SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Radar Detector Issue
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Joined: May 2012
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2005 SL55 AMG
Radar Detector Issue
Hey everyone. I just got my SL55 a couple weeks ago, and have been lurking the boards. I'm happy with my purchase, but still have a few problems with the car. The dealer I bought it from has a pretty terrible service department, so they haven't been much help. In the coming weeks I'm going to head over to Motor Werks in Barrington to get the whole vehicle looked at. Specifically, the ABC warning lights refuse to come off (as pictured). If I don't resolve this after my visit, I'm sure I'll find myself back here lurking for answers. But I have a problem that I think I could fix myself.
The previous owner installed a radar detector that is integrated into the dashboard. I'm not sure, but after some research I believe it is a K40 system. At first it worked great. Every time I started up the car the system would go through it's start up routine. But now, it refuses to turn on. I'm not sure where to go from here. Are there controls for the system? I followed the wiring, but didn't see any problems. I'm a huge newbie when it comes to these systems, and am just hoping for some general advice. Maybe there is a way to reset it? Thanks for any help.
The previous owner installed a radar detector that is integrated into the dashboard. I'm not sure, but after some research I believe it is a K40 system. At first it worked great. Every time I started up the car the system would go through it's start up routine. But now, it refuses to turn on. I'm not sure where to go from here. Are there controls for the system? I followed the wiring, but didn't see any problems. I'm a huge newbie when it comes to these systems, and am just hoping for some general advice. Maybe there is a way to reset it? Thanks for any help.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 586
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From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
Regarding the K40 problem, you have a few possibilities:
1. There is a switch (non OEM looking switch) possibly under the dashboard area that got flipped "off." Flip it back "on". I have a built in radar system in my car and they installed an external switch to toggle the system "off/on".
2. The fuse blew. You need to find the control unit (probably hidden behind the dash or possibly below it) and replace the fuse.
3. The radar system is fried.
You can see the switch for my radar system to the left of the steering wheel in this picture below:
1. There is a switch (non OEM looking switch) possibly under the dashboard area that got flipped "off." Flip it back "on". I have a built in radar system in my car and they installed an external switch to toggle the system "off/on".
2. The fuse blew. You need to find the control unit (probably hidden behind the dash or possibly below it) and replace the fuse.
3. The radar system is fried.
You can see the switch for my radar system to the left of the steering wheel in this picture below:
Thread Starter
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2005 SL55 AMG
You could not have been more right. I ran out to the car and found a switch to power on the radars. Thanks for the hasty and accurate response. But I have one question that I doubt anyone would know (but ill throw it out there anyway) . The knob that I just found (pictured) controls the radar detector. There are three ways to switch it. The middle setting turns them off. But as far as I can see, the right and left both turn on the system. What is the difference? I know that this is a long shot, but maybe someone has a similar system in their sl. Once again, thanks for the spot on answer.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 586
Likes: 12
From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
You could not have been more right. I ran out to the car and found a switch to power on the radars. Thanks for the hasty and accurate response. But I have one question that I doubt anyone would know (but ill throw it out there anyway) . The knob that I just found (pictured) controls the radar detector. There are three ways to switch it. The middle setting turns them off. But as far as I can see, the right and left both turn on the system. What is the difference? I know that this is a long shot, but maybe someone has a similar system in their sl. Once again, thanks for the spot on answer.
I guess I'm just that damn good. 
As for your new dilemma, I'd guess there are different settings for the system? My best guess is one turn activates the radar detection only and the other turn actives both radar detection and laser jamming. Since laser jamming is illegal in some states, perhaps they have to have this option???
If you are sure you have a K40 system, call them and ask them why their on/off switch has two "on" options:
http://www.k40.com/contact---register-pages-4.php
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2005 SL55 AMG
When I started the thread I also sent an email over to k40 and I just got a response. The representative was very helpful and explained that the switch goes left for city and right for highway. I figured that would be the purpose of two settings, but just wanted to be sure. Thanks for the help!
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Rotate outer ring to the left (counter clockwise) and that puts you in City mode go the other way, and that's highway mode. The center knob is volume, which you've no doubt figured out by now.
