Audio Issue with my S430 - No FM/AM Radio Sound
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: MidWest
2005 S430, Previous 2003 S430 Miracle Whip
Audio Issue with my S430 - No FM/AM Radio Sound
Hello All, have a major Audio headache right now and seeking advice from those whom may have experienced the same.
My '05 S430 had no Audio sound when purchased. The Indy shop I took it to for repair and I both assumed it was a bad Amp, however when they ran Diagnostics and tested the other audio components they found that it in fact was a bad Audio Gateway. They replaced the AGW and the good news was we now had sound when playing CD's, DVD and using NAV.
BAD news is the issue now is that there is no sound when the Radio is on FM/AM stations. In addition, when we try to change the stations, the tuner acts "stuck" and continuously scrolls thru station numbers (forwards or backwards). When hitting the preset stations they appear fine. But no sound doing this either.
The Indy has been very transparent with me, and they openly admitted that Audio troubleshooting was the one area that they did not have extensive expertise in. However, the lead tech with over 25+ years Benz experience calls his network (who works for MB dealer still) and they advised when they see this it is a bad headunit. I'm now smacking my head because a headunit thru the dealer is crazy $$$$ expensive.
Any guidance here on:
Troubleshooting to confirm it is a bad head unit?
Repair shops for head unit?
Purchasing a refurb head unit from an Indy Car specialist?
The potential silver lining is that I located a shop in CA that appears to have expertise with Benz Audio repairs, and they made me feel very at ease that the problems can potentially be repaired on my existing headunit.
I now just want to get as much research as I can gather on the subject.
Thanks!
My '05 S430 had no Audio sound when purchased. The Indy shop I took it to for repair and I both assumed it was a bad Amp, however when they ran Diagnostics and tested the other audio components they found that it in fact was a bad Audio Gateway. They replaced the AGW and the good news was we now had sound when playing CD's, DVD and using NAV.
BAD news is the issue now is that there is no sound when the Radio is on FM/AM stations. In addition, when we try to change the stations, the tuner acts "stuck" and continuously scrolls thru station numbers (forwards or backwards). When hitting the preset stations they appear fine. But no sound doing this either.
The Indy has been very transparent with me, and they openly admitted that Audio troubleshooting was the one area that they did not have extensive expertise in. However, the lead tech with over 25+ years Benz experience calls his network (who works for MB dealer still) and they advised when they see this it is a bad headunit. I'm now smacking my head because a headunit thru the dealer is crazy $$$$ expensive.
Any guidance here on:
Troubleshooting to confirm it is a bad head unit?
Repair shops for head unit?
Purchasing a refurb head unit from an Indy Car specialist?
The potential silver lining is that I located a shop in CA that appears to have expertise with Benz Audio repairs, and they made me feel very at ease that the problems can potentially be repaired on my existing headunit.
I now just want to get as much research as I can gather on the subject.
Thanks!
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 2
From: Albuquerque, NM
2016 GL350
No FM audio
Sounds like the unit is not finding any fm signals, therefore muting the audio. I suspect they didn't connect the antenna, or you have a bad cable or antenna. Have them connect a separate antenna and search for signals if the cable was connected. Ill bet they left it off or damaged the cable.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: MidWest
2005 S430, Previous 2003 S430 Miracle Whip
Thanks for the input. Another Audio specialist I spoke with stated the same thing, and additionally advised that if it's not the cable or antenna, then its the FM/A, Tuner in the trunk that needs to be replaced is his thought. He of course recommended I take my car to him - but he's in CA and I'm in MO so no dice. Does this sound familiar to you on the S430?
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 2
From: Albuquerque, NM
2016 GL350
I don't know where the tuner is located, but I would assume it's in the dash. I believe just the cd changer is in the trunk. Again, have them pull the unit from the dash and connect a antenna. That's a pretty simple thing any car audio shop can perform.
