Audio System - Various iPod(R) Malfunctions
Date: February 12, 2009Order No.: S-B-82.85/544a
Supersedes: P-B-82.85/544 and T-B-82.85/545 dated March 1, 2007
Group: 82
Revision History
Revision Date Purpose
a 2/12/09 Step 1 and Damage Code Updated
- 3/1/07 Initial issue
SUBJECT
iPod Intermittently Cannot Be Operated or Controlled Using Steering Wheel Controls, Delayed Response on Instrument Cluster Display, iPod Volume Too Low Compared to Other Audio Sources
If you receive customer reports in the above model vehicles equipped with iPod Interface Kit of the below iPod conditions, this may be due to incorrectly loaded MP3 files from the user's music library onto the iPod, the Aux level of the iPod is too low or a CAN communication error between the head unit and the instrument cluster. To resolve, follow the diagnostic steps below.
^ Cannot be controlled by the multifunction steering wheel controls.
^ A delayed response (sometimes up to 2 minutes) in display of the track information or the radio station on the instrument cluster.
^ The iPod volume is too low in comparison to other Audio sources such as the CD or CD changer.
Step 1 - Compare Audio Volume of Identical Tracks from the iPod and an Audio CD
Note:
To complete step 1, you need a computer, an internet connection, iTunes, CD-R Compact Disc, a CD burner with reliable CD burning software set to a lower burning speed (8x) with data verification option checked.
^ Using a reliable internet connection, log onto the website: www.mercedes-benz.tv/mixedtape
^ When the page loads, select the menu "Mixed Tape Music Magazine".
^ Select "MP3 Download"
^ Select "MP3 Download" again (note that the Album is in a "zip" format
^ Save and unzip the file onto a local folder on your Computer
^ Insert a blank CD-R in you CD burner start the burning software and burn the selected track from your computer onto the CD-R.
^ When the burn process is complete, copy the track from your computer (NOT from the CD-R) onto your music library in iTunes.
^ From iTunes, pull this track onto the iPod (make sure you have the MP3 format checked in your iTunes burning preferences).
^ On the iPod, scroll to Settings --> Sound check --> OFF
^ Adjust the iPod to max, connect the iPod and adjust head unit's volume to any desired level.
^ Scroll to the acquired iPod track and inspect the volume.
^ Insert the burned CD-R and play the same track on the Head Unit CD player, compare the audio levels of both tracks from the iPod and CD player.
If no significant volume difference is noted between both audio sources from the iPod and the Audio CD-R, then any reported concern for volume difference may be caused by an incorrect burning process or using a poor quality audio source file.
If a significant volume difference is noted, proceed to step 2 prior to any replacement of the iPod Interface Module.
Step 2 - Adjust the Aux Output Volume Level
^ Use the MFS buttons to select the iPod menu (Aux) in the instrument cluster (IC)
^ Simultaneously, hold down the down-arrow + Tel hang-up MFS buttons for about 8 seconds, the IC displays the words "DIAG" on the top and "SW.." on the bottom --> wait 5 seconds, the IC displays "DIAG", "HW.." --> wait another 5 seconds --> "DIAG", "Vol..."
Within 5 seconds of the "DIAG", "Vol" display appearing, you can press the up or down arrow to adjust the Aux output volume. Make sure it is set to the loudest --> wait 5 seconds without pressing any MFS buttons --> the display will return to iPod main screen automatically.
If necessary replace the iPod Interface Module with part number B6 782 42 52 (or later). Reference the applicable WIS documents listed below and adjust the Aux output volume level after replacement per the below procedure.
Note:
If the vehicle is equipped with the latest iPod interface Module, you can use the procedure to adjust the Aux volume output.
Instructions to Remove the Head Unit and iPod Interface Module
Parts Information
Note:
The following allowable labor operations should be used when submitting a warranty claim for this repair. This information has been generated on February 12, 2009. Please refer to Netstar --> Star TekInfo --> Star Time for the most current labor time allowance.
In Case of Warranty, use the table above.