I have the same system.
**EDIT** Just saw your last post. Looks like you figured it out.
I have the same system.
**EDIT** Just saw your last post. Looks like you figured it out.
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Joined: May 2009
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From: Santa Clara, Ca
2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32
I hesitate to rain on your parade, but I had the same K40 system in one of my AMGs when I bought it several years ago.
My experience with it was that it was a low quality radar detector that provided little to none information about the band, strength, or origin of the radar (being shot) AND that I was skeptical if the Jammer provided any benefit beyond that of a placebo. I did some research and found NOT ONE BIT of independent review that was positive.
I yanked it out and in a box it sits (need any parts for yours .... let me know).
I replaced it with a Valentine one. To compare the two is to compare a cell phone to a telegraph wire (really).
The Jamming aspect of the K40 should be replaced with a proper "proven" unit. There are a few brands that are recommended .... K40 is not one of them. The "guys of lidar" (do a search) did some great comparisons on these and quantified their results in some easy to read charts.
My pick is the "laser interceptor" brand. Top quality (works great : ) and doubles as a 4 corner parking sensor (well enough for the pretense of legitimate existence on your car wink wink).
Hear are a few pics of the Valentine one integrated into the dash of one of my AMGs and of the "parking sensors" integrated into the front grill and taillights of another. The integration on the rears was completed using "Perspex 962" (black to visible light, but transparent to LASER).
Chris
My experience with it was that it was a low quality radar detector that provided little to none information about the band, strength, or origin of the radar (being shot) AND that I was skeptical if the Jammer provided any benefit beyond that of a placebo. I did some research and found NOT ONE BIT of independent review that was positive.
I yanked it out and in a box it sits (need any parts for yours .... let me know).
I replaced it with a Valentine one. To compare the two is to compare a cell phone to a telegraph wire (really).
The Jamming aspect of the K40 should be replaced with a proper "proven" unit. There are a few brands that are recommended .... K40 is not one of them. The "guys of lidar" (do a search) did some great comparisons on these and quantified their results in some easy to read charts.
My pick is the "laser interceptor" brand. Top quality (works great : ) and doubles as a 4 corner parking sensor (well enough for the pretense of legitimate existence on your car wink wink).
Hear are a few pics of the Valentine one integrated into the dash of one of my AMGs and of the "parking sensors" integrated into the front grill and taillights of another. The integration on the rears was completed using "Perspex 962" (black to visible light, but transparent to LASER).
Chris
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 586
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From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
I hesitate to rain on your parade, but I had the same K40 system in one of my AMGs when I bought it several years ago.
My experience with it was that it was a low quality radar detector that provided little to none information about the band, strength, or origin of the radar (being shot) AND that I was skeptical if the Jammer provided any benefit beyond that of a placebo. I did some research and found NOT ONE BIT of independent review that was positive.
I yanked it out and in a box it sits (need any parts for yours .... let me know).
I replaced it with a Valentine one. To compare the two is to compare a cell phone to a telegraph wire (really).
The Jamming aspect of the K40 should be replaced with a proper "proven" unit. There are a few brands that are recommended .... K40 is not one of them. The "guys of lidar" (do a search) did some great comparisons on these and quantified their results in some easy to read charts.
My pick is the "laser interceptor" brand. Top quality (works great : ) and doubles as a 4 corner parking sensor (well enough for the pretense of legitimate existence on your car wink wink).
Hear are a few pics of the Valentine one integrated into the dash of one of my AMGs and of the "parking sensors" integrated into the front grill and taillights of another. The integration on the rears was completed using "Perspex 962" (black to visible light, but transparent to LASER).
Chris
My experience with it was that it was a low quality radar detector that provided little to none information about the band, strength, or origin of the radar (being shot) AND that I was skeptical if the Jammer provided any benefit beyond that of a placebo. I did some research and found NOT ONE BIT of independent review that was positive.
I yanked it out and in a box it sits (need any parts for yours .... let me know).
I replaced it with a Valentine one. To compare the two is to compare a cell phone to a telegraph wire (really).
