COMMAND not functional - no audio but nav works
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: UK
W221 S500 SWB
COMMAND not functional - no audio but nav works
Hi all,
Basically I hadn't driven the car for a couple of weeks, and the batteries probably ran a bit low. It took much longer than usual to start and lots of warning lights were on, but after a blip of the throttle they were gone.
However, the COMMAND hasn't been right since.
- In navigation, it works but there is no sound
- In audio, it shows an empty radio station list, and memory card won't read
- In telephone, it shows a blank screen
- In video, it shows an empty TV station list
I have already tried reseting (then re-configuring), and I have also tried rebooting by holding the eject button. But they didn't solve the problem.
So what could it be? And how can I find out?
Dead secondary battery? (Possible)
Hard drive fault? (Unlikely because navigation works)
Antenna or antenna amplifier fault? (But GPS works)
Software corruption? (Unlikely because navigation works)
Amplifier? (Possible)
Audio tuner or TV tuner module? (Possible)
This is a 2007 W221 S Class with the Harman Kardon system.
Thanks.
Basically I hadn't driven the car for a couple of weeks, and the batteries probably ran a bit low. It took much longer than usual to start and lots of warning lights were on, but after a blip of the throttle they were gone.
However, the COMMAND hasn't been right since.
- In navigation, it works but there is no sound
- In audio, it shows an empty radio station list, and memory card won't read
- In telephone, it shows a blank screen
- In video, it shows an empty TV station list
I have already tried reseting (then re-configuring), and I have also tried rebooting by holding the eject button. But they didn't solve the problem.
So what could it be? And how can I find out?
Dead secondary battery? (Possible)
Hard drive fault? (Unlikely because navigation works)
Antenna or antenna amplifier fault? (But GPS works)
Software corruption? (Unlikely because navigation works)
Amplifier? (Possible)
Audio tuner or TV tuner module? (Possible)
This is a 2007 W221 S Class with the Harman Kardon system.
Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Johannesburg, South Africa
Various Fiat
The HU in your car goes into "limp" mode if the battery voltage is not right. In this mode some of the HU functions work and others don't. Get both batteries up to speed by driving the car for an hour or so. If this doesn't cure the problem then.
1.You may need to update the telematics system at a dealer
2.The audiogateway (AGW) which is the amplifier,radio tuner and system controller could be defective. The AGW is prone to be damaged by moisture in many cases.
3.A combination of the above. Good luck.
1.You may need to update the telematics system at a dealer
2.The audiogateway (AGW) which is the amplifier,radio tuner and system controller could be defective. The AGW is prone to be damaged by moisture in many cases.
3.A combination of the above. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: UK
W221 S500 SWB
Thanks for the info. I have already driven the car for about 10 miles on the motorway already.
So the audio gateway, am I right in saying it's in the left hand side of the boot?
Thanks.
So the audio gateway, am I right in saying it's in the left hand side of the boot?
Thanks.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: UK
W221 S500 SWB
Thank you. Do you by any chance have instructions to remove the trim panels by the way? I had a quick look but couldn't see all the fixing points. And I haven't been able to find it on Google.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Johannesburg, South Africa
Various Fiat
Remove floor mat. Side panels are made of moulded carpet if I'm correct. These just pull out with a bit of bending. There may be a few plastic push in clips that must be taken out.I'm not too sure about this, my apologies if I'm wrong.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: UK
W221 S500 SWB
Still haven't done anything because of the weather.
However, this morning it just started working again! I'm so confused! It still wasn't working as of last night.
Maybe there was moisture and now it dried up? Maybe the battery takes an extraordinary amount of time to charge? I just don't know...
I wish there was something like the VAGCOM for Mercedes.
However, this morning it just started working again! I'm so confused! It still wasn't working as of last night.
Maybe there was moisture and now it dried up? Maybe the battery takes an extraordinary amount of time to charge? I just don't know...
I wish there was something like the VAGCOM for Mercedes.
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Johannesburg, South Africa
Various Fiat
I've had this happen to some clients before. Some just work and some return with the same fault. The MB SDS cannot pickup the problem when the system is diagnosed, it only "sees" the fault when the component isn't working. The problem may lie in the HU or AGW. In both cases when this fault showed up again I reflashed the HU and AGW flash memory. No returns from the clients after that. In your case I hope the system keeps working.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: UK
W221 S500 SWB
Well it's playing up again 
So looks like I'll need a new audio gateway, because I don't think I'll be able to get someone to re-flash the head unit and audio gateway in the UK, at least not anywhere near where I live.
Quick question - do the standard system and the Harman Kardon system have the audio gateway? I'm trying to source a second-hand one.
Thanks.
So looks like I'll need a new audio gateway, because I don't think I'll be able to get someone to re-flash the head unit and audio gateway in the UK, at least not anywhere near where I live.
Quick question - do the standard system and the Harman Kardon system have the audio gateway? I'm trying to source a second-hand one.
Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Johannesburg, South Africa
Various Fiat
In the W221 there is only one system, a Harman AGW. This is the standard system, there is no amplifier.The AGW model is a BE 7021.MB part # A221-870-7789/80. This is a service exchange unit from MB. I've checked and there is no Harman service centre in the UK. I suggest you have a MB dealership do a diagnostic test on your car before you buy anything. If the fault is present they'll be able to tell you which component in your car is causing the problem.
