mrbobby

Can any one tell me where the radio antenna is located. I either have a radio problem or an antenna problem. I would like to start with antenna.

Also does the key fob work off thew radio antenna or soes it have its own antenna.

As always all comments and help is appreciated.

corkshoppe

search this forum theres lots of post on it,. there is an antenna above the head liner in front of the rear glass, it is a powered antenna, you are probably noticing poor radio reception, you might need to check the connections thee or replace it.

mrbobby

I understand that but where is thew actual antenna. I haven't been able to find this particular piece of information. Id the key fob antenna part of the AM antenna?

corkshoppe

good question, im looking for answer now.

corkshoppe

the key is rf so it has to be pionted towards the door handle! so im thinking the antenna isnt part of the lock system, my radio has very bad reception and im trying to find a solution for it, but my keys work great,

fxdeebee

w220's have the am / fm antenna embedded in the rear window glass connected to an amplifier that sits under the headliner along the top edge of the rear glass. EPC lists that amplifier with an option code for "radio remote control w/panic switch". So I assume it uses the same embedded antenna.

Number 90 in the file attached

fxdeebee

Pointing the key fob at the sensor in the door handle if using the Infrared transmitter in the fob and is totally separate form the RF transmitter.


There are separate amplifiers for each band ( AM, FM, Remote control and TV on EU models ) Reception problems ( primarily in the AM band ) have been attributed to using metallic tint film on the rear glass. If its just FM that's dodgey than suspect that amplifier.

S600Keith

Yeah, I have the same problem with the AM band on the radio on my last two s600s. Both have the reflective tint on the rear glass which is metallic. It messes up the AM reception. Both of them have the automatic rear window shade so the tinting is superfluous anyways. I would like to remove the film but I am unsure if I would be able to remove it without doing damage to the antenna and/or window defroster in the process. I like to listen to AM radio during my commute to work but since this car is not my daily driver I just listen to Englebert or Tom Jones.

If you have the metallic/reflective tint on the rear glass it is probably your culprit if the AM reception is the issue. You will hear a whine or hum in your speakers that coincides with the engine speed. If it is the FM band that is the problem it may be the amplifier under (above?) the headliner.

The key fob works on its own receiver and not the radio receiver. Also, pointing the fob at the door handle utilizes the infrared receiver in the door handle itself and is not RF. This is used to raise/lower the windows/moonroof from the outside of the vehicle.

mrbobby

OK now it's starting to make sense except for my AM problem. I have no tint on the rear window so if I'm interpreting the information correctly then I've probably got an AM amplifier problem. Do we agree?

I am still a little confused about the fob antenna. My fob works with the rf in the door handle but doesn't work with its antenna. I am assuming that the fob antenna is part of the rear window antenna which is shown in the pdf as 90. Am I still on the right track?

If I am on the right track then which part of 90 is the fob antenna?

fxdeebee

I probably wasn't clear, there is no RF device in the door handle. there is an infrared sensor ( optical ) there. Which is why it has to be literally pointed at it ( line of sight ).


As for which part of the rear roof amplifier is responsible for the key fob reception.... sorry, MB only lists one part number for the entire assembly and trying to get engineering tech info/specs for MB parts is nigh on impossible.


I am still dumpster diving into WIS's dark corners trying to pull out info on some other stuff, I MAY trip over a wiring diagram, may not, will let you know.


afterthought: Have you replaced the fob battery? Cheap test.

corkshoppe

i was looking for infor for poor fm reception.

mrbobby

I do appreciate everybody's feedback - that's what in my opinion this forum is all about. BTW I have replaced the fob batteries. Since this car sat for a long time I'm starting to think that I may have connection problems on the antenna under the rear headliner.

I'm wondering what a job it is to pull the headliner down and inspect. Are there any secrets on pulling down the headliner?

corkshoppe

i looked at mine by gently pulling it down, too scared to bent it too far, but no luck for me, so ill order a new one and see what happens!

mrbobby

fxdeebee - Great post on the other forum. This would be a great addition here to the encyclopedia.

fxdeebee

Working on an illustrated walk thru of W220 antenna systems and operation. May take several days so have patience.

fxdeebee

First installment is up, note the thread is closed while I work on it, once complete the thread will be unlocked for comments / questions.


http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...m-key-fob.html

corkshoppe

thank you.

jamesmount121

Nice question, Some time before i had faced this types of problem. after that i had visit
if u want then you can visit it. i hope your problem will be fixed.

fxdeebee

[QUOTE=fxdeebee;5865449]First installment is up, note the thread is closed while I work on it, once complete the thread will be unlocked for comments / questions.


http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...m-key-fob.html[/QUOTE]




Second chapter up on GPS now..same link.. still a work in progress, so thread still closed for a bit.

fxdeebee

Thread is pretty much done for now and is unlocked for comments or questions


http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...m-key-fob.html