W203 Distronic Retrofit (Fault C1510)

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Dec 6, 2019 | 04:09 PM
  #1  
Hi,

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-features.html

I posted there in the w203 forum...

Anyone with insight on an m271 with 716 manual transmission (if that is even applicable with Mercedes-Benz) for activating Distronic would be helpful.

Actual FAULT is in ESP, code C1510.
FAULT in CAN communication with control unit N63/1 (DTR control module)

ESP module was swapped with +219
PN A034 545 78 32

Event Memory in DTR is;
7203 and 7208;
DTR; control module motor electronics is incorrectly coded or there is a fault in the CAN communication with control module motor electronics.
7203(Engine version)

HUGE THANK YOU to forum member(s) in advance for getting me this far. You know who you are and in no way would I be this close without you, so thank you!
Reply 0
Jan 1, 2020 | 04:59 AM
  #2  
I don't believe it will work, unless you have your data card updated, and an online coding done.
Can be done with some Xentry installs, or by dealer.
Reply 0
Feb 14, 2020 | 01:00 PM
  #3  
Thank you for your reply!
The Dealer tried in October 2018, programmed everything but the actual online SCN, as MBUSA wouldn’t allow it. Even brought in a field tech, said everything was “right” according to him...I’ve reached out to MBUSA looking to sign a waiver so they would release the coding. Nothing.

Tried with a third party in September 2019 and was able to get it fully functioning with their set up, until actual ignition.

Which led to the “Can a manual Mercedes-Benz have/use DTR?” MBUSA won’t let me know...

So that’s why an emulator, hopefully assuming, of an automatic trans, NAG, might work.

Interestingly enough, I pulled the sensor out around 11/2019 to protect it. A couple weeks ago the car traveled roughly 1,000 miles since coding change, and the warning changed from SPEEDTRONIC to now starting (only 1 warning in MFD) to DISTRONIC. I haven’t touched a thing...I can’t.

Reply 0
Mar 8, 2020 | 03:51 PM
  #4  
Only 3 203 were ever built with DTR. The chances are, you are using the wrong control module, but with the correct one it’s doable.

In your picture, you’re using a 211 control module. I haven’t looked into your project but you might need a different ESP control module as well.
Reply 0
Mar 9, 2020 | 03:15 PM
  #5  
Thank you so much for the reply!

I can assure you it’s a 209, 215, 220 control module. It was initialized and operative while hooked up to DAS.

I have also swapped over to the correct ESP. This move was done long before the full DTR install to ensure no issues.

I do believe it is the fact that I have a manual transmission that is the problem, as all possible coding for DTR showed as NAG, or, New Automatic Gearbox.

If I really cannot get it to work, this part matching DTR sensor will be mailed to the individual who helped me get this far as a spare for his working auto set up.

I am thankful for any and all help as I would love to have this operational.

Thank you.





Reply 0
Mar 9, 2020 | 03:18 PM
  #6  
I missed the manual transmission info. DTR only works with AT since the car cannot shift a manual transmission when it accelerates/decelerates.

Good luck with the emulator. Hopefully it’s gonna work. But then what’s the point? I definitely like the spirit of trying.
Reply 0
Mar 9, 2020 | 05:53 PM
  #7  
Yes. I want the fun of shifting off the highway and the safety and pacing convenience on the highway with DTR. I hoped, similar to newer manual transmission cars with adaptive cruise, it would just “Hey! Shift!” in red...

So, I’m really in uncharted water, and I would love a reliable source, not me, to create such an emulator...

The question becomes, can an emulator be made (some have suggested it) to tell the ME enough that a “TCU”‘is there and functioning, or, will it want input on every shift position from the NAG TCU?

I am told I need to emulate both TCU and Shifter to make car believe that I have 722.6 automatic transmission.

I’m further told the TCU itself sends only 3 CAN messages and the Shifter sends only 1 CAN message...

But I also need to push the clutch, start and shift, so...I’d need the “auto TCU” to be in park or neutral...

