STARTUNED

Information for the Independent Mercedes-Benz Service Professional

® December 2017
U.S. $6.00 | $5.36
Volume 17 | Number 4

Inside:

Cooling Fan Circuits

Control Unit Programming Now!
Harness Repairs 2017
Recalibration of Driver-Assist Technologies

Mercedes-Benz
December 2017 1
Article Header

2 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
 STARTUNED
®

December 2017
Welcome to StarTuned®, the magazine for independent service In This Issue
technicians working on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Your Mercedes-Benz
dealer sponsors StarTuned® and provides the information coming your
4 Cooling Fan Circuits
way in each issue. Does the fan come on at odd times, maybe not at
Mercedes-Benz wants to present the information you need to know
all, or runs continuously? Here’s an overview of the
to diagnose and repair Mercedes-Benz vehicles accurately, quickly
functionality of engine cooling fans and their circuitry.
and the first time; text, graphics, on-line and other technical sources
combine to make this possible.
Feature articles, derived from approved company sources, focus on
being useful and interesting. 10 Control Unit Programming Now!
Our digest of technical information can help you solve unanticipated Reflashing, recalibrating, and marrying
problems quickly and expertly. are now essentials of the auto service
We want StarTuned® to be both helpful and informative, so please let business. You need XENTRY!
us know just what kinds of features and other diagnostic services you’d
like to see in it. We’ll continue to bring you selected service bulletins
from Mercedes-Benz and articles covering the different systems on
these vehicles.
20 Harness Repairs 2017
Send your suggestions, questions or comments to us at:
Often, repairing a wiring harness makes
StarTuned® more sense than replacing the whole thing.
303 Perimeter Center North, Suite 202, Atlanta, GA 30346 Mercedes-Benz makes it easy to do a high-
Phone: +1.770.705.2069 quality, long-lasting job.
E-mail: [email protected]

MBUSA Technical Content Advisor

Donald Rotolo
Editorial Director
Bob Freudenberger
30 Recalibration of Driver-assist Technologies
[email protected] [email protected]
Before returning the vehicle to your customer,
Collision Content Advisor Contributing Editors here are tips to help you catch trouble codes that
Benito Cid Joel Alson, Dave Facciuto,
[email protected] Glen Quagmire, Wayne Riley, alert you to calibrate or reset them after repairs.
Frank Walker
MBUSA Project Manager
Stefanie Schweigler Automotive Data Media Project Mgr.
[email protected] Tamra Ayers Banz
[email protected]
Group Publisher
Christopher M. Ayers, Jr. Art Director 35 Wholesale Team Spotlight: Ron Resnick
[email protected] Christopher M. Ayers III
[email protected] Parts Sales Manager for the 115 or so Mercedes-Benz
dealerships in 13 southeastern states, Ron really loves
the parts business. Virtually his entire professional
Visit us at our web site MBWholesaleParts.com to view past career -- 40+ years -- has been in the parts business,
issues of StarTuned®, along with a wealth of information on much of it within the Mercedes-Benz family.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts.
Visit mbusa.com to locate a Mercedes-Benz dealer near you.

The best or nothing.

StarTuned® is a publication of Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”). No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the express written permission of MBUSA. Editorial and Circulation
Offices: 134B River Road, Montague, NJ 07827.
CAUTION: Vehicle servicing performed by untrained persons could result in serious injury to those persons or others. Information contained in this magazine is intended for use by trained,
professional auto repair technicians ONLY. This information is provided to inform these technicians of conditions which may occur in some vehicles or to provide information which could assist
them in proper servicing of these vehicles. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to perform repairs correctly and safely. If a condition is
December
described, DO NOT assume that a topic covered in these pages automatically applies to your vehicle or that your vehicle has that condition. StarTuned® is a registered trademark of2017
MBUSA. 3
Feature

Cooling Fan Circuits

Does the fan come on at odd times,
maybe not at all, or runs continuously?
Here’s an overview of the functionality of
engine cooling fans and their circuitry.

Mercedes-Benz
 December 2017

Engine cooling fans have been in heat. When the vehicle is idling As automobiles added air
operation on most production cars or moving slowly through traffic, conditioning and other accessories
for well over a century. Circulation however, there’s a crucial need to the need for more efficient engine
of water or coolant through a heat move additional air through the cooling became evident. Enter the
exchanger (radiator) has been the cooling fins. Hence the introduction electric cooling fan.
traditional method of keeping waste of the cooling fan.
heat from destroying the engine. Early electric
When the vehicle is at cruising Early models simply had a fan with cooling fans
speed, there is enough air flow two or more blades attached to a The addition of air conditioning
through the fins of the radiator to drive pulley, often on the water pump was probably the most influential
facilitate the proper exchange of shaft. As vehicle design became factor in the need to engineer a
more concerned with maximizing better method of moving air through
power and efficiency, engineers saw the radiator. The addition of the
this as an area of wasted energy. condenser restricted the air flow
The first attempts at mitigating this somewhat in addition to heating the
waste was the introduction of the flow. These took the form of one or
fan clutch, a thermostatic engine more fans mounted in front of the
cooling fan that can freewheel at low radiator and condenser that “push”
temperatures when cooling is not more air through the two units.
needed, allowing the engine to warm
up faster, and relieving unnecessary The earliest designs had fairly
load on the engine. As temperatures simple circuitry controlling the
increase, the clutch engages so that fans. Engine cooling fans are big
the fan is driven by engine power consumers of electricity, so there’s
and moves air to cool the engine. always been a need for some special
Most fan clutches are viscous or considerations in circuit design. How
fluid couplings, coupled with a bi- much current do they draw? There
metallic sensor system similar to are a lot of factors that determine
that in a thermostat. These are still this, and the amount of amperage the
in use today. motor requires is only one of them.
Amperage and airflow are related, but
Some attempts to further enhance you must also consider the pitch of
the efficiency of the fan included the fan blades, the diameter of the
electronic controls, which fan, the shape of the fan shroud, and
regulate the level of engagement also what it is that you are trying to
depending on any number of inputs. move the air through. For example,
Common controlling factors might is the fan trying to move air through
The electronically-controlled fan clutch went a include engine oil temperature, an oil cooler that is only 3/4-inch
long way in increasing efficiency and keeping transmission oil temperature, coolant thick, or is it trying to pull the air
the fan from spinning when it’s not needed.
temperature, A/C system pressures, through a five-core radiator that has
Opposite page: Here’s an older design of a
and ambient air temperature. an air conditioning condenser and
dual electric fan system on a 140 model. charge-air-cooler stacked in front of
Cooling Fan Circuits

