ML 550 (164.172) V8-5.5L (273.963) (2009)
Lock Cylinder Switch: Customer Interest
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.