Thank you again for the reply and your insight.

Reply 0
Mar 9, 2020 | 06:41 PM
  #8  
Quote: Yes. I want the fun of shifting off the highway (unless I need to...) and the safety and pacing on the highway with DTR. I hoped, similar to newer manual transmission cars with adaptive cruise, it would just “Hey! Shift!” in red...

So, I’m really in uncharted water, and I would love a reliable source, not me, to create such an emulator...

The question becomes, can an emulator be made (some have suggested it) to tell the ME enough that a “TCU”‘is there and functioning, or, will it want input on every shift position from the NAG TCU?

I am told I need to emulate both TCU and Shifter to make car believe that I have 722.6 automatic transmission.

I’m further told the TCU itself sends only 3 CAN messages and the Shifter sends only 1 CAN message...

But I also need to push the clutch, start and shift, so...I’d need the “auto TCU” to be in park or neutral...

Thank you again for the reply and your insight.
I heard about a guy in Germany who has the necessary CAN IDs and messages to build control modules for cars that were built pre CAN to work with CAN controlled engines. He uses them in W124 to have M113k engines in there. That being said it is most likely possible.
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Mar 21, 2020 | 04:02 AM
  #9  
Quote: Yes. I want the fun of shifting off the highway and the safety and pacing convenience on the highway with DTR. I hoped, similar to newer manual transmission cars with adaptive cruise, it would just “Hey! Shift!” in red...

So, I’m really in uncharted water, and I would love a reliable source, not me, to create such an emulator...

The question becomes, can an emulator be made (some have suggested it) to tell the ME enough that a “TCU”‘is there and functioning, or, will it want input on every shift position from the NAG TCU?

I am told I need to emulate both TCU and Shifter to make car believe that I have 722.6 automatic transmission.

I’m further told the TCU itself sends only 3 CAN messages and the Shifter sends only 1 CAN message...

But I also need to push the clutch, start and shift, so...I’d need the “auto TCU” to be in park or neutral...

Thank you again for the reply and your insight.

Hey! This is totally doable! (In theory)

I've managed to decompile some files from Xentry, which now allows me to view each can message on canbus C. Here's the file for the w203 Link. You are correct, there are 3 IDs for the GS module (TCU). HOWEVER, you'll also need to fake more messages. If you scan the file you'll notice there are bits in certain messages not from the TCU that describe the characteristics of the car, including if an automatic transmission is present or not. To fake a live message on canbus is tricky, as you'll have to read the original one from canbus, flip the bits you want, then resend it, all whilst keeping canbus happy that it isn't being flooded, but sending the message quickly enough that the original message is ignored. (It can be done, I'm doing it with my own project for the w203).

Hope this helps!
Reply 0
Mar 23, 2020 | 09:58 PM
  #10  
I’d love to follow your work RND-Ash...

I want this to work, but I have no skill set or tools to do this...create an emulator...

I have reached out to some mentioned here, and others...some have replied, and their consensus is that the coding is wrong, per the codes, in the ME. It “should” be programmable to overcome the issue...

Need to fix this...
Event Memory in DTR is;
7203 and 7208;
DTR; control module motor electronics is incorrectly coded or there is a fault in the CAN communication with control module motor electronics.
7203(Engine version)

Then solve why the ESP is reporting C1510...

I’d prefer to have this work OEM, with proper Developer Coding...but...I’m open to an emulator if a manual transmission Mercedes Benz can’t use DTR OEM...but again, as I have been reminded, no codes related to transmission. And I have factory cruise with memory resume that will throttle back up to speed...
Reply 0
Mar 25, 2020 | 12:18 PM
  #11  
Again, thanks to any and all contributors!

I’d really love to get this working...and put this homemade label on the core support and in the driver door jam...




Reply 0
Mar 25, 2020 | 01:21 PM
  #12  
Quote: Again, thanks to any and all contributors!