it? All manufacturers rate their fans fans are switched on with infinite measured by the refrigerant
by cubic feet per minute (CFM) of speed adjustment depending on pressure sensor is compared with
airflow at zero inches static pressure. the refrigerant pressure and or/ a value stored in the pushbutton
This is the amount of air the fan coolant temperature. The pushbutton control module. When the
moves without anything in front of it. control module receives coolant following values are present the
A typical two-core radiator will create temperature data from the A\C fan is adjusted infinitely:
about 0.5 inches of static pressure coolant temperature sensor and -R efrigerant pressure > 16 bar =
in front of the fan. The factors that the refrigerant pressure from the fan low speed
determine the CFM rating of a fan refrigerant pressure sensor. This -R efrigerant pressure > 20 bar =
are the motor itself, the fan speed input information is transferred to fan maximum speed
(rpm), fan-blade design pitch, number the auxiliary fan control module by • Pushbutton control module –
of blades, diameter, area and design the pushbutton control module. The controls the AIR (fan) control
of the fan shroud it is built into, and auxiliary fan control module processes module with a minimum of 3mA
static pressure. this information and compares it with and a maximum of 10mA. The fan
stored values. The resulting request is control module compares these
Amperage then transferred to the auxiliary fan.
Amperage normally measures how with stored values and switches
much load an electrical device draws Newer systems on the auxiliary fan under the
when in operation. Automotive fans With the introduction of the W211 following conditions:
are rated at 13.5 volts, and the rating and similar models, a more complex - Outdoor temperature > 5 C
is after the motor is at operating system was designed, which requires - Refrigerant pressure ≥ 13 bar
rpm. The initial startup of the fan more detailed diagnostic procedures - Coolant temperature ≥ 103 C
will have an amperage spike of up to as well as a strong understanding of With complaints of a cooling fan
60%, which lasts only a millisecond. system operation . Any attempt to that runs continuously, the workflow
provide the details of all the cooling would be something like this:
Compare the factors that shape the fan circuits found in Mercedes-Benz
CFM rating of a fan to these items automobiles would require
that affect the amperage draw of volumes of writing. For
an electric fan motor: efficiency the sake of brevity, we will
of the motor, weight of the fan describe some of the basic
blades, resistance of the electrical systems you’ll find on most
components, mechanical resistance of the vehicles you service.
of fan rotation (bearings and bearing It is most important to note
tolerances), and the amount of airflow that in attempting to solve any
(CFM) through the fan. That said, in cooling fan faults, you should
typical automotive installations you have access to the factory
will see anywhere from 15-amp to up workshop manual wiring
60-amp draws in fan motors. You’ll diagram (think StarTekInfo
need a heavy gauge wire to drive the and WIS). Trying to solve any
fan, and to switch it on you have to faults without a thorough
have a relay in the circuit unless you knowledge of how the system
want to put in a switch the size of was designed to operate will
the one in your living room wall that be futile at best.
controls the lights.
Here are some details
From this simple circuitry, we have of the individual
evolved into more and more complex components involved:
fan controls. In the 140 model
and similar systems, the auxiliary • Refrigerant pressure
The refrigerant pressure sensor is usually located
sensor – the pressure between the compressor and the condenser.

6 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
December 2017 7
Cooling Fan Circuits

5 Yellow/Blue (YE/BL) should

be the control signal from the
PCM. Depending on the control
signal from the PCM, the voltage
will vary between 2V (low speed)
and 11V (high speed). If voltage
is high (above 10V all the time),
open the connector to eliminate
the possibility of feedback
voltage from the N76 module
Be sure to check for corrosion on connectors.
and recheck command voltage
1. Check all fuses. Inspect on pin 5.
connections on the Engine
5. Check the version-coding of the
Coolant Temperature (ECT)
Electronic Ignition Switch control
sensor and the A/C pressure A typical later-model cooling fan and
module (EIS), the left front Signal
sensor on the receiver-dryer. Pay integrated suction fan control module.
Activation Module (SAM), the
particular attention to corrosion
PCM, and the Climate Control using add-on 4067 (XENTRY
on the connectors as extra
Pushbutton Control Unit. Newer release 09/2014). Vehicles up to
resistance can cause faults
versions are introduced from time MY2012 should be flashed using
2. Connect a Mercedes-Benz to time and may be necessary for 09/2014 XENTRY release (no
fully-functional and compatible completing the repair process. add-on necessary).
scan tool to retrieve/record/
clear DTCs in the Engine Control Some cooling fan complaints may not Here is another possible scenario:
Module (ECM), Signal/Activation be caused by a faulty part at all, but
• Complaint: Radiator fan starts up
Module (SAM), Automatic have been remedied by a software
without obvious cause although
Air Conditioning (AAC), and update as in the case of models with
the ignition has been off for
Instrument Cluster Module (ICM). ME97 or ME97 AMG control units. It
longer than 30 minutes. Radiator
is very important to check TSBs for
3. Attempt to access the activations fan changes to limp-home mode
any updates. For example:
menu in the scan tool under (100% output) while driving,
the PCM. Use the scan tool to • 2237 Coolant temperature sen- with display message (cooling
activate and control the engine sor 1 has a malfunction. The fault system) in instrument cluster.
cooling fan. If the fan is not can occur at high-temperature Battery discharged.
controlled, check voltage signals differentials (outside tempera-
• Cause: The electric radiator fan
at the Fan Control Module (FCM) ture/coolant temperature), as
may start up by itself with ignition
(N76) located under the left front may occur after driving out of an
“Off” due to moisture ingress.
headlight behind the bumper. air-conditioned garage into high
ambient temperatures. • In “Behavior of no-load current”
Check your workshop manual for
menu, read out the five stored
locations on other models. • Cause: High temperature
data records. If at least one of
4. Use a Digital Multimeter (DMM) differences can lead to this
the data records contains a no-
for voltage testing at the DTC being set in the ME control
load current entry of >10A, and
connector on N76. Pin 3 Red/ unit. This DTC is set due to the
if the kilometer reading stated
Black (RD/BK) should be battery programed temperature limit data
there agrees with the actual
voltage (B+) at all times. Pin in the ME9.7 engine control unit.
kilometer reading at which the
6 Black/Red (BK/RD) should • Remedy: If a customer complaint vehicle battery was discharged,
be B+ with the key in the “On” exists, please reflash the ME the radiator fan may have been
position (#2). Pin 2 Brown (BN) control unit. Vehicles from the cause of the fault.
should be constant ground. Pin MY2012 should be flashed

