Comments and help given

 
Below you will find a chronological listing of collected comments and responses from the complete Mercedes Gen-In site, these detail many elements of help and support that has been offered to readers. Comments and replies are listed from the most recently published.

If you wish to ask a topical question you may fill out the comment section beneath any post/page/article of relevance to your enquiry or fill out this form:

Thank you for helping to make this site the Mercedes Benz Resource that it is today!
 
 

  • From Tony on Mercedes E Class W210 Front Spring Perch Failure - Repair

    I caught my spring perches just as they split! They had not collapsed. Routine MB services did not identify the problem: I did!
    My W210 estate has been Mercedes dealer serviced from new. They do not necessarily do an expert job (my experience!) but the service book gets stamped.
    Because the book gets stamped there is a 30 year warranty against rust. Mercedes paid for total refurbishment of both spring perches. The MB approved repair is riveted and I have a letter of indemnity to show any UK MOT testing station that the repair is approved by VOSA.

    • Avatar photo

      From Steve Ball on Mercedes E Class W210 Front Spring Perch Failure - Repair

      Thanks for the information.
      Fastidious dealer servicing is a truly great thing. The benefits of 30 year MobiloLife extends only to those who have rigorously kept up with the handbook schedules, over time the premium costs paid for lifetime comprehensive MB servicing would probably pay for this type of repair twice over on 12 year old plus dealer maintained vehicles. Of course as vehicles exchange hands at a three year average, its rare for 4th owner cars to keep up with the cost of MB dedicated maintenance and owners can fall fowl of previously overlooked and unidentified areas of weakness. There is an interesting read on MB rust here: http://tinyurl.com/p9d25hh The perch mounting issue is well documented and commonplace in the W210 but if the truth be known, I doubt Mercedes technicians would continue to look too hard to find a problem that would in some cases realise a high repair cost to be absorbed by their company. (My own thoughts only)

      All the best Steve

  • From Matt Upston on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

    Thanks for this, just did this in my 2007 Vito and it works a dream. Like you I have put in a chassis jack for neatness but had no bother programming my stereo and even was able to turn the fader on!

    Thanks again.

    Matt

    • Avatar photo

      From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

      Hi Matt,
      Glad it worked out for you – enjoy!
      All the best Steve

  • From Hal Whyman on Mercedes Vito W639 Parking Brake - WARNING! - Don't adjust the shoes without INSPECTING THEM FIRST !!

    Got to the point where I need to back off the adjuster to remove the disc, and it appears that the adjuster cogs have corroded off. This is the off side and at the 11 o’clock position. Can’t believe it! Getting desperate, just want to yank the whole thing off. I know I need to order new brake assembly anyway.
    Has anyone got a suggestion?

    • Avatar photo

      From Steve Ball on Mercedes Vito W639 Parking Brake - WARNING! - Don't adjust the shoes without INSPECTING THEM FIRST !!

      Hi Hal,
      If you are sure there is no star wheel left to rotate, (take a pen torch and have a careful look through a wheel stud hole to be sure you are in the correct position) Then the best thing to do is grind or twist the hook off the two shoe retaining spring pins at the back of the back-plate so they flirt inside releasing their spring tension, this should allow the drum assembly to be removed with a bit of wiggling – as now the shoes are no longer retained to the backplate with the hold down springs giving some angular play to the shoes to get the drum off. (use of a Dremmel is best for this if you have one)

      You should really use a new spring kit when you rebuild the assembly, so damaging the old ones at this point in the proceedings will not matter. Make sure you grind the ‘wear lip’ off the inside of the drum before you refit the new shoes, as this is what is preventing you getting the drums off now.

      Hope this helps, Steve

      • From Hal Whyman on Mercedes Vito W639 Parking Brake - WARNING! - Don't adjust the shoes without INSPECTING THEM FIRST !!

