COMAND(R) - Head Unit Inop And A Message Displayed

COMAND head unit displays the message "Theft Protection Activate..Please Turn OFF " and head unit does not work unless de-activated via initial start up.

Topic number LI82.85-P-048912

Version 1

Design group 82.85 Navigation and communication systems (CNS, ICS, COMAND, FleetBoard)

Date 03-11-2010

Validity Model Year 2009-2010 164/171/211(MY09)/219/230/251/ 463 - Theft-protection feature activated

Reason for change

Reason for block

Complaint:

Head unit does not function and displays a "theft-protection active" message. Head unit will not function normally unless proper initial start up has been carried out and the theft-protection PIN is documented in VeDoc

Cause:

^ Improper/incomplete initial start up after head unit replacement

^ CAN communication errors between Central Gateway, Electronic Ignition Switch (CGW and EIS) and head unit

^ Using a replacement head unit that has been connected/documented with another vehicle, that is a head unit removed from a vehicle in dealership inventory.

Remedy:

Read these notes completely before taking any action - This LI is for information:

All replacement head units for MY 2009-2010 vehicles use MY 2010 Hardware (noted AJ_09 in DAS). The parts ordering system automatically substitutes to this MY 2010 head as a replacement.

Theft-protection feature will be activated (head unit will not operate as a result) in the use scenarios below.

Scenario 1:

Faulty head unit --> replaced with a new (or reman) head unit from stock or PDC.

The replacement head unit has never been connected/coupled/mated to another car you must perform Automatic or Manual take over of variatn coding. Note that as soon as you plug into the vehicle and the new head unit is powered ON you must complete the initial start up process to write the PIN into VeDoc. This PIN is unique to the head unit and car you are installing this unit on. At this point, the PIN is burned-in to the head unit memory and is not yet documented in VeDoc.

Before you proceed, you must clear all CAN DTCs. CAUTION: If you do not complete the initial startup then the head unit will time out after 50 ignition cycles and the theft-protection will be activated --> head unit will no longer work. It is imperative that you perform and complete the initial start up steps.

After successful initial start up, the PIN is read by DAS and uploaded (documented) in VeDoc --> VeDoc then DEACTIVATES the theft-protection feature and enables the head unit to normal function. This process is carried out ONLY during the initial start up process so it's critical this process is completed.

Scenario 2:

Faulty head unit --> replaced with a head unit which was already connected/coupled/mated with another vehicle.

Whenever a warrantable repair is performed, only MBUSA supplied new or remanufactured Mercedes-Benz parts may be installed. The removal of parts from an in-stock or other "like" vehicle to be used as replacement parts on any warranty repair is strictly prohibited.

Caution:
If a head unit was removed from another car without "initial start up" on that car prior to removal, then you can NO LONGER successfully connect this unit to any other car.

Should the event come when a head unit from another vehicle is used, you MUST follow this process:

1. BEFORE REMOVING the head unit from the donor car, perform initial startup with automatic takeover of variant coding

2. After you finish initial start up with automatic take over --> DAS outputs (shows you the screen) The donor head unit PIN from VeDoc system.

FYI: it also shows something called CRIN (car radio identification number). PRINT the PIN and CRIN or print this screen out from DAS. You will need it later.

3. Install the head unit in the vehicle and PERFORM initial startup using the printouts containing the PIN. As you will be asked to enter this theft protection PIN. Please observe the notes on head unit swap.

4. Enter PIN from printouts --> follow DAS prompts

5. New head unit will now connected to the car --> VeDoc documents the incoming PIN --> VeDoc de-activates theft protection and enables head unit to normal functions. It is imperative all steps are completed.

Only in VeDoc the CRIN (CRIN = car radio identification number) and PIN is stored to a specific vehicle. Remember please that you only have one chance to get the information from the donor vehicle before removing the head unit from it. If the PIN is not captured prior to removing head unit from the other vehicle, the PIN can never be retrieved again and you will be responsible for the charges in the warranty claim.

CAN Communication Error Notes:

Please process any CAN communication DTCs between CGW and head unit or EIS/CGW and head unit and replace EIS if the EIS part number is any of the two:

A164 545 15 08 or A164 545 16 08.

For more information about the EIS please reference LI 82.85-P-048277.

Important:
An NTG2.5 head unit can only be connected to one VIN. As of MY 2010, it is no longer possible to swap head unit (trial fitting) for the purpose of diagnostics without performing initial start ups every time you remove/install a head unit.

Failure to adhere to the notes above will result in your claim being debited.





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