8 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
 The status of the air conditioning
or automatic air conditioning is
transmitted from the instrument
cluster via the CAN to the ME. The
fan specified speed is dependent
on this status. The engine and A/C
electric suction fan with integrated
control (M4/7) is located behind the
radiator on most models, but consult
your workshop manual.

The fan (fans) are powered by the red-

fused (in this case 100A) wire, which
is hot at all times, and also a pink
Here’s a typical pattern for a known-good pulse-width-modulated signal.
wire, which is fused and energized
when engine circuit relay 87 is on
It is important to note at this • Remedy: The radiator fan run-on (ignition on). Ground on the suction
juncture that you may have received is intentional. Do not replace any fan control unit is a brown wire and
the following complaint: components. This is a normal typically secured at the right front
• Complaint: Electric radiator fan programming design and you will wheel well. Be sure to do a voltage
runs, stays on for too long after need to be able to educate the drop test on this for possible faults
ignition is switched off. customer to that effect. when diagnosing fan complaints. The
final wire is the control wire from the
• Cause: A delayed fan switch- If the radiator fan is in limp-home
engine control unit to the suction fan
off after ignition is turned off is mode due to defective actuation
control unit, which sets the fan speed.
dependent on many factors. lines or pins in the connectors, a
This is the pulse-width-modulated
1. Engine coolant and fault code is logged in the control
signal we spoke of earlier. This line is
transmission oil temperature. unit (codes vary according to model
best tested by using a lab scope.
series). In these cases, the wiring
2. A/C demand and pressure in harness must be repaired. Knowing the system you are
A/C system.
working on will be your best asset
3. In vehicles with a diesel In 164 models and later, the ME-SFI
in diagnosing cooling fan and
particulate filter, after an or CDI control units (depending on
cooling fan circuit problems for your
aborted regeneration of the which engine configuration you’re
customers. Consult the workshop
DPF, even if the engine is not working on) indirectly actuate the
manual and wiring diagrams available
yet at operating temperature. fan through the engine or A/C
through StarTekInfo.com or other
electric suction fan control unit. The
sources. A thorough inspection
During run-on, the fan runs at two fan specified speed is transmitted
of the mechanical components of
speeds -- up to a maximum of 50% by the ME control unit to the engine
the system should be part of your
of the fan speed, the radiator fan and/or A/C electric suction fan
diagnostic workflow. What is the
may run on for up to six minutes. If control unit by means of a pulse-
condition of the fan itself -- are the
another fan is starting up and circuit width-modulated signal. The on/off
fan blades okay? Check for cracks
15 is switched on, the radiator fan ratio is 10 to 90%, which translates
and other signs of fatigue and stress.
may intentionally be in limp-home to the following:
Look at the fan shroud, and check for
mode. If the coolant temperature • 10% electric suction fan OFF obstructions, dirt, etc. Lastly, be sure
signal is absent, the engine control
• 20% electric suction fan ON, to inspect all of the related harnesses
unit actuates the radiator fan at
minimum speed and connectors for signs of damage
maximum speed. If a PWM signal line
from chafing, oil or water intrusion,
is defective, the radiator fan likewise • 90% electric suction fan ON,
and rodent damage. |
switches to limp-home mode. maximum speed

December 2017 9
Feature

Control Unit Programming Now!

Reflashing, recalibrating, and marrying are

now essentials of the auto service business.
You need XENTRY!

Xentry Diagnosis Machine.