        Thanks Steve,
        I have new discs and pads and was planning to get on with that until I got to the point I stated previously.
        I have reassembled for the time being as I’m certain I will need to obtain shoes, springs and new adjuster. May as well do a total refurbishment as I suspect there’s bad corrosion.
        Thanks for the tip for disc removal, I was getting frustrated.
        I’ll post how I get on, though it will be next week now.
        Hal

  • From Aloha Brad on Mercedes E Class W210 Front Spring Perch Failure - Repair

    Aloha sir,
    Thanks for all the help as this is what i have been searching for.
    My problem is the spring DID break and the spring shot out at low speed.I just love the
    ( E-300 Turbo)motor is there a way to repair this?thanks again very helpful either way
    Brad

    • Avatar photo

      From Steve Ball on Mercedes E Class W210 Front Spring Perch Failure - Repair

      Hi Brad,

      Sorry to hear about what happened to your car. I wonder if any of the upper perch still remains? If it does this could be re-welded back in position to the inner wing and a new/used spring fitted to replace the broken one. If you have rusting to the inner wing area around where the perch needs to be welded you may opt to get hold of one of these perch repair plates through a Mercedes Benz dealer. I understand the cost is around $300 USD, but its my guess you will be able to get someone to fashion the remainder of the cup into a serviceable welded repair. Just get hold of a replacement spring , rubber spring seat (inside the perch) and whatever else was damaged in the incident and rebuild the assembly. Good luck on the repair I am sure it will be worth it !

      All the best Steve

      • From Aloha Brad on Mercedes E Class W210 Front Spring Perch Failure - Repair

        Thank’s again Steve i really like this car and you have been most helpful.
        Look’s like i’m going with my pal Fabricating the Plate,went with the High end spring’s beef it up a bit.
        Many thank’s
        Aloha
        Brad

        • Avatar photo

          From Steve Ball on Mercedes E Class W210 Front Spring Perch Failure - Repair

          Great news Brad,

          Just be aware that the springs and shock absorbers are different specs between Avantgarde (Lower and stiffer) and the other models in the range if you need to buy/source any replacement parts.

          Steve

  • From Mark on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

    I found the solution to the problem, Switch the radio on without the ignition on, and turn to radio function. Switch off…..then turn radio on again, after 2 sec. press the sound adjustment key (with the 2 notes on it) together with the #4 selector for radio stations. this puts you into the menu of the radios AUX EXT……press the button up key untill you see the AUX OFF…..turn the volume dial till it says AUX EXT…..then press left key to finish……..now press CD twice and you should see that button now has two options in the display…….NOW THE AUX IS ACTIVE !!!!!

    You don´t need to visit Mercedes for a STAR fix !!!!

    Good luck !

    • Avatar photo

      From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

      Hi Mark,

      Thanks for the useful info, what I think you may have actually done there is selected the function AUX ON as described in the manual page photo shown in the post. Only radios ‘enabled’ with the AUX function have access to turn this on – yours obviously has. The HA1111 radio with a standard flash has no AUX ON – AUX OFF option and it will not appear anywhere, even in the set up menu. In some cases even CDC (disc changer) cannot be selected unless enabled in the radio’s flash. You may be fortunate that your radio is already configured to allow the extra options to be selected, some sets are not.

      I will test out your solution with a radio known to be without AUX that I have here and report back on the blog. I hope you are correct as that’s a great work round and will save folks a fortune at the dealers. Thanks again for the informative input.

      All the best
      Steve.

      • Avatar photo

        From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

        Mark – That’s an absolute GEM !!!

        From testing out the known featureless set I have here and following your instructions It it does in fact reveal a hidden manufacturer ‘test mode’ within the radio itself, (how on earth did you discover that !!) In this test mode there is indeed a selection for turning the AUX – ON and OFF. That is a fantastic find and for that I truly thank you. I will put together a video later this evening on how to access this menu and show what else is hidden in there too ! (some real interesting stuff hidden in there!! eg turning the Weather Band – ‘WB’ reception option on or off, LW or MW enable/disable and a few other interesting features )

        Its opened up a whole new avenue to accessing the radio, its functionality and how it now can be ‘user’ configured without STAR – not just with AUX selection, but with a multitude of other options too. Thanks again for letting me know and sharing this top find on the blog.

