Good morning everyone,
New to the forum so let me thank everyone for all the i formation that is already out there its been very helpful.

I have an 03 sl500 and the radio/command has no power. I pulled the head unit and fuse was dead, replaced turned on and instantly popped again. Unplugged all connections but the power and still popping a fuse followed by a little smoke and the electrical burning smell. Checked amp fuse and it's ok. Wondering what to try next? I know it's a 20 year old system if it has to be replaced it is what it is. I'd just hate to buy another unit and instantly fry it.

What should I check next?

Thanks!!!!

 

The head unit is toast! Nothing external will cause a replacement to do the same, so long as the supply is no more than 15V (13 volts is nominal value).

May be worth considering an upgrade as any used head unit will be over 20 years old already! Unfortunatly it is likely a D2B system which is harder to replace than the later MOST systems

 

I figured that was going to be the case. From what I've read the 03-04 are the hardest ones to upgrade. Feel free to correct me i don't take things personally haha.
Any recommendations for an upgraded unit? Doesnt look like anything is direct plug and play even with different harnesses but I may be wrong. I'd like to have the steering wheel controls still work. Other than that android auto and carplay are about all I need

Thanks!!