Mercedes-Benz
 December 2017

Cars are getting more complex every access to the update servers and vehicles, may periodically release
year, and as a technology leader, the diagnosis machine itself (plus new operating software for control
Mercedes-Benz’s vehicles are no its accessories), you get three years units, available only through an
exception. Time was, you could bolt of semi-monthly diagnosis software online data connection. These
in a new control unit and it worked. updates and fairly complete access updates are intended to tweak or
These days, that’s only half the job: to StarTekInfo, worth a bit over improve performance, address a
Initialization, adaptation and updates $9,000. But we’re not here today to market concern, correct unintended
are needed for almost every control sell you on the virtues of boatloads of operation, and so on. In many
unit there is. genuine Mercedes-Benz information cases, unless there is a customer
systems, we’re just trying to explain complaint, the software that’s already
First, the bad news: If you don’t have that, without all that, your role as a in the control unit is just fine and
a XENTRY Diagnostics machine, complete automotive repair shop will doesn’t need to be re-flashed. But
you’re mostly out of luck. Although quickly shift to a role of a mechanical a brand new control unit might not
there are aftermarket products parts installer, which unfortunately have software installed, or an older
that can absolutely communicate will not be enough to make your control unit might have a problem
with some of the control units customers happy with you. that’s been solved that the customer
(particularly those related to has complained about, or should be
emissions), the real problem is Think of it this way: In the 1960s, a installed even if the customer has not
getting the software for the control carburetor adjustment could be done yet noticed the problem, and for these
unit, and for that you need access to with some skill, but really needed the software needs to be updated.
Daimler’s update servers in Europe. little equipment aside from a flat-
blade screwdriver. Fast-forward 20 Recalibrating is when a system
Then, the good news: Mercedes- years, and how many 1980s models simply needs to be reset and
Benz USA has offered the XENTRY used carburetors? Well, we’re almost adjusted for optimal performance.
Diagnostics machine for years now 40 years past the 1980s: How long This might be needed if there is
to anyone who wanted one, and it do you really think you can continue a customer complaint, or, again,
includes access to those update as you are? We’re reminded of the when a part is being replaced.
servers. Because the market for famous line from the movie Father of A mechanical analogy is wheel
these machines is relatively small – the Bride, where Frank (Martin Short) alignment: Sometimes you need to
we speculate that there are under tells Steve Martin in the title role, realign the vehicle, for instance if tire
2,500 in the United States – the cost “Welcome to the ‘90s Mr. Banks.” wear patterns indicate a need, and if
of the machine itself (a ruggedized you replace a key component like a
touchscreen tablet) added to the Okay, on to the actual purpose tie rod or control arm.
costs to develop and maintain the of this article, reflashing,
software (cars as old as the 1990s recalibrating, and marrying. We’ll Marrying is when we link the
are still supported) make the system start with some definitions. component to the specific vehicle
seem expensive. into which it is installed. We’ve
Reflashing is when we update the had to do this for keys and engine
We say seem, because when you add software in a control unit, whether control units since the development
up all the benefits, it turns out that the unit is new or has been in of the immobilizer and Drive
even a small shop can make a good service for years. Daimler AG, the Authorization Systems, but in 2018
profit by buying one. Included with manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz we continue to see more and more
Control Unit Programming Now!

systems that need to be married Let’s start with the easy one: just click past the conditions and
into the vehicle. In general, once reflashing to solve a problem. Your warnings page only to learn the hard
married, there is no divorce: The customer says that something isn’t way that they should’ve paid heed.
control unit cannot be used in a working quite right, and you’ve found
different vehicle without problems. an LI Document on StarTekInfo that Once you start the process, you
explains that the solution is to install see a conditions page as we just
There is also a fourth type of update new software. Here, we go into the mentioned -- it might be spread over
(aside from XENTRY Diagnostics control module’s Adaptations tab in two pages. First, you have to log
updates) we should consider, at least XENTRY Diagnostics and select “Con- on to the update server using your
briefly: Firmware updates. Software trol Unit Programming.” The software assigned user ID and password. A
refers to purely electronic data storage, leads you through the process. page that is essentially asking “are
while firmware means there is a you sure?” appears, and if you click
hardware component involved. The A few comments on that process, so “Continue,” the programming starts.
typical example is a COMAND system, you not only know what to expect, The programming process can take
which uses a special workshop-only but don’t accidentally “brick” the several seconds to several minutes,
optical disk to update its operating control unit (this refers to the effect depending on exactly which control
software. This doesn’t mean a map of a faulty programming process: unit you are programming. You’ll
data update for the navigation system, The control unit becomes as useful get a confirmation of success, or
but the actual COMAND operating as a brick). The first point is that in rare cases, an error screen, with
system itself. While you don’t need you really, really need to guarantee information on what you should do
XENTRY Diagnostics for these kinds a good electrical power supply about it.
of updates, you do need the special during the process. Not just a
workshop disk. Note that these The process of programming a new
battery charger, but a good battery
disks are included with a XENTRY control unit goes mostly the same,
maintainer capable of several tens of
subscription and they come out every but you first pull all the programming
amps, without the possibility of over-
two months or so. from the original control unit
voltage. The next is to pay attention
if possible. This preserves any
– really read and pay attention – to
Lastly, don’t confuse any of this with configuration settings and speeds
all the warnings and conditions that
the need for system Configuration. up the process considerably. In this
the software displays. So many times
In these cases, we are only adjusting case, the menu selection is Initial
we’ve seen experienced technicians
parameters within the
control unit’s software to
make sure it operates as
it is supposed to in the
vehicle it is installed in. A
perfect example is a front
power seat control unit: The
exact same part is used
for both the driver side
and passenger side seat,
so someone has to tell it
which side it is installed
on. If you don’t, it will not
work correctly. You’ll need
XENTRY for configuration,
but unlike marrying if you
later install the part into a
different car you can change
the configuration as needed. Initialization, adaptation and firmware updates are needed for almost every control
unit in a modern Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

12 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
Startup, and you usually have two from the beginning again, and learn
choices: Transfer settings from the the lesson.
old control unit, or manually enter the
settings. The latter is used when the Marrying control units is only needed
old control unit is completely dead or in certain systems. In every case,
cannot establish communications. when you get to the Adaptations
tab in XENTRY Diagnostics for that
If you do go with the automatic control unit, you will see a menu entry
transfer of settings, remember that for the process. If you start with the
you can’t shut down or otherwise procedure listed first, and work your
interrupt the diagnosis session once way down the list, you will always
you have pulled the data from the perform all the processes needed
old control unit, since if you do that by that control unit. The designers
information gets lost. If this does of XENTRY, logical as they tend to
happen, just install the old unit, start be, did this exactly because these

Wholesale Website
www.mbwholesaleparts.com

The wholesale website was designed as the

ultimate information resource for ISPs and
Collision Shops who are in the business
of servicing and repairing Mercedes-Benz
vehicles. The website features detailed
information and links to parts knowledge,
Programming isn’t just limited to software updates: Modern fuel injectors need to be married to
parts ordering and technical support
the engine control unit in order to work right. For this you need the special 2D code scanner as for Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts and
well as XENTRY.
Accessories. It also features a separate
PartsPro section with the ability to look up
a PartsPro dealer.

