My SLK battery went dead a couple months ago and after that I have yet to be able to get the head unit to work again. Can anyone help me diagnose the problem? Is the unit burnt out? could it be a fuse? Let me back up a minute and say that right after the unit went out it asked me for the security code. I tried to place it in there from the manual and it didn't work. I called my dealer and they said that the code was wrong and they supposedly gave me the correct one. Well that didn't work either. Now the radio sits on wait. Is there a master reset I have to push to get the security code to come back up? Please help... it's not the same driving with out my music. Thanks for any help you can provide.

c.

 

You need the correct code.
I wonder why your code and the one the dealer gave you are different?
The code is determined by use of an algorithm resulting from the radio head unit chassis number NOT the car VIN since the unit may have been changed for some reason. Presumably the dealer requested the radio chassis number or maybe they assumed that the OE head unit is still fitted in the car to avoid you having to remove the head unit...special (low cost) tool required.
"Wait" is a security feature. Every time you input the wrong code the unit takes longer before it will allow another attempt. If you have put the code in numerous times you may have to wait a substantial period of time...with the head unit switched on for the "Wait: to clear.
If this fails you will need to locate a third party that specialises in "cracking" radio codes.
Hope this helps you understand what might be going on.

Stuart

 

Had a similar issue with my 2001 SLK320. Head Unit had been replace under warranty by the previous owner, but the security code had not been update. The WAIT display will go away after having the car on for 10 minutes and then you will be prompted for the CODE again. I talked to the MB dealer and they said I would have to go into the dealership, have the radio removed and then they would be able to give me the correct code. They had no records of the radio being replaced, although I confirmed it with the previous owner. Truly a pain. I looked into replacing the head unit with an aftermarket product, but that is even more of a pain due to the unique Ohm requirements of the Bose amp and speakers. Driving without sound until I can find some time to make it to the dealership.

 

Thank for the help. How long can the "substanital" time be? Its been well over 4 weeks. Do you think if I disconnected the battery, for say a day, will it "hard" reset all the systems and I might be able to get that code prompt? If I get the radio pulled is there a way i can figure out the code via calling the dealership? I know this has its problems due theaft but it would be worth the try... better than driving to the dealer and being carless for a day while they do that simple procedure.

 

If the "WAIT" is due to having the incorrect code entered the length of time it will take to clear is dependent upon how many times the incorrect number was entered.
The time goes up by doubling (or some similar algorithm) the "WAIT" each time an incorrect number is entered.
It is possible to determine the correct code without actually needing to have the car so long as the radio chassis number is known.
However I believe that MB dealers determine the correct code by interrogating the radio via the vehicle diagnostics which overcomes the need to actually remove the radio head unit. this method obviously requires that they have the car.
The chassis number approach should however be possible. Get MBUSA to contact MBEurope if necessary.
There are also individuals who offer code determination on the internet (eBay etc.) who use illegal software (from the radio/vehicle manufacturer) to determine the code using the chassis number approach.
In Europe dealers are in most towns. In the USA I recognise things are a little different.
Disconnecting the battery will not resolve the problem by reducing the time required for the code to "recover" and MAY incur additional coding reset issues on the vehicle dependent upon vehicle model/type etc.
The whole object of this procedure is to make radios which are stolen from vehicles worthless unless the code is known. MB and other manufacturers therefore guard the process otherwise the whole concept is worthless.
Some manufacturers like Puegeot actually code the radio to the VIN number of the car. Remove it from car A and put it in car B (exactly the same type) and it won't work without a dealer visit and appropriate security questions.
Radio theft is a major problem in Europe and especially the UK. Older MB radios are extremely desirable since they fit any standard DIN slot. More recent models less desirable because the fitment size has been made unique to a given model. A MB radio wont fit any other car.
I connect a dry cell battery across the vehicle battery if for any reason i need to remove the battery from the car. This ensures that the radio and other memory sensitive devices have sufficent power so as not to loose their memory.
Good luck.
Stuart

 

i am having the same problem with my car..i disconnected the battery and now the radio will not accept the radio code the dealer gave me. what do i have to do to resolve the problem. i have tried to input the code several times but still reads WAIT.

tks,


armando

 

simple.. if you have the correct code leave the radio on for 24hrs. this is a security feature. even with the car off you can turn on the radio. leave it on and it will reset to code

 

i thank u for the response but i have done this already 2 times and nothing it still reads..CODE...i have gotten it to rest from wait to code and the code the dealer gave me is 13121....the car is a 1999 slk230 vin # WDBKK47F4XF116991

TKS,

armando

 

I refer to my previous answer listed above.

Your code must be wrong so you need the correct one.

You will need the radio chassis number, the vehicle VIN and a dealer to provide you with the correct code should it be wrong.

As I have said previously "unlicenced" software is available on the net to determine the security code from the radio chassis number but the correct approach is thru the dealer.

So what's the problem?

Stuart

 

i had similar problem on my car and i took the car to the dealer and they removed the radio for free and gave me the correct radio code based on the SN# of the radio.

hope this is helpful


armando