        Look out for the video in the next day or two credited to your findings….

        All the best Steve

        • From Cat on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

          Unfortunately this trick doesn’t work on every set; mine at least didn’t work;

          so I take an appointment at my dealer, and solved the problems;
          looks like test menu is not enabled by default in newer sets (mine is 2013) at least not in Canada; and he didn’t want to enable for me;
          but at least he enabled all featured missing from initial set-up: Aux, RDS (after 15 min of hard explaination to the mechanic that RDS is not the TV Sport Channel we have in Montreal, it’s just a radio function 🙂 )WB, LW, Traffic announcement, actually I was staying just beside him to have him checking ON option for all features on his software.

          BTW his software is quite a piece; once connected he knew everything about what I do with the car.

          thanks all for every answer; I learned a lot.

          • Avatar photo

            From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

            Hi Cat,

            At least now you have it sorted out… eventually. We all know why he would not enable manual test mode for you don’t we? – He would not get any monetary return for future work if you could change things yourself! It is interesting that the radio was not ‘Test Mode’ enabled. It’s worked on every set I have tried it on thus far, although I will admit that the manufacturing date of the radios tested would not extend much beyond 2010. Maybe this is a point to note.
            Thanks again for the useful feedback.
            All the best

            Steve

        • From Cat on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

          could this trick, by any chance, to enable the RDS function?
          can someone please check in that well hidden menu?

          • Avatar photo

            From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

            Hi Cat,
            I did have a quick scroll round the test mode menus and unless I am mistaken there is no mention of RDS On or Off, I suppose it could be a region setting but at this moment I am still unsure. Let me have another look over the next few days and I will report back. Part of me still thinks that if the RDS function cannot be selected as per the manual it is possibly faulty. What did the dealer suggest? I realise you are not impressed with your local dealer but why not use the larger network of dealers to get some answers, its a Mercedes after all and no matter where it was purchased the support should still be there from any dealer. Maybe try calling the next county dealership on the phone to start.

            Let me know and I will get back to you when I find out a little more about the test menu.

            Regards Steve

          • Avatar photo

            From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

            Cat,
            The RDS Mode ON/OFF is inside the test mode menu ! Enter the test mode as described above and find the RDS option, when you have it rotate the volume control to select ‘ON’ and then advance through the remainder of the menus using the up button until you reach END, then turn off the set. You should now have RDS enabled.

            Regards Steve

          • Avatar photo

            From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

            Here is the video showing how to access the HA1111 Sound 5 Test Mode menu and the options listed within it.

            Assumed Functionality and Key Settings

            Assumed Functionality and Key Settings in Test Mode

            I have taken a ‘first guess’ at what the individual settings mean or relate to – I may be wrong in some cases and there are a few not worked out yet but hopefully it provides the basics to go on should you venture into this menu.

            Test Mode
            DEV – Hex ID Tag for the Device
            SER – Serial Number of Device
            HW – Hardware Date /Week and Year/ (WW/YY)
            SW – Software Date /Week and Year/ (WW/YY)
            DECK – CD Deck Date /DAY/MONTH/YEAR/VERSION (DD/MM/YY/VV)
            PRD – Production Date – /DAY/MONTH/YEAR (DD/MM/YY)
            TUN – Tuner ???
            P1- ???
            FAD – Front to Rear Fader option ON/OFF
            GAL – Speed Dependant Volume. GAL is a special circuit which automatically adjusts the radio volume according to vehicle speed. This compensates for higher noise levels at increased speeds.
            GAL OFF – No speed dependent volume adjustment
            GAL 1 – Volume adjustment set to activate at lower speeds
            GAL 7 – Volume adjustment set to activate at higher speeds
            TON – Mid range tonal shift
            RDS – ON OFF
            TP VOL – RDS Traffic program break in volume level
            AREA – Sales Region ECE (Europe)
            KW- Short Wave Band Selection option ON OFF
            LW- Long Wave Band Selection option ON OFF
            WB- USA VHF Weather Band Selection Option ON OFF
            EXT- External audio input selection. OFF or Either ON or AUX for auxiliary wired audio input
            SCR- (ID3) ON OFF ????
            PHON- MIN Minimum phone break in volume
            PHON-MAX Maximum phone break in volume
            AMP – Amplifier output ON OFF
            CD – T Temperature protection alarm limit for CD player (Disc/Player damage)
            CAN – CANbus Security Location HEX Code (This model is blank FE00)
            Blacked Out Display – Contrast Set/Test
            Clear Display – Backlight Illumination Level Test
            RESET – Press SC button to enter defaults and lose all custom settings of this menu
            END – End of menu Turn unit off on this point in the menu to save options.