Visit: www.mbwholesaleparts.com

STAR TekInfo remains as your best resource for the best possible repair and troubleshooting
information available. Virtually anything you could ever need to do to a Mercedes-Benz is
explained here...except software updates. For that, you’ll need XENTRY.
Mercedes-Benz
The best or nothing.
December 2017 13
Control Unit Programming Now!

processes might be new to someone, quick reference to see if you need to use a Software Calibration Number,
and so they wanted to make it as easy do something to finalize the repair. or SCN. These SCNs are built to
as possible to do everything correctly, Just because there are no MILs lit prevent tampering with the settings.
and in the correct order, every time. doesn’t mean every system is happy. For these, you once again have to
log on to the servers, which transfer
The caveat for marriage – in control For version-coding, you go in with the data behind the scenes. Many
units as well as in life – is to be XENTRY and just follow the menu systems can have their software
sure you’re okay with the situation to set all the settings. Most of the updated but if they don’t have a valid
becoming permanent. Before answers are straightforward, such as SCN, it won’t work. Transferring
marriage, you can verify that the if the car has automatic transmission the SCN from the old control unit
new control unit really does fix the or is left-hand drive. In some cases to a brand new one saves time by
problem, but in general only for a you may need to refer to the data (usually) eliminating the need to log
limited number of times. If you find card to see if the car has a particular on to the update server.
the problem isn’t fixed, you can option code or not.
remove the control unit before making The Calibration procedures for
it permanent, which usually means In some cases, particularly the the many systems and sensors
you are able to install it in a different emissions-relevant systems, you
car. But once you’ve confirmed
the marriage, the control unit is
permanently and irrevocably tied
to that specific VIN, and cannot be
unmarried for use in a different car.

It always amazes us to see used

control units that require marriage
up for sale on those online market
websites. A used engine control unit,
just like a used key, is only worth the
scrap value of its materials. It is not
possible to erase its programming
and use it in your car. That being The initial startup instruction screen for an Instrument Cluster. After fulfilling the preconditions,
said, some online companies claim the system guides you through the seven steps required to correctly install this new cluster in
the car. The programming and SCN coding requires an online connection to the Daimler servers.
they can reset the programming.
Note the other programming possibilities at the left: Besides initial startup, there’s a software
update, SCN coding, and manual configuration.
Recalibrating control units or sensors
is a different kind of process – two
processes, actually. One is simply
version-coding the control unit so
it knows what kind of car it is in.
The other is actually recalibrating a
system or sensor so it can operate
properly. Mercedes-Benz has a list
of various control units and their
recalibration needs, which we’ve
reproduced here. We have been
cautioned that it is a moving target,
and so the table might be incomplete,
particularly for very new and very old
models, but by and large it is a good Not all calibrations need special equipment. Here we see the XENTRY instructions for reversing
camera calibration: A line of tape carefully placed behind the rear bumper.

14 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
Don’t let your customers get stranded. Test the battery.

Proactive Battery Testing

Consumer Battery Mindset
• 95% of your current customers are willing to have a battery test
• 84%
77% will proactivelywait
of consumers replace
untilathe
battery if the
battery failstest shows it will fail soon
to replace
• 74% choose another outlet for batteries

Consumer Battery Mindset

Proactive Battery Testing
• 77% of consumers wait until the battery fails to replace
• 74%
95% choose anothercustomers
of your current outlet for batteries
are willing to have a battery test
• 84% will proactively replace a battery if the test shows it will fail soon

Prevent the urgency. Test the battery.

June
December
2017 2017
11 15
Control Unit Programming Now!

vary wildly. Some may only require before, just because there are More recently, reputable automotive
that the technician perform some no warning lights doesn’t mean supplier companies have been
simple actions -- the calibration of everything is fine. offering diagnosis tools that claim
AIRMATIC has you press buttons on to do everything the OEM tool does.
a XENTRY screen until the indicator We hope this short article was We’re not saying they don’t live up to
for each wheel strut turns green -- or helpful. As the technology in their promises, but we will say that
may have you use a special tool such Mercedes-Benz cars advances, you get what you pay for. If you’re
as a camera calibration target. so will the demands upon the considering one of these units,
workshop. Dealers know this and find out what the software updates
Almost all cameras need a calibration invest tens of thousands each year cost, and if you get access to those
target, the exceptions being some in new tools and equipment. Soon critically-important control unit
of the older rear-view cameras. The to be gone are the days when you, update servers and StarTekinfo. Once
surround-view (360-degree) cameras, as an independent Mercedes-Benz you add up all the extra hidden costs,
the mono and stereo multi-function workshop, could get away with not you might find that MBUSA is actually
cameras, and newer rear-view having an OEM diagnostic unit, or offering a pretty sweet deal. In any
cameras in systems that display skating by with a Chinese knock-off case, “times they are a changing,” so
guidance lines all need target-based unit of perhaps questionable legality. don’t get left in the dust. |
calibration. In each case, the XENTRY
system guides you through the
process, giving you the part number of
the target, where it is to be positioned,
and what to do with the XENTRY
system to set the calibration. Failing
to perform the calibration means the
system will either not work at all, or
will work improperly. We can’t stress
this enough: Be sure to calibrate when
needed, for your customer’s safety
and your own liability.