The Jamming aspect of the K40 should be replaced with a proper "proven" unit. There are a few brands that are recommended .... K40 is not one of them. The "guys of lidar" (do a search) did some great comparisons on these and quantified their results in some easy to read charts.
My pick is the "laser interceptor" brand. Top quality (works great : ) and doubles as a 4 corner parking sensor (well enough for the pretense of legitimate existence on your car wink wink).
Hear are a few pics of the Valentine one integrated into the dash of one of my AMGs and of the "parking sensors" integrated into the front grill and taillights of another. The integration on the rears was completed using "Perspex 962" (black to visible light, but transparent to LASER).
Chris
The best protection you can have is:
V1 radar detector (the BEST at detecting radar...and detecting radar is all you can do since it is illegal to jam it)
and
Laser Interceptor laser jammer (as he said, since jamming laser is illegal in some states but not regulated by the FAA like radar)
I had this setup on my old 540i and it worked great. Laser is tough to jam, but the jammer saved me on two occasions and let me down on one.
I didn't feel like transferring over the laser jamming system from my 540i to my SL600, but I did transfer over my V1. I would never drive without my V1.
The V1 is far superior to the K40 system and Escort system (which I have in my SL600).
Running the V1 and escort system at the same time has been eye opening. The escort system gives me many false alarms but does not always detect real threats as quickly as the V1. The V1 also tells me the strength and direction of each signal. The Escort does not tell me the direction at all and doesn't really tell me the strength either.
I've learned to ignore the Escort system. It is supposed to have laser jamming as well, but as Chris said above, independent tests have proven the jamming to be almost worthless. I don't expect it to jam anything...but I leave it on anyway just in case it actually works someday. If laser was used more frequently in my area, I would absolutely rip out the Escort system and install my Laser Interceptor system.
Don't get me wrong, the K40 will provide some protection, and if it came with the car...hell...why not use it. But if you want the BEST protection, a V1 is a great $400 investment.
...and at least now you know how to use the K40.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,187
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From: Santa Clara, Ca
2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32
Thanks for the kind words,
Here are a few more pics.
The V1 display that I modified and installed in the cluster is only lit up like a christmas tree during power up (and bogey detection) otherwise, it looks pretty much like a blank spot in the dash. The display comes all red, but changing the LED colors is easy enough and makes a worthwhile difference in my opinion.
Here is the "Parking system" (wink) installed. I need 2 hands to count the tickets it has saved me from in the last couple of years. It is not exactly cheap ($500 for front only, $900 for 4 corners) .... but watching LEO (law enforcement officer) scratch his head when he cant lock on my car until I shut the system down (after I slow to the speed limit) IS PRICELESS.
My Install is perhaps a tad more stealthy than some might think necessary, but I like to err on the side of caution. I don't plan on getting caught cheating by LEO. You learn to hide your creative advantages (In 10 years of racing in NASCAR, I never got caught cheating .... and EVERYONE cheats).
Chris
Here are a few more pics.
The V1 display that I modified and installed in the cluster is only lit up like a christmas tree during power up (and bogey detection) otherwise, it looks pretty much like a blank spot in the dash. The display comes all red, but changing the LED colors is easy enough and makes a worthwhile difference in my opinion.
Here is the "Parking system" (wink) installed. I need 2 hands to count the tickets it has saved me from in the last couple of years. It is not exactly cheap ($500 for front only, $900 for 4 corners) .... but watching LEO (law enforcement officer) scratch his head when he cant lock on my car until I shut the system down (after I slow to the speed limit) IS PRICELESS.
My Install is perhaps a tad more stealthy than some might think necessary, but I like to err on the side of caution. I don't plan on getting caught cheating by LEO. You learn to hide your creative advantages (In 10 years of racing in NASCAR, I never got caught cheating .... and EVERYONE cheats).
Chris
Last edited by latemodel21; May 24, 2012 at 02:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2012
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2005 SL55 AMG
Thanks for the help! I have some friends who vouch for the V1. The too say to never drive without one. If I'm ever in the market I know what I'll be buying. If I ever buy one, I hope to get a high quality set up like the ones pictured. I think I'll just stick to the K40 for now because it came preinstalled, but I'll be driving on the cautious side.
