SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Satellite radio antenna open circuit

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 7, 2019 | 12:03 PM
  #1  
Leej's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 34
From: USA Tennessee
2008 SL550 R230, 2004 E320 W211
Satellite radio antenna open circuit

I have a 2008 SL550 with factory satellite radio (SAT button on radio, and antenna in the center of my trunk lid).

However, the SAT Radio has never worked and stays on the "Acquiring Signal" screen continuously. I have spent hours on the phone with SiriusXM, and they have tried to send signals to the radio, but nothing has worked.

I recently got SDS, and found the following current code:
"D241 The antenna cable from the component N87/5 (SDAR control unit) to component A2/82 (SDAR antenna) has an open circuit."

This is promising and implies that the antenna may be disconnected somewhere or bad. I removed some of the trunk lining (what a pain) and didn't see anything unusual. Does anyone have any ideas???

Thanks

Lee
2008 SL550
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2019 | 10:27 PM
  #2  
Rudeney's Avatar
MBworld Guru
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Do you have the Sirius antenna "bump" on the trunk lid? If not, then that may be the issue - no antenna. If you have it trace the wire from there.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2019 | 10:36 AM
  #3  
Leej's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 34
From: USA Tennessee
2008 SL550 R230, 2004 E320 W211
@Rudeney Yes, I'm pretty sure I have the "bump" antenna, unless I'm confused on what the antenna looks like (very possible). See pic below:



I pulled some of the trunk lining/trim and didn't see anything unusual, but I guess I need to take more out and trace the wire as suggested (I was trying to minimize removing all the trunk linings/panels as I am sure I will break some of the lining and trim clips...).

I was just hoping that someone else had experienced this and/or maybe there is a common point of failure or loose connectors.

Thanks

Lee
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2019 | 11:54 AM
  #4  
Rudeney's Avatar
MBworld Guru
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Here's where the tuner is located:

http://benzbits.com/r230/SiriusTuner.pdf

The antenna wire runs down the left side of the trunk hinge and tubular frame. You will need to remove the trunk lid paneling to access the wire from under the antenna, and yes, you may break some of the plastic clips, so I'd have a handful of spares ready (A0009905792). I'd disconnect the antenna wire from both the antenna and the tuner and check continuity. If it's good, then it may be the antenna that has failed. You could try a generic Sirius antenna plugged into the tuner to check it.
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2019 | 08:41 PM
  #5  
Leej's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 34
From: USA Tennessee
2008 SL550 R230, 2004 E320 W211
Closing the loop on this, Dealer was doing other work (passenger SAM and SBC under warranty), and saw the SAT antenna open circuit stored code. They pulled the trunk lid lining and said SAT antenna cable was simply disconnected. They reconnected and SAT radio is working now. I can't imagine it just came loose or was disconnected on purpose; I can only assume previous owner was doing something in trunk and pulled it loose... Regardless, all is good now!

Lee
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2019 | 12:57 PM
  #6  
Rudeney's Avatar
MBworld Guru
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Actually, mine is disconnected right now. Why? Well, I decided to cancel my Sirius subscription because I just don;t drive the car enough to justify paying for it. Plus, I have three other subscribed radios, so I have use of their streaming service, so if I want Sirius in the car, I just fir up the app on my phone. Bu, just before cancelling, I unplugged the antenna so the radio wouldn't get the cancel signal. I'll probably reconnect in a few months and see how long it works before they do some "housekeeping" and send out another kill signal. I actually have an old Sirius windshield-mount portable radio that has worked for years without a subscription as they have just "forgotten" about it and never send a kill signal. I used to carry it when traveling in rental cars in the pre-app days.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:09 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE