awfry

I need some help with my 2003 Mercedes S430 sound system. I read several posts for troubleshooting my no sound problem and have performed every procedure recommended by those posting on this site.

Here is a list of the things I have tried:
- Reset the system from “hidden menu”
- Performed wake up test in hidden menu
- Reset the error codes (N1111) in hidden menu
- Performed the troubleshooting procedure recommended by carstereohelp.com Results indicated the sound amp was bad.
- Removed my sound amp and radio and shipped them to their Florida shop. They ran tests and stated that the amp was fine. They recommended bypassing the phone system.
- Reinstalled the sound amp and radio then bypassed the other components in the fiber optic loop. Still no sound.
- Took car to the local Mercedes Dealer. Dealer indicated it was a bad amp. $3600 plus labor for a new one.
- Bought another amp from eBay and installed it. Same result…no sound.
Any suggestions for what I should do at this point?

jackasswhy

Take it to someone who knows what they are doing

cmpcpro

Before bypassing the phone system was it working? Is the CDC working? Obviously you can't hear it but if it's playing then the issue isn't in the fiber optic loop.. I have the same system as you, can you tell me how to get into the hidden menu's on the 03 Comand? Thanks! It sounds like there is an issue with the fiber optic loop.. if the amp has been replaced then it really sounds like either a bad fiber optic cable, or something in the actual Comand unit.. If you find an indy with a STAR program you can check the loop and make sure the actuals match up to the configuration. It will tell you if it is talking to everything, and run diagnostics on it all..

awfry

I tested the system before bypassing the fiber optic cable from each component with the same result....no sound. I verified the CDC unit is receiving power. How do I find an independant shop with a STAR program? Is there a listing on the web?

You get to the "hidden menu" by pressing the "DEL" "1" and "3" buttons together for 10 seconds.

Thanks for any help.

cmpcpro

Just look in the phone book for Mercedes mechanics and ask them if they have a STAR system.. if they are worth anything they will.. I don't see how a shop could work on late model MB without one..

cmpcpro

Also, tried DEL 1 3 but nothing.. do you have to be in radio, or have system off, or nav? thanks!

bestint

just wondering if you know how to reset the radios that don't have the extra rows at the bottom with the DEL button.

how do i get into hidden menu on this radio?

Skylaw

If your COMAND lacks a "SVC" or "SERV" button, then try pressing the Mute, 1, and 3 buttons simultaneously and holding them in for about 10 seconds. The unit for which you sent the photo seems to have a speaker symbol, slashed, to the lower left of the rotary knob - I believe that is the Mute button. Some units have a "DEL" (delete) button instead of Mute. That should take you to a menu titled "Service." From there, selections take you to menus where you can delve further into the system. The photos show some (but not all) of the screens you can access. Click on the photos to enlarge. You can find extensive articles on COMAND systems at http://www.mercupgrades.com/ - and on that site, http://www.mercupgrades.com/Mercedes...rticle-13.html provides a good treatment of what you can see in those menus.

benz300

Hi did you figure out what the solution was ? I'm also trying to troubleshoot the same situation.
thanks.