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I have both the K40 and the V1. The K40 is in my SL55 and has the jammer, the V1 is in my M5 with no jammer. In my opinion, the K40 is more accurate and the jammer definitely works (from experience). The V1 beeps at the slightest signals (even in highway mode) and I find myself getting more annoyed than anything.
Theres a speed trap close to my house that sets off both radars whenever I drive past it. I should see which one catches the signal first... that would be the ultimate test.
Theres a speed trap close to my house that sets off both radars whenever I drive past it. I should see which one catches the signal first... that would be the ultimate test.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,187
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From: Santa Clara, Ca
2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32
I have both the K40 and the V1. The K40 is in my SL55 and has the jammer, the V1 is in my M5 with no jammer. In my opinion, the K40 is more accurate and the jammer definitely works (from experience). The V1 beeps at the slightest signals (even in highway mode) and I find myself getting more annoyed than anything.
Theres a speed trap close to my house that sets off both radars whenever I drive past it. I should see which one catches the signal first... that would be the ultimate test.
Theres a speed trap close to my house that sets off both radars whenever I drive past it. I should see which one catches the signal first... that would be the ultimate test.
That is good to hear that the K40 appears to provide useful info ... particularly that you have found the Jammer to work (do they, K40, provide user downloadable updates? ) . In so far as V1 false alerts, I suppose it has a lot to do with where you are. In California if you turn off X and K (only Ka and Laser are in use), you almost never get any false alerts. The V1 is extremely tunable (and updateable), I don't know if K-40 has any way to adjust signal discrimination beyond Highway vs City.
I don't know anybody with a V1 who doesn't think it is the best defense ... but
Bottom line, if K40 seems to be working for you that is very good news.
If you need parts for your K40 or want a spare system, I will give it to you for what I think it is worth (ie ... Free). Seriously, anyone who wants my K40, just Pm me your zip and I will dig it up and send it to you for the price of shipping.
Chris
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From: Jersey
SL55
That is good to hear that the K40 appears to provide useful info ... particularly that you have found the Jammer to work (do they, K40, provide user downloadable updates? ) . In so far as V1 false alerts, I suppose it has a lot to do with where you are. In California if you turn off X and K (only Ka and Laser are in use), you almost never get any false alerts. The V1 is extremely tunable (and updateable), I don't know if K-40 has any way to adjust signal discrimination beyond Highway vs City.
I don't know anybody with a V1 who doesn't think it is the best defense ... but
Bottom line, if K40 seems to be working for you that is very good news.
If you need parts for your K40 or want a spare system, I will give it to you for what I think it is worth (ie ... Free). Seriously, anyone who wants my K40, just Pm me your zip and I will dig it up and send it to you for the price of shipping.
Chris
I don't know anybody with a V1 who doesn't think it is the best defense ... but
Bottom line, if K40 seems to be working for you that is very good news.
If you need parts for your K40 or want a spare system, I will give it to you for what I think it is worth (ie ... Free). Seriously, anyone who wants my K40, just Pm me your zip and I will dig it up and send it to you for the price of shipping.
Chris
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,187
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From: Santa Clara, Ca
2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32
Hey Damian,
I was able to find the complete K-40 system that I removed from one of my AMGs.
The part you were particularly interested in (the Laser transceiver that mounts above the front plate) appears to be in acceptable physical condition and I expect is fully functional (to the extent that it ever was). Along with the laser xceiver, radar receiver unit, harnessing, and control knob (hiway/city/pwr/volume), I also have a collection of documentation for the K-40 (installation, etc) that I am sending along. Ups ground is $8.31 if your NJ address is commercial, $11.08 if it is residential.
go ahead and PM me your full address and I will get that shipped to you,
Chris
I was able to find the complete K-40 system that I removed from one of my AMGs.