I’d really love to get this working...and put this homemade label on the core support and in the

driver door jam...
Where in the world did you find that sticker? Especially since DTR is not even considered an option that can be retrofitted by Daimler itself.
Reply 0
Mar 25, 2020 | 03:40 PM
  #13  
I made it, it was going to be the “final touch” when it was all finished...and my last retrofit. As you can see (black label in upper right) I updated my under hood options label too...

All part of trying to get this old w203 to have ART/DTR...I greatly dislike being so close...bringing it up on the MFD is just a lame tease when on the highway...





Reply 0
May 17, 2020 | 10:19 PM
  #14  
Bolted the sensor back in, and, error changed back to Speedtronic from Distronic without sensor.

Hoping to TRY coding it again in early summer here...but anyone with actual know how, please share so I can get my SIM4 LKE to accept and work with Distronic!
Reply 0
May 17, 2020 | 10:29 PM
  #15  
Quote: Bolted the sensor back in, and, error changed back to Speedtronic from Distronic without sensor.

Hoping to TRY coding it again in early summer here...but anyone with actual know how, please share so I can get my SIM4 LKE to accept and work with Distronic!
I have an idea if you’re willing to pay as my idea involves to ask someone at MB for a favor and I know he won’t even move without getting paid. If so, PM me.
Reply 0
May 18, 2020 | 06:28 AM
  #16  
Thank you! PM sent.




Appreciate the offer.
Hopefully we can FaceTime this thing.
Reply 0
Jun 11, 2020 | 10:48 AM
  #17  
Manual Transmission
Hi MackHack,

Are you, and or is your friend certain it will work with my 716 manual 6 speed transmission?

Thank you
Reply 0
Jun 11, 2020 | 11:55 AM
  #18  
Quote: Hi MackHack,

Are you, and or is your friend certain it will work with my 716 manual 6 speed transmission?

Thank you
I thought we communicated via PM about this!
Reply 0
Jun 12, 2020 | 04:30 PM
  #19  
PM sent.
Thank you for your understanding.
Reply 0
Aug 12, 2020 | 08:08 PM
  #20  
So I went on a whim and bought another sensor as one popped up for about $150. I haven’t seen one with this PN for years and never this “cheap”...so I bought it.

Thinking maybe, just maybe the event memory (with the little bomb icon) was telling me my “old” sensor was bad.

It was worth the .01% chance...

Now, I haven’t tried anything with DAS/Xentry as my shared multiplexer(s) is not here currently.

Ah well. For now...I hope. 🤞🤞🤞

Reply 0
Jan 23, 2021 | 10:49 PM
  #21  
Both sensors tested out well and operational by another source.

Mine still isn’t coded correctly...

but to make it fun - I swapped the display to German and Celsius!
Reply 0
Jan 24, 2021 | 10:47 PM
  #22  
Btw. we're still working on the parts for your project to make this a success story.
Reply 1
Jan 30, 2021 | 07:55 PM
  #23  
Thank you!
Thank you!

I sincerely hope I have the correct parts. There have been a few individuals saying I need an A203 sensor - but those parts seem to be two box, or control unit in foot well based.

I look forward to any positive input! And to those that have helped me this far, a HUGE thank you. Yes, I too would like this to be a success story...

-

I know this is an ancient topic, for an ancient car...but to me, she’s all I’ve got.

I have completed what I thought would be the final shields - but it’s ineffective. The use of vaporized aluminum through a vacuum metalized process still warps the signal.

While it looked to me 97% OEM and 110% acceptable, it’s worthless unless radar transparent.

Upon reading more patents - it seems I need to (and I’ve inquired) source indium if I want any sort of OEM look chrome/silver to the faux grille bars.


Reply 0
Jan 30, 2021 | 08:03 PM
  #24  
Just like the coding...massive amounts of research...lots and lots of work...so close. Looks good...but just a poser.



Reply 0
Mar 13, 2021 | 11:32 AM
  #25  
Spring is here and still just a poser...anyone that can help - and THANK YOU to those that have, are are...I’m still all ears!

Certainly dressed up with nowhere to go...

Reply 0
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