Most of these targets are relatively

inexpensive, but even $100 is a
The second step of reversing camera calibration: Use the screen buttons to adjust the image on
lot if you only use it once a year. the COMAND display until it looks right. Not difficult, but impossible without XENTRY.
Because we buy a lot of parts from
our local dealer – not to mention
we’re all old friends – we have a
good relationship with them, and can
borrow or rent almost any tool they
have. And be aware that Mercedes-
Benz requires dealers to have all
these calibration tools as a condition
of being a dealer.

Just a note for our collision industry

friends: This all applies to you, too.
If you’ve replaced the windshield,
or removed the radar sensor by
the radiator, the system needs to
To calibrate a Night View Assist camera, which uses infrared light to display an image on the
be recalibrated. As we mentioned instrument cluster display, you need both a headlight aimer and the special calibration target. The
XENTRY software walks you through every step of the procedure.

16 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
December 2017 17
 Article Header

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18 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
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December 2017 19
Feature

Harness Repairs 2017

Often, repairing a wiring harness makes

more sense than replacing the whole
thing. Mercedes-Benz makes it easy to
do a high-quality, long-lasting job.

Mercedes-Benz
 December 2017

Our customers deserve only the The reason goes back to the opening the use of a repair harness, a short
very best, and when we give it to sentence: Our customers deserve (and inexpensive) harness made
them, they come back for more. As only the very best, and when we for specific circumstances, such as
with people, when cars age they give it to them, they come back for airbag/SRS squib connector, the
come down with maladies rarely more. Is there really anyone who Pyrofuse connector, LED ambient
seen in youth. Nothing follows this thinks twisting two wires together lighting, and contacts on those very
analogy more than wiring harnesses. and taping over the “repair” is okay? tiny 0.13mm2 wires.
Replacing a harness due to damage, We certainly hope not. Proper repairs
however, can be awfully expensive, really are not at all difficult, and they We are also able to replace plastic
and customers tend to get upset when work and last at least as well as the connector housings, and individual
faced with a large bill. Mercedes-Benz original, if not better. electrical pins (technically, a male
fully understands this, as proven by contact is a pin and a female contact
their extensive efforts to make wiring We’re going to go through many of is a socket, but here we will call them
harness repairs both technically easy the considerations and methods all “contacts” for simplicity). There is
and a true value for the customer. In here, but there is simply no way even a special kit for repairing the so-
this article we will explore the many we can cover every detail in a called “flat wire” used in some door
facets of wiring harness repairs. magazine article. Instead, simply panels and headliner assemblies.
read the applicable documents
Let’s start with the “Why.” With just a in the Mercedes-Benz Workshop The list of prohibited items is a bit
little thought, you can probably come Information System (WIS). There are longer, but they make a lot of sense.
up with a dozen reasons why a repair several hundred(!) of them, covering To start with, you should never try
might be better than a replacement virtually every possible eventuality. to repair any high-voltage cables
-- reduced costs for the customer, (such as in electric or hybrid models,
much faster repair times, and Shalt and Shalt Not 120V AC auxiliary power sockets,
savings of all that effort to remove Most wires found in a vehicle can be or the Magic Sky Roof system, for
and reinstall a harness that is 99% repaired. According to WIS document example). Of course, shielded coaxial
perfect -- but the real question is, AH00.19-P-1000-08A, we are able to cables (often used for antenna
“Why should I use Mercedes-Benz’s repair normal copper wires smaller and engine sensor signals), D2B/
methods and materials to repair a than 6 mm2, so long as there are not MOST fiber optic cables, aluminum
wiring harness?” After all, those tools more than 10 wires in a branch being wiring, and high-speed video data
and connectors are not inexpensive. repaired. Certain repairs require lines are generally impossible to
repair properly in the workshop. Also
include the complete connectors
Damage assessment AH00.19-P-1000-05A for critical safety systems, such as
General repair methods for wiring harness AR00.19-P-0100A the airbag and ESP control units,
Repair wiring harness as per specified repair method AR00.19-P-0001A because even a tiny error here can
Replacement part solutions and what can/cannot be repaired AH00.19-P-1000-08A have serious consequences.
Approved repair methods AH00.19-P-1000-04A
The bottom line is, if you’re not
Remove contacts from connectors and plugs AR00.19-P-0120A
sure, check in WIS. If you’re still
Female and male contacts, overview of Family types GF00.19-P-7000A
uneasy about the repair, defer to
WIS has several hundred documents related to wiring harness repairs. These are the main docs,
the absolute security of a complete
each leading to the details for each situation and contact family type.
Harness Repairs 2017

harness repair. As with cut the wires to a clean

any repair, the person edge, strip the insulation,
performing it and his or and reconnect them using
her employer are generally a properly-sized Raychem
responsible for any mishaps connector. If we don’t have
caused by an improper enough slack, then a piece
procedure or part. of repair wire (of the same
cross-section!) can be used.
Damage We do have to be careful to
Assessment not have too many Raychem
We start by assessing the splices right next to each
damage, a process detailed other, since they do take
in WIS document AH00.19- up some space and can
P-1000-05A. Can we be sure interfere in some cases.
of what caused the damage,
and prevent a recurrence? Raychem connectors come
No sense in repairing it only in two flavors (Axial and
to have to fail again. Are we Radial), and in several
sure we know the full extent sizes. The Axial style is
of damage? Overheated often called a butt splice,
wires can cause damage because the ends of the
hidden in a wire bundle, and wires are butted against
far from the most obvious each other. Axial repairs
damage. Is the damage take up only a small
repairable? We know that additional space, but can
not everything can be safely only be used when joining
repaired. Once we know two wire ends together. The
about the damage, we need Radial style looks something Installing a Radial Raychem connector, which is somewhat like
to pick a repair option, and like an electrician’s wire an electrician’s wire nut: Strip and twist the wires, twist on the
see which parts are available nut, and can be used right size connector, and heat it with an air gun equipped with a
concentrator shield.
to support the repair to connect two or more
wires together. These are
Wire Repairs also used to reconnect
There are three basic kinds a Z-splice in a harness if
of repair: Repairing a wire, you had to cut it apart for
an electrical contact, or a troubleshooting.
connector housing. Let’s
first discuss wire repairs. Both types of approved
Raychem connectors
When one or more wires contain solder and soldering
are skinned, cut, melted, flux for a permanent and
or otherwise damaged, we low-resistance connection,
can repair it. If only the along with a sealant to
outer tubing is damaged, make the repair waterproof.
we can cover the area Thus, these methods can be
with PVC electrical tape. used outside the passenger
If the insulation of a wire For a Raychem Axial connector, which is only good for two wires, just
compartment where strip, twist, and heat the connector using the same hot air gun as
is damaged, and we have weather might be a factor. with a Radial connector. The little solder ring in the middle melts for a
enough slack, we simply permanent connection and the hot-melt sealant keeps it waterproof.
The covering shrinks with heat for a tight fit.