The part you were particularly interested in (the Laser transceiver that mounts above the front plate) appears to be in acceptable physical condition and I expect is fully functional (to the extent that it ever was). Along with the laser xceiver, radar receiver unit, harnessing, and control knob (hiway/city/pwr/volume), I also have a collection of documentation for the K-40 (installation, etc) that I am sending along. Ups ground is $8.31 if your NJ address is commercial, $11.08 if it is residential.
go ahead and PM me your full address and I will get that shipped to you,
Chris
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 32
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2004 SL55 AMG
Chris -
Beautiful install of the V1. Where did you put the main V1 unit?
I just bought the V1 remote display and want to hardwire things in my SL55. Can you offer any hints or suggestions?
Did you do the install yourself? I'm local (Bay area) if you have an install shop you can recommend.
Thanks
Beautiful install of the V1. Where did you put the main V1 unit?
I just bought the V1 remote display and want to hardwire things in my SL55. Can you offer any hints or suggestions?
Did you do the install yourself? I'm local (Bay area) if you have an install shop you can recommend.
Thanks
Thanks for the kind words,
Here are a few more pics.
The V1 display that I modified and installed in the cluster is only lit up like a christmas tree during power up (and bogey detection) otherwise, it looks pretty much like a blank spot in the dash. The display comes all red, but changing the LED colors is easy enough and makes a worthwhile difference in my opinion.
Here is the "Parking system" (wink) installed. I need 2 hands to count the tickets it has saved me from in the last couple of years. It is not exactly cheap ($500 for front only, $900 for 4 corners) .... but watching LEO (law enforcement officer) scratch his head when he cant lock on my car until I shut the system down (after I slow to the speed limit) IS PRICELESS.
My Install is perhaps a tad more stealthy than some might think necessary, but I like to err on the side of caution. I don't plan on getting caught cheating by LEO. You learn to hide your creative advantages (In 10 years of racing in NASCAR, I never got caught cheating .... and EVERYONE cheats).
Chris
Here are a few more pics.
The V1 display that I modified and installed in the cluster is only lit up like a christmas tree during power up (and bogey detection) otherwise, it looks pretty much like a blank spot in the dash. The display comes all red, but changing the LED colors is easy enough and makes a worthwhile difference in my opinion.
Here is the "Parking system" (wink) installed. I need 2 hands to count the tickets it has saved me from in the last couple of years. It is not exactly cheap ($500 for front only, $900 for 4 corners) .... but watching LEO (law enforcement officer) scratch his head when he cant lock on my car until I shut the system down (after I slow to the speed limit) IS PRICELESS.
My Install is perhaps a tad more stealthy than some might think necessary, but I like to err on the side of caution. I don't plan on getting caught cheating by LEO. You learn to hide your creative advantages (In 10 years of racing in NASCAR, I never got caught cheating .... and EVERYONE cheats).
Chris
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 239
From: Santa Clara, Ca
2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32
Chris -
Beautiful install of the V1. Where did you put the main V1 unit?
I just bought the V1 remote display and want to hardwire things in my SL55. Can you offer any hints or suggestions?
Did you do the install yourself? I'm local (Bay area) if you have an install shop you can recommend.
Thanks
Beautiful install of the V1. Where did you put the main V1 unit?
I just bought the V1 remote display and want to hardwire things in my SL55. Can you offer any hints or suggestions?
Did you do the install yourself? I'm local (Bay area) if you have an install shop you can recommend.
Thanks
Send me a Pm with your email and we can discuss what you want to accomplish and I would be happy to make some suggestions (you may even be able to get me to change some of your LED colors in your remote display)
here are a few pis including one of my V1 main unit installed .... I have been contemplating remaking the mount (in a fashion similar to the DashDaq mount I made for the driver's side ... photo included). lastly, a pic or two of the V1 remote integration.
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
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1970 220D
Damian,
Periodically, I do some LIDAR (Laser) testing of Laser Jammers in NJ with real laser guns that the police use. If you are interested in getting your K40 tested, I would be happy to help. I will be doing the next test in September or October on a Sunday.
Periodically, I do some LIDAR (Laser) testing of Laser Jammers in NJ with real laser guns that the police use. If you are interested in getting your K40 tested, I would be happy to help. I will be doing the next test in September or October on a Sunday.