  • From Cat on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

    Hi, I just bought a new Sprinter, 2013, and I can not turn on RDS function on stock radio.
    Eben in the books are written as available, looks like the radio doesn’t have this function.

    is that true? in no rds what other radio I can use to replace the stock radio, to have RDS and bluetooth?

    thanks

    • Avatar photo

      From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

      Hi There,

      I am not sure if they missed it from the new edition manual for the Sound 5, but the slightly older published radio operation paperwork shows that a continuous press on the ‘FM’ button top left will turn RDS on/off. Look here: Look specifically at .pdf page number 12. Not sure about the Bluetooth but a call to the dealer will confirm your options here if you radio/vehicle is pre-wired with the phone option. Hope it works for you.

      Regards Steve

      • From Cat on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

        yes, I saw and try that, but nothing happened.
        I press it for about 30 sec and still nothing, not even a beep.
        is maybe another combination: press FM and turn the volume, or something like that?

        just asking, I would really want it to turn RDS on.

        • Avatar photo

          From admin on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

          Hi again,

          It seems the mute button (speaker symbol with a line thru) has a similar function if pressed and held, it should also turn RDS on and off according to the manual. Worth a go, maybe this will work. Failing that I am stumped !! Let me know how you get on.

          Regards Steve

          • From Cat on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

            hi there, sorry for the delay;
            unfortunately it not working either; tried lot of combination with mute and other sound button;
            looks like I have to visit the dealer; I already hate them

  • From CHRIS on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

    HELLO, I RECENTLY BOUGHT A W169 2006.THE CANR WAS INITIALLY INSTALLED WITH THE RADIO CD 20 I BELIEVE. THE PREVOIUS OWNER REPLACED IT WITH A PIONEER USB RADIO CD. THIS IS NOT FINCTIONING WITH THE MULTIFUNCTION STEERING WHEEL.ALSO THE WATCH IS NOT SYNCHRONISED. SO I DECIDED TO PURCHASE A MOBIS SOUND 5 NG HA 1111 WHICH SUPPOSE TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE A CLASS PLUS OTHE MANUFACTURER MODELS. SOMETHING IS REQUIRED TO GET THE THING FUNCTIONING..ANY IDEAS?
    CHRIS

    • Avatar photo

      From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

      Hi There Chris,

      If I understand your question correctly, am sure the HA1111 is compatible with the A Class Mercedes (2006). I think there should be a small plug and loom (separate to the speaker and power ISO wiring) that plugs into the upper row of radio terminals. This connects to the steering wheel controls through a short loom, via the air bag ‘clock spring’ contact arrangement to the steering wheel controls. There is a chance that if the steering wheel controls were not used with the aftermarket radio the original ‘wheel control’ connector may have fallen down in the dash somewhere. Have a look around and see if you can locate it.

      If you are making reference to the radio not working with regard to ‘PROD’ error then please read again the original post as it explains in detail why and how the PROD error occurs. Please let me know if you need any more information.

      I hope this helps,

      All the best. Steve

      • From CHRIS on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

        dear Steve,
        thank you for you reply.Today one mercedes dealer in athens managed to install physically the radio cd but the unit is not functioning due to prod error which ligts after few minutes. i believe that it is needed to reset its flash code in order to have the unit usufull. The technicial cannot do this procedure.

