replace the radio/CD/navigation with an aftermarket Android system. I do not have interest in the Sirius or the Mercedes Emergency module
Found one culprit: The radio/CD/navigation unit is responsible for 2A.
I removed all other fuses -from the cargo area and driver side of the dashboard - with no success, the balance of 1.7A is still present, even after 1h with the car doors closed.
Since the Radio has the Audio Central Gateway => it is supposed to send the wake-up signal to MOST network => one assumption is that a MOST component is awake and drawing 2A. However, removing the fuses did not solved the problem, hence conflicting info.
Looks like on my car, MOST components are:
- Central Unit (Radio/CD/Navigation)
- Sirius Radio
- Emergency module
Either I forgot a MOST component and I did not removed the fuse OR the balance of 1.7A is from another issue non-related to MOST.
I would gladly visit the picturesque city of Szecyn and solve this for 100Euro but I am stuck in MA/USA where the dealer wants more than that just to diagnose it. Where is outsourcing when you need it?
Back to the issue:
Problem: The battery is drained with 3.7A when idle, when current is supposed to be less than 0.05A.
Other info: I am looking to replace the radio/CD/navigation with an aftermarket Android system. I do not have interest in the Sirius or the Mercedes Emergency module
Found one culprit: The radio/CD/navigation unit is responsible for 2A.
I removed all other fuses -from the cargo area and driver side of the dashboard - with no success, the balance of 1.7A is still present, even after 1h with the car doors closed.
Since the Radio has the Audio Central Gateway => it is supposed to send the wake-up signal to MOST network => one assumption is that a MOST component is awake and drawing 2A. However, removing the fuses did not solved the problem, hence conflicting info.
Looks like on my car, MOST components are:
- Central Unit (Radio/CD/Navigation)
- Sirius Radio
- Emergency module
Either I forgot a MOST component and I did not removed the fuse OR the balance of 1.7A is from another issue non-related to MOST.
Do you have bluetooth in your radio? If so, it's possible it's not shutting down properly when you turn off the car. I also had a problem with battery drain on my ML550 caused by a 12vdc to USB adapter that was left plugged into a 12vdc plug that is always hot. Drained my battery alright.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2018
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2011 ML350 Bluetec
Forum,
in the end, the culprit was the passenger seat.... The "seat belt simulator" that I installed on passenger seat was keeping everything awake. Was good enough to pass the inspection but not for the battery.
The radio was the effect of the drain and not the cause.
I still have to go to a Dealership to calibrate the WSS (Weight Sense System) on the passenger seat to turn off the SRS light. Apparently, in case of accident the WSS is triggered and cannot be reset unless in calibrated using the Dealership programmer, even if the reported weight values are correct. Regular OBD dies not work in this case
Thanks to those who helped.
in the end, the culprit was the passenger seat.... The "seat belt simulator" that I installed on passenger seat was keeping everything awake. Was good enough to pass the inspection but not for the battery.
The radio was the effect of the drain and not the cause.
I still have to go to a Dealership to calibrate the WSS (Weight Sense System) on the passenger seat to turn off the SRS light. Apparently, in case of accident the WSS is triggered and cannot be reset unless in calibrated using the Dealership programmer, even if the reported weight values are correct. Regular OBD dies not work in this case
Thanks to those who helped.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
2011 ML350 Bluetec
I am working to install a ... 9''CAR DVD GPS Player Android 8.0 for Mercedes Benz ML350 (see eBay) . This is a China design with no installation info.
Cost ($300) justifies the effort. Reports are that is OK.
Looks like is working but I still have some problems with the FM antenna.
Cost ($300) justifies the effort. Reports are that is OK.
Looks like is working but I still have some problems with the FM antenna.