22 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
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December 2017 23
Harness Repairs 2017

To use a Raychem connector, first pick

the correct size based on the wires
being connected: The total of all wire
cross-sections for the Radial, or the
wire size for the Axial type. Strip the
wires 15 mm, being careful not to nick
the copper strands. Twist the wire ends
together (install the axial connector
onto one wire first), then position the
Raychem. Heat the Raychem with a
heat-controlled hot air gun equipped
with a concentrator shield, starting at
the solder ring. Heat until the solder
ring melts (it’ll be obvious) and then
slide towards the ends until the sealant
Raychem Axial connectors, as with Radial connectors, come in different sizes. The EPC can help
is melted and the heat-shrink is fully pick out the right size for the wires you’re connecting.
shrunk. Don’t try to use a lighter
or other flame, you’ll just burn the
Raychem no matter how careful you
think you can be. Wrap some cloth
tape around the repair to finalize it.

Mercedes-Benz also approves the use

of Rapid Connection Technology (RCT)
for two to ten wires in the size range
of 0.35 mm2 to 0.75 mm2. These
cannot be used outside the passenger
compartment or trunk, because they
are not waterproof, nor can they be
The symbol (such as 935) near the control
used for CAN Bus or safety-relevant unit is for the electrical connectors.
wiring. To use these, pick the right The description tells us the component
size connector (2, 4, 6 or 10 wires), designation, connector family and number of
pins in the connector body.
cut the wire ends square and even
(don’t strip them), lay them carefully
the connector in the wiring diagram
into the connector and squeeze the
and make a note of the component
connector shut and latched with a
designation, such as X138/1 or A80,
pair of pliers. Cover it with some felt
Rapid Connectors can be used where as well as the number and cross-
tape to prevent rattling.
moisture isn’t a concern. Just lay the wires section of wires.
into the connector (top), with any wire ends
Rapid Connectors:
about 2 mm (a) from the edge (arrow, center) Next, find the connector in the
Contacts Part No and close it securely with pliers. Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC).
2 A002 546 74 40 Use the search feature (F11) to
the contact type: Is it a JPT, SPT,
4 A003 546 51 40 find the connector or control
MQS, SLK 2.8, MCP 2.8, MLK1.2
6 A003 546 52 40 unit, or navigate to the system or
or...? Mercedes-Benz uses several
10 A003 546 20 40
dozen different types of contacts, harness images until you find it.
and a correct identification is The description of the connector in
Contact Repairs absolutely crucial to a correct the EPC includes the size (such as
If an electrical contact is damaged, repair. To identify a contact, find 10-pin) and contact family (such as
the first step is to positively identify MQS). Note that some connector

24 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
 tool. We’ll talk more about tools
later, but just be aware that there
is a tool for every connector, and
the individual tools are not terribly
expensive. We have the MQS and JPT
tool in our shop, and we can borrow
any of the others from our local
dealer when the need arises.

If the contact is on a pigtail, we

prepare the ends for the Raychem
repair. In the case where the
individual metal contact is supplied,
we need to have and use the correct
crimping set. Again, we’ll discuss
tools in a moment, but for now
The EPC shows the part numbers for the contact in Group 54, subgroup 019. Here we see four just understand that there is a set
SPT contacts, each for a different range of wire cross-section.
of crimping pliers that can accept
section of the several different crimping die sets.
wire, and whether There is a die set for each contact
the connector family, and it is really important that
uses a seal or not you use the right one.
(connectors outside
Some connectors are either ring
the passenger
terminals (often used for grounds),
compartment and
or the old-style 2.5 mm or 4 mm
trunk generally use
round soldered contacts. Both are
seals). Note that
the only kind of contacts that need
some contacts are
to be soldered. In fact, soldering
only supplied as
other contact families (which some
“pig-tails,” which
may consider instead of using the
are pre-crimped
correct crimp set) is a bad idea
connectors on
A few of the unpinning tools. The handle is universal; the tools because the solder wicks up into
a piece of wire.
themselves fit into the handle. Look closely and you can see that the stranded wire and makes it
the 220 589 01 99 62 tool is for unpinning the SLK 2.8 family of These are installed
brittle...and brittle wires break when
connectors. Individually, the tools are relatively inexpensive. We using Raychem
subjected to vibration.
have some of the common ones here in the shop, the rest we can connectors. In the
borrow from our dealer.
end, if you can’t But back to crimping: These tools
housings have a part number on figure out the right are relatively expensive, but again,
them, see if you can find that contact, your dealer should be able we borrow the correct one from the
number in the EPC: This works most to help. Whenever we place an order dealer when we need it. We don’t
of the time, but not always. for a contact, we buy a few extras repair harnesses every day. Using
just in case. the crimper makes it almost trivial
Once the contact family is identified, to produce a perfect crimp. Did you
go to group 54, subgroup 019 in the With the correct part on the way,
know that a properly-crimped contact
EPC to find the part number you will the second step is to un-pin (remove
is superior to a soldered connection?
need. Be sure to consider each of from the connector body) the
In any case, the crimp die set has a
these factors: The contact family, existing contact. Unless you want to
slot to position the contact perfectly,
the sex of the contact (male or buy more parts, it is very important
you insert the pre-stripped wire into
female, pin or socket), the cross- that you use the correct unpinning

December 2017 25
Harness Repairs 2017

the contact and squeeze the handles.

