Voice Control/Command Module Location Help
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
2007 S550
Voice Control/Command Module Location Help
My voice command button stopped working and now no one can hear me on the other end of my phone calls. I understand I need to replace the voice control/command module. I am trying to find the location of the Voice Control/Command Module, part#221-870-38-87 before I buy the part at $1000-$1500.
The dealer and other threads say it's in the left side of the trunk. I removed the left trunk panel and cannot find it. Two pics of a left-side trunk is attached, mine is exactly the same. I removed those "modules", including the one hidden behind the black spring (in pic 4406), but none of them had the same part# and their labels indicated they were not voice control/command modules.
Anyone know where the Voice Control/Command Module is located? Is it likely I need to replace this module to get my voice comman button to work? Can a DIY'er do it without a fancy Star analyzer/programmer? There's no returns on electrical parts, so I'm hoping there's some certainty this part#221-870-38-87 will fix it?
I do already have the updated Command software that allows birds-eye view and to play DVDs. The voice command and phone calls worked fine until it broke a couple months ago.
Much thanks,
Drew
The dealer and other threads say it's in the left side of the trunk. I removed the left trunk panel and cannot find it. Two pics of a left-side trunk is attached, mine is exactly the same. I removed those "modules", including the one hidden behind the black spring (in pic 4406), but none of them had the same part# and their labels indicated they were not voice control/command modules.
Anyone know where the Voice Control/Command Module is located? Is it likely I need to replace this module to get my voice comman button to work? Can a DIY'er do it without a fancy Star analyzer/programmer? There's no returns on electrical parts, so I'm hoping there's some certainty this part#221-870-38-87 will fix it?
I do already have the updated Command software that allows birds-eye view and to play DVDs. The voice command and phone calls worked fine until it broke a couple months ago.
Much thanks,
Drew
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,497
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Are you sure it isn't a microphone issue? The unit cannot be completely dead if the MOST ring is still operating (you get sound from your radio).
Did you check this part in the red circle?
Did you check this part in the red circle?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
DB circled module, for peace of mind simply check the part number it should read 2218702092 or (replaced by) 2218703887. To comparison shop, parts.com new $1026 you may also want to check eBay.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
2007 S550
Thanks DB & Konig for matching the "original" part number to VCM pic. That does give me more peace-of-mind.
I don't think it's the microphone because when I press the Voice Command Button I see no Command screen response. If it were only the microphone I would think the Command screen menu would still change, awaiting for voice input. Still, that is why I have some concern. Others have mentioned their MP3 or CD audio songs cut out or menus jumping about, which isn't happening to my system.
When I take the car in for an A service I'll ask for a quote to fix the VC button and pay the Star diagnosis fee, if they insist. If they point to the VCM then I'll take the risk and buy it. Hopefully a simple swap is all I need but if anyone knows if there's more to it please let me know. The dealer quoted a guy $2600 for what appeared to be a VCM swap, and they told the guy they weren't 100% sure it'd fix the issue.
Much thanks again!
I don't think it's the microphone because when I press the Voice Command Button I see no Command screen response. If it were only the microphone I would think the Command screen menu would still change, awaiting for voice input. Still, that is why I have some concern. Others have mentioned their MP3 or CD audio songs cut out or menus jumping about, which isn't happening to my system.
When I take the car in for an A service I'll ask for a quote to fix the VC button and pay the Star diagnosis fee, if they insist. If they point to the VCM then I'll take the risk and buy it. Hopefully a simple swap is all I need but if anyone knows if there's more to it please let me know. The dealer quoted a guy $2600 for what appeared to be a VCM swap, and they told the guy they weren't 100% sure it'd fix the issue.
Much thanks again!
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
2017 S63 AMG convertible
So my 2007 S550 suddenly lost all audio. COMAND displays "Device Not Available" and there is no audio on any device. I do have NAV functionality but no voice. Bluetooth and voice command are also dead. Brought it to local stealer and the diagnostic ($134 later) was that the voice control module was dead. They can replace it for about $2000.
After reading some of the threads, I figured I could just replace it myself. I found a part on ebay (221 870 38 87) and it arrived today. I pulled out the old one (221 870 20 92) and replaced with the new. After buttoning up the whole car, nothing changed. I did disconnect the battery and reconnect after the install.
Any ideas what to do next? Am in for the whole 2 grand?
After reading some of the threads, I figured I could just replace it myself. I found a part on ebay (221 870 38 87) and it arrived today. I pulled out the old one (221 870 20 92) and replaced with the new. After buttoning up the whole car, nothing changed. I did disconnect the battery and reconnect after the install.
Any ideas what to do next? Am in for the whole 2 grand?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
2007 S550
Steve174, I went thru that same routine. I tried two different VCMs off ebay and neither worked. Same part#s as yours and I confirmed it was the right part# from dealer. My dealer was helpful (Laguna Niguel, CA) and offered to attempt getting the ebay VCM working. They thought it just needed a computer resynch (not the exact term they used; note I already had a command-control software update done last year).
Initially they said they got it to work and had me come in to pick it up. However I got home and it didn't work. They messed up on the testing part. Took the 07 S550 car back and they tried again but couldn't get it to work, but verified a new VCM did work. They still had some issues getting the new VCM to work. They did spend a decent amount of effort and made me come back a couple times so charged me at wholesale cost for the new VCM part ($1100) plus one hour. They even fixed it after my iPhone wouldn't synch up contacts. Total out the door maybe about$ 1300 and my multiple trips. I think they learned some things and I was reminded sometimes DIY doesn't work so well. It appears for a 07 s550 it may be a complicated fix. Can't remember exactly but I think they originally quoted about $1800, so try to get a discount or look for a 10-15% off deal.
Unfortunately VCM is too nice to have so you may need to budget for it.
Initially they said they got it to work and had me come in to pick it up. However I got home and it didn't work. They messed up on the testing part. Took the 07 S550 car back and they tried again but couldn't get it to work, but verified a new VCM did work. They still had some issues getting the new VCM to work. They did spend a decent amount of effort and made me come back a couple times so charged me at wholesale cost for the new VCM part ($1100) plus one hour. They even fixed it after my iPhone wouldn't synch up contacts. Total out the door maybe about$ 1300 and my multiple trips. I think they learned some things and I was reminded sometimes DIY doesn't work so well. It appears for a 07 s550 it may be a complicated fix. Can't remember exactly but I think they originally quoted about $1800, so try to get a discount or look for a 10-15% off deal.
Unfortunately VCM is too nice to have so you may need to budget for it.
Last edited by wwwdrew; Nov 9, 2013 at 11:46 AM.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
2007 S550
I don't know of any diagnostics, maybe someone else does. My guess is you need the dealers expensive software diag tools. I would have thought a straight swap out would work, but apparently there's more to it.
Btw, I didn't lose all audio. Stereo still worked and I could hear people on a Bluetooth call. But my S550 completely ignored anything I told it.
Btw, I didn't lose all audio. Stereo still worked and I could hear people on a Bluetooth call. But my S550 completely ignored anything I told it.
Last edited by wwwdrew; Nov 9, 2013 at 11:48 AM.
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 74
Likes: 1
From: League City, Texas
2008 Mercedes Benz E550 AMG Sport Package
Voice Command inoperative - E550
Took it to my mechanic and he told me that only the dealer can diagnose the Voice Command on my 2008 E550.
He said that they had some special diagnostics that must go through the factory back in Germany.
I will provide more details as I trouble shoot my problem. I get no response when tapping the column stalk.
He said that they had some special diagnostics that must go through the factory back in Germany.
I will provide more details as I trouble shoot my problem. I get no response when tapping the column stalk.
