Audio system fault CL500 2009

[TrevorG]

The radio, CD player and command centre is faulty with intermittent failure. The radio is glichy and work now and then the CD player not at all.
The command wheel at times becomes very difficult to move.
I have had this looked into and have been informed that there an head unit internal failure.
Has anyone experienced this before? If so, any ideas how to fix it?

 

[Richard Moakes]

It’s more likely to be a failure of the amplifier in the boot. They are a known failure item due to dust and moisture where they are hidden.

 

[TrevorG]

Thanks Richard, I'll take a look but do you think would account for the intermittent switching on and off and the CD player not recognising any CDs?

 

[Binnedit]

I have exactly the same issue with mine. Sound drops out intermittently.

As Richard advises, its most likely the amplifier in the boot. They have a reputation for failing.

If you have voice commands, does that work? The voice module (also in the boot) can also be a source of problems. This can be bypassed by a fibre optic bypass - about a tenner from ebay.

Regarding the amplifier. The fans can fail, causing components to cook. at higher than normal temps. These also drawn in a lot of dirt into the unit over time, causing problems.

I've just ordered a can of contact cleaner to see if I can improve mine. There are also various companies who advertise they can fix them, if you send them off to them.

I belive a new unit is approx £2k from MB.

Have a look at this - may help.

 

[Binnedit]

Just by way of update my amplifier is no longer available from MB - neither new or re-manufactured. So repair is my only option.

Current thinking is to repair & then sell the car on as the repairs (reportedly) are as fragile as the original units. Could not deal with a car without music. Very disappointed with MB. Its only 14 years old.

 

[peterws1957]

Just by way of update my amplifier is no longer available from MB - neither new or re-manufactured. So repair is my only option.

Current thinking is to repair & then sell the car on as the repairs (reportedly) are as fragile as the original units. Could not deal with a car without music. Very disappointed with MB. Its only 14 years old.

I would be tempted to buy a used unit from a breaker, but only if it's guaranteed to be working.

 

[Binnedit]

I would be tempted to buy a used unit from a breaker, but only if it's guaranteed to be working.

Hi Peter. Yes I've been scouring t'internet, however my part number appears a bit elusive, unfortunately.

I've just got off the phone to Remanx, who quoted £277* inc carriage both ways for a repair (if they can repair it). So its going to them on Monday.

I will update when I have further news

* Also advised they were registering for VAT on 1/3/24, therefore retail prices will increase 20%

 

[Binnedit]

UPDATE:

Remax re-flowed the board on my amplifier, and returned the amplifier to me within a couple of days. Very quick service. Reinstalled as soon as it arrived back (was early March) and everything worked perfectly. Hurray!

That was until last week.

The audio system lost everything. No radio stations, nothing. Just a message advising 'Device Unavailable'.

I had previously watched a couple of video's on YT for fixes and decided to try a couple of idea's, specificaly, modules not getting a 'wake up' from the optical loop. Purchased an optical loop device from the Bay of Dreams, (appox £10) to isolate various components in the loop. First up was the TV module. Hey presto, it worked! Everything back on line - apart from the TV function, which has never been used in my ownership.

That's the loop I'm holding - remainder of the plug can go back into the component. If you are going to try this, just be aware that the optical plugs have arrows showing the path direction, which must be followed. I've had to keep the loop device in situ with electrical tape as the clips dont match.



Happy days.......

Here's the video that helped me