A ratchet ensures the correct
pressure is applied every time, and
out pops a perfect connection.
We sadly can’t demonstrate the
right procedure here, so instead
we recommend that you practice
it four or five times to get the hang
of it before doing it for real. It’s not
difficult, but a little practice goes
a long way. Your local dealer has
technicians who have been trained on
this, so maybe they can coach you.
The Mercedes-Benz crimping tool (bottom) with the crimping die set for the JPT/MCP family of
To complete the repair, just slide the contacts installed. You can also see the automatic stripping tool, a bag of electrical contacts, and
some repair wire.
new contact into place and give it a
gentle tug to make sure it is locked part number isn’t
in. If you are repairing more than available, look
one contact in a connector, we very up the correct
strongly recommend tackling them number in the
one at a time, to be very sure that EPC: Sometimes
the wires cannot be installed into the the number on
wrong slot. It should be obvious that the housing is
mixing up the wires is very, very bad. for just a part of
the housing, or
is a production
Connector Body number. Almost
Replacement every connector This is the basic harness repair kit. It comes with the crimp pliers
The last kind of repair is replacing and several die sets, wire strippers, and several unpinning tools.
housing is
a plastic connector housing. Some Also included is a carrying case and about 40 empty boxes to store
available as a connector pins. The supplementary car kit includes crimp sets and
connectors (generally the larger
spare part. unpinning tools used in cars.
ones) shouldn’t be replaced because
of the danger of mixing up contact Tools And an investment it is, since
locations, but if you’re only replacing Mercedes-Benz sells a wiring these tool sets are by their nature
the outside part (think of the latching harness repair kit, and most of the expensive to manufacture, therefore
cam on an ME-SFI control unit tools are available individually. The expensive to buy. We own a few
connector) then you’re okay. Basic Kit (W000 589 13 99 00) common styles, and can borrow
comes with a case and several of the what we need for those once-a-year
The big danger in this kind of repair
basic tools. You will also need the jobs. But one thing we’ll never do
is mixing up the contacts, so we
Supplementary Car Kit (W220 589 is cheat: No paper clips or picks for
recommend unpinning one at a time,
04 99 00) which contains several unpinning, no pliers for crimping: It
inserting it into the new housing
crimping die sets and unpinning just isn’t worth it. Not only does it
before starting the next one. Of
tools used in cars. You can also get a result in a poor repair, the liability is
course, use the correct unpinning
kit for Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) using simply too great. Oh, and a contact
tool. Give each wire a gentle tug to
part number W211 589 01 99 00, closed with pliers? It usually doesn’t
verify that it is locked in place.
but as this cable type is used only in even fit inside the housing, so you’ll
Most connector housings have a part certain models from around 10 years only have to cut it off and do it again,
number on them, and these can be ago, only a few dealers have made but this time the right way. |
ordered under that number. If the the investment.

26 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
Now comes the best part.
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June
December
2017 2017
15 27
Article Header

28 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
Mercedes-Benz automobiles are designed to perform on the most
challenging roads and conditions. Shouldn’t the oil used in Mercedes-
Benz engines do the same? We think so.

That’s why Mercedes-Benz and Mobil 1 have partnered to offer an

unbeatable combination of total engine performance and driving luxury.

Please have a look at our oil portfolio which is available through your
local Mercedes-Benz dealer. Our dealers are able to offer you a wide
variety of oil grades at competitive prices.

Product Name Part Number Quantity Product Description Recommended Consumer App.
Mercedes-Benz SPEC.

BQ 1 09 002464 Bulk - No Equipment Formulated from quality base stocks combined

Recommended for gasoline fueled
BQ 1 09 0171 12/1 Quart Cases with modern performance additives to give the
Mobil Special 5W-30 automobiles and light duty trucks requiring
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Mobil Special 10W-30 additives to give the engine the expected automobiles and light duty trucks requiring
BQ 1 09 003764 55 Gallon Drum protection and performance under a wide an API SN/SM/SL/SJ
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Mobil Special 10W-40 additives to give the engine the expected
a higher viscosity API SN/SMSL/SJ oil is
BQ 1 09 004464 55 Gallon Drum protection and performance under a wide
preferred or recommended
variety of operating conditions
BQ 1 09 012464 Bulk - No Equipment Formulated from quality base stocks
BQ 1 09 0170 12/1 Quart Cases combined with modern performance Recommended for gasoline fueled
Mobil Special 5W-20 additives to give the engine the expected automobiles and light duty trucks requiring
BQ 1 09 013264 55 Gallon Drum protection and performance under a wide an API SN/SM/SL/SJ
variety of operating conditions
Formulated from quality base stocks
Recommended for gasoline fueled
combined with modern performance
automobiles and light duty trucks where
Mobil Special 20W-50 BQ 1 09 004664 55 Gallon Drum additives to give the engine the expected
a higher viscosity API SN/SMSL/SJ oil is
protection and performance under a wide
preferred or recommended
variety of operating conditions
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BQ 1 09 0058 12/1 Quart Cases help extend engine life in the most severe on Specifically recommended for the latest
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BQ 1 09 0059 4/1 Gallon Cases
Super 15W40 outstanding performance in modern, high- applications equipped with aftertreatment
BQ 1