telrush

So today I purchased my first MB, 2004 sl500. 60 years old, me not the car, and never thought I would ever afford one. Dream come true!
So starts the process of DIY. Lol
My issue today, is with the entertainment system, radio powers on but no audio from any source.
Today, I replace the rear battery with a new one, old one was junk. No consumer electronics at all, before I installed the new battery. (top now retracts, tilt steering wheel now works, tap to start, etc.)
So, I wonder that I must have another issue for the audio, I’m assuming the rear battery provides power to the audio amp, but what is it that has gone bad? I did some research on this, but don’t want to start swapping out parts for the fun of it.
Anyone out there, might have some insight on this?
Thanks again,
TJ
P.S this board has some pretty bright people, and I like that and hope I can share the same vibe.

telrush

No one willing to take a crack at this? I can't be the only one that this has happen to. lol

BlownV8

Does it stay on but with no sound or does it power off after a minute or so?

telrush

Hi,
Thanks for the inquire.
It will stay on all day, but no audio. Tired, a few time to remove power from the rear battery and restore, but same results.

T

BlownV8

This would be a guess but maybe the fiber optic line to the amp is loose or broken. Take to the dealership for a diagnosis.

telrush

Guess's are good and appreciated! Thanks for your input. Any clue when the amp is hidden?

As a new to me car, I'm rapidly learning lots, about the in's and out's of this well made, sometime's, finicky & mysterious machine.

Hopefully, with the help of this forum, I can mostly keep an arm's distance from the MB dealers. Still lots to learn though, which, for me, is half the fun, maybe... time will tell .lol

Anyway, totally agree diagnosis is in order for this ghost problem. Which leads me to my next question if I may.

I was thinking about possibly, purchasing the DAS Xentry diagnostic tool on ebay or some other source depending. but need to know, first, how difficult it is to actually run and interpret codes, etc. I'm quite good with computers, so don't think that part is going to be an issue.

So, before I pull the trigger on this this purchase, it would be nice to get some feed back from others that actually use this tool. it seems there are some pitfalls to be avoided when buying this tool, but what does that actually mean? Does anyone have a good lead for purchase, or insight on which is the best release/software and pc platform to purchase? ( Keep in mind, this would only be used for my own personal use.( SL500, 2004)

BlownV8

I believe it is buried in the dash behind and below the command unit.

dfordham

Do you get the car's other sounds (beeps and dings)? If so, the amp is probably good and the problem is in the head unit.

This is based on a similar problem I had with my E a two years back. I had no sounds at all and it was the amp. It was under warranty or it would have been $1200.

telrush

Yes, I do get the other car sounds, dings-beeps etc. But what would those alerts have to do with the amp? I would not think those type of sound devices would be tied to the amp?? Seems to me the amp draws it's power from the rear battery, and the beep sounds would be supplied power from the engine battery? Otherwise this would be a safety issue perhaps..

dfordham

I didn't design it, I'm just explaining the symptoms I encountered with a bad amp.