Radio - New Model Introduction
REF. NO. MBNA 82/40To: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS
DATE: November 1989
SUBJECT:
MODEL YEAR 1990 AM/FM STEREO CASSETTE RADIOS
1. Description and New Features
1.1 As of Model Year 1990, two different radio versions will be offered. All 124, 126 and 129 models will be equipped with Version I radios and all 201 vehicles will be equipped with Version II radios.
1.2 Both of these radios deliver equal performance and provide for AM, FM stereo and cassette listening with the following new features for M.Y. 1990:
1.2.1 New FM tuner designs that offer improved weak signal reception as well as enhanced reception in areas with strong signals. Both radios can be considered as highly competitive products. Lowering the antenna to reduce strong signal overloading will no longer be required.
1.2.2 Anti-theft CODE radio circuitry that renders the radio useless if it is removed from power, but can be recoded by the customer or dealer. Each radio will, therefore, be assigned an anti-theft code that will be printed on two wallet size cards enclosed with the vehicle. see section 4.1 for recoding instructions.
1.2.3 Elimination of AM stereo for improved AM reception.
2. Service
2.1 In the event that service is required, the customer's complaint must be verified and diagnosed as per Diagnostic Chart MBNA 2329 Rev. B (in this bulletin) and Diagnostic Manual section EB-02. Radios that are diagnosed as having no defect are not to be replaced.
2.2 Each defective radio returned must have the proper damage code selected from the Diagnostic Chart 2329 Rev. B.
2.3 Returned radios that are determined to have no defect by means of thorough and vendor testing may be returned to the dealer with subsequent debit of claim credit.
3. Dealer and Support
3.1 In order to avoid unnecessary replacement of radios (see section 2.3) we provide dealers with the following support:
3.1.1 The Radio Instructional Tape (2387) describes the many naturally occurring conditions that interfere with clear radio reception. we recommend that dealer service Personnel become familiar with the subjects covered by the tape, so that they may better understand the performance capabilities of our radios and better diagnose radio reception problems. It is recommended that, if necessary, applicable tape sections be demonstrated to customers.
3.1.2 In cases where local conditions produce radio complaints which cannot be resolved, the Zone should be contacted. They will coordinate with home office to initiate home office and/or radio vendor customer support activities.
4. Special Instructions
4.1 If a radio goes into code mode because of a dead battery or other vehicle service, it may be recoded as follows:
- Turn on the vehicle ignition
- Turn on the radio
- The radio does not play, but the word CODE appears on its display.
- Enter the code number into the radio via its station select buttons (Version I radios utilize 4 digit codes and version II radios utilize 5 digit codes).
- The radio will now function properly.
Each version radio allows only three recording attempts before entering a lock-up mode. A period of 15 minutes for version I and 1 hour for version II radios must pass before the radio will unlock and allow an additional three recoding attempts. The radio must be left on during this period. In the event that a version II radio continues to reject codes, it may require resynchronization. Simply push the Station Memory 1 button repeatedly until the radio beeps. After the beep enter the correct 5 digit code, the radio must then beep during the entry of the 5th digit. Remember, you may have to wait 1 hour for the radio to clear.
4.2 It is suggested that dealers record their customer's radio CODE numbers during PDI. This measure will expedite the recoding of radios scrambled during normal service procedures requiring electrical or battery work.
4.3 For those customers have misplaced their CODE cards, and in the event that the dealer has not recorded the code dealers may acquire CODE numbers from the home office (telephone number 201 573-2732). Before a CODE number is released, the dealer must supply his dealer code, customer's name, and VIN. Once proper proof of ownership has been established, the CODE number will be given to the dealership's Service Manager. Under some circumstances the radio serial number may also be required.
4.4 M.Y. 1990 201 radios utilize the same mounting method as the previous Becker Grand Prix electronic radio with the exception of a new rear mounting clip. This clip engages the rear bottom edge of the console and must be pushed up when the radio is removed. The clip must be transferred to the exchange radio in case of radio replacement.
4.5 Improved radio packaging has been developed that will be phased-in during M.Y. 1990. This new packaging includes a special shipping cover for Version I radios that must be removed from the exchange radio and installed on the radio to be returned before shipment. All radios must be shipped in their original packaging.
4.6 Special tool 129 589 00 05 00 is required for the of radios installed in model 129 vehicles.
Parts Information