Head unit change issue.

5w155t0ny

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R230 SL350
Afternoon guys,
My recently acquired R230 has an apparently dead Comand head unit.
The red battery warning was on the dash when I collected the car but was listed as a stored fault, so I used my iCarsoft and cancelled the error, which then disappeared.
It came back on for around 10 seconds a few days later but vanished again.
I have a voltage meter plugged in and battery is charging at 14.1 when running so no alternator issues.
Disconnected both batteries for around 2 hours last week in an attempt to reset the head unit but still won’t fire up.
Have got a new Kenwood head unit to go in but don’t have the correct cables to connect as I have just discovered the car has an amp fitted, along with the DVD nav unit and cd stacker.
Does anyone know the cable connector I need but also if there are any other possible reset procedures for the Comand unit to see if it dead or just resting?
The other issue I have regarding checking fuses on the Comand is mine seem to have a lot less fuses and fuse sockets than is shown on the available maps, so not even sure if it might just be a fuse?
Sorry for the essay, maybe pics will help?
As you can see on the fuse photo, fuse 77 does not exist, so is it all powered through the amp?

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5w155t0ny

5w155t0ny

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Apropos to my previous post, can anyone confirm if my car has the MOST amplifier system (Bose amplifier?) from the spec sheet ( see pics below)? IMG_7598.jpeg IMG_7599.jpeg
 
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5w155t0ny

5w155t0ny

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Just for future reference for anyone else having this issue and receiving as much help as I have on this thread :rolleyes:.
The MOST system replaced the D2B on the facelift of the R230 in 2005 and if it isn’t the Bose or Harmon Kardon amplified systems, then it will be the standard audio gateway with built in amp. Whichever system it is, it is a complete pain in the arse if you are looking to change head units to aftermarket and you will lose the steering wheel controls and ability to change the time on the clock, unless there is a way to code the function into the dash through Star.
On the upside, at least I’m getting quite good at removing the interior panels to access the audio components :cool:
 

mioba

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Maybe there was not many pointers as people simply dont know the answer.

Glad you are getting there.
 
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5w155t0ny

5w155t0ny

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Maybe there was not many pointers as people simply dont know the answer.

Glad you are getting there.
Point taken, but there has not even been a response to suggest someone to speak to or contact.
I’d have probably got some replies if I had posted a picture of a shiny car, asking for polish recommendations. :D:D
 

Mark Q

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No expert but there are a number of variables, CAN, optic cables, Bose etc. There are a number of posts on here and you tube videos of people replacing the head units, just have a search around and be sure of exactly what your starting point is. Some of the Chinese Android units manage to keep the steering wheel controls. Find yourself a really good auto electrician.
 
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