        • Avatar photo

          From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

          Hi Chris,
          As you have discovered the PROD error is caused by a mis-match of the radio and vehicle. The details of this are outlined in the original post as you have no doubt read. The only thing I can suggest is to take your radio to a car audio specialist for decode (reflash) or you can often pick up ‘used decoded’ Sound 5 unit from the popular online auction sites cheaper than the decode operation at the audio specialist!
          Good luck and I hope you get it sorted out quickly.
          Steve

  • From lee on Poor First Gear Selection - Manual Gearbox Problem W639 Vito - Cure

    hi tried gear oil in box is a lot smoother still not perfect but is now more drivable fanx for post is worth changing many fanx lee

  • From Mike Sommerfield on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

    Steve i bought an after market Android media system designed for a Sprinter with Canbus suport and it is replacing a Sound 5 with Canbus ( Iknow because I have a seen a diagnostic laptop system turn on my radio ) on the Sound5 There are the regular speaker connection bank and then only five connections on the lower connect Unfortunatelry the aftermarket unit came with a connector designed for a Radio 20 Which has hot, neg and two can bus wires , I can t find a pin out for the sound five that indcates the canbus pinout just ISO10487 pinouts Are they using what would normally be the power anttena and dash light terminals for the canbus wires and if they are which is high and low ?

    • Avatar photo

      From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sound 5 Auxillary Audio Input Modification

      Hi Mike,

      I see your problem.

      The Sound 5 should have the same pin outs as the earlier Audio 5 as these were fitted to both Sprinter and Vito Models at different points in time. If this is the case I am not sure that the Power Antenna / B+ wires are used for CAN BUS as you suggest. If the wiring is the same on the two models of radio above then this document will help:

      Click to access 342DB01.pdf

      ISO Connector A – Pin 6 = CAN Hi, Pin 7 = CAN Lo, Pin 8 = GROUND. I hope this helps. If not have a search for CAN Adapters and view their documentation as often the wiring to common radios in the Mercedes range is shown.

      Good luck – Steve.

  • From Stu on Poor First Gear Selection - Manual Gearbox Problem W639 Vito - Cure

    Hi, I have for ages had a gear selection problem with my 109cdi and every morning from cold it is almost impossible to select 1st gear or reverse. Pulling away and then trying to get second is the same. Once the van warms up the gears are much better but not great.. I have read your article with interest and have taken the step of changing the gear oil with carlube atf-u as you have. Immediately the gear change is smooth. Miracle in my eyes.. Are you a technician or have knowledge as to the suitability of this lubricant. Does your van still run ok using it..
    Would hate to destroy gearbox…I only do lowish mileage as i work around local area as a gas fitter so van doesnt get hammered..Interested in your updates on your experiences of using this oil..Regards

    • Avatar photo

      From Steve Ball on Poor First Gear Selection - Manual Gearbox Problem W639 Vito - Cure

      Hi there Stu,
      I am so pleased the oil swap worked for you, to answer your question my own van is still running fine with no ill effects.( I am 99% sure that it will continue that way too!)

      I have a lifetime in engineering background, both automotive and industrial and my own research on oil types has shown that what manufacturers do is select an oil that is good for all uses no matter where their vehicle is in the world. A perfect example is: A van could be sold to a customer in Saudi Arabia who uses his vehicle fully loaded and always tows a laden trailer – the oil must offer the best protection for his type of use. For my use and I would imagine yours, an oil that is almost of the same specification but would probably require an oil cooler in the Saudi case above, will be just fine in the UK – especially if you rarely work the van to its limits.

      Its for this reason that I chose to try the oil swap. In both our cases the gearboxes we have, most certainly are exhibiting a degree of wear and in selecting alternative oils we can continue to use the vehicle without troublesome gear selection problems. In truth our gearboxes may need mechanical repair to rectify the selection problems and return them to factory new condition, all I am suggesting is why not delay this repair (maybe indefinately) by finding a work-round to the problem. My wallet agrees and I would imagine yours does too! Thanks for your comment.

1 … 134 135 136 137