Last edited by gapcobenz; Feb 25, 2014 at 08:43 AM. Reason: Something more to add
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: UK
W221 S500 SWB
Thank you. Good point actually, as I don't think I will get charged just for getting a quote.
On the other hand, it briefly came back to life yesterday after loading/unloading a bunch of things in the boot... Weird thing. Maybe it's just a loose wire somewhere?
On the other hand, it briefly came back to life yesterday after loading/unloading a bunch of things in the boot... Weird thing. Maybe it's just a loose wire somewhere?
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
LOOKING FOR A CL 600 or 500
did u get this issue resloved?
I have the same issue, i was wondering if you manage to get the issue resolved. would be great to get some details on how i should approach getting my command unit fixed.
thanks
-Digitalsleep
thanks
-Digitalsleep
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
S350
Intermittent S350 2006 Comand fault
I am having the same problems as described in this thread. The car was formerly owned by my father, who has not reported any previous problems. However I have installed an PCMCIA card for MP3 music and I'm wondering if this is part of the issue. Will try removing the card and will report back. I'm not convinced, but it is worth a try.
Does anyone have a block diagram of the comand system or know where I can get one?
I have found this online manual download facility and wondered if anyone else had experience of using it?
http://www.emanualonline.com/Cars/Me...ce-Manual.html
Thanks
Does anyone have a block diagram of the comand system or know where I can get one?
I have found this online manual download facility and wondered if anyone else had experience of using it?
http://www.emanualonline.com/Cars/Me...ce-Manual.html
Thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
E320
I had this issue three weeks ago. The car was at the dealer for scheduled maintenance and when I picked it up I had symptoms identical to that of the original poster. Took dealer 48 hours but they eventually fixed it by replacing a fuse. Sadly I don't know which fuse....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
A fuse would not likely be the culprit. I think your dealer experienced the unit working again and replaced the fuse to say they did something. A good fuse simply completes the circuit. If the symptoms are intermittent, a fuse cannot go bad then good. It sounds more like either a loose connection somewhere or a bad audio gateway. Good luck!
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
w221 s class
command system amplifier fault no sound
hello all
My w221 s class 2007 radio sound stopped working after I brought the car back from the dealer after they carried out a repair of another fault (front parking sensors).
today the dealer has informed me that the amplifier is faulty.the cost of a new amplifier is over £1,150+labour=total of £1,645.00 to fix this problem.does any one know anybody in uk who fixes this fault.or where to get an amplifier from.my car has the harmann kardon sound system. please help urgently required.
My w221 s class 2007 radio sound stopped working after I brought the car back from the dealer after they carried out a repair of another fault (front parking sensors).
today the dealer has informed me that the amplifier is faulty.the cost of a new amplifier is over £1,150+labour=total of £1,645.00 to fix this problem.does any one know anybody in uk who fixes this fault.or where to get an amplifier from.my car has the harmann kardon sound system. please help urgently required.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: UK
W221 S500 SWB
I think these guys can do it but I have never used them so I don't know for sure.
http://www.commandonline.co.uk
http://www.commandonline.co.uk
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: UK
W221 S500 SWB
I've had this happen to some clients before. Some just work and some return with the same fault. The MB SDS cannot pickup the problem when the system is diagnosed, it only "sees" the fault when the component isn't working. The problem may lie in the HU or AGW. In both cases when this fault showed up again I reflashed the HU and AGW flash memory. No returns from the clients after that. In your case I hope the system keeps working.
If DAS can't see (talk) to the unit, then how can it be reflashed?
And is online SCN coding needed to reflash these?
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Johannesburg, South Africa
Various Fiat
The DAS system cannot reflash the AGW. Online SCN coding is also unable to reflash the unit.This is done with factory supplied equipment and software,in this case Harman Becker. From what I know there is no one in the UK that has this equipment. The nearest service centre for you would probably be someone in Germany.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C class coupe
hello all
My w221 s class 2007 radio sound stopped working after I brought the car back from the dealer after they carried out a repair of another fault (front parking sensors).
today the dealer has informed me that the amplifier is faulty.the cost of a new amplifier is over £1,150+labour=total of £1,645.00 to fix this problem.does any one know anybody in uk who fixes this fault.or where to get an amplifier from.my car has the harmann kardon sound system. please help urgently required.
My w221 s class 2007 radio sound stopped working after I brought the car back from the dealer after they carried out a repair of another fault (front parking sensors).
today the dealer has informed me that the amplifier is faulty.the cost of a new amplifier is over £1,150+labour=total of £1,645.00 to fix this problem.does any one know anybody in uk who fixes this fault.or where to get an amplifier from.my car has the harmann kardon sound system. please help urgently required.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: UK
W221 S500 SWB
The DAS system cannot reflash the AGW. Online SCN coding is also unable to reflash the unit.This is done with factory supplied equipment and software,in this case Harman Becker. From what I know there is no one in the UK that has this equipment. The nearest service centre for you would probably be someone in Germany.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Johannesburg, South Africa
Various Fiat
There's a guy on eBay that's advertising a repair for this.
Has anyone used them?
Mercedes W221 Amplifier AMP Harman Kardon Logic 7 Repair | eBay
Has anyone used them?
Mercedes W221 Amplifier AMP Harman Kardon Logic 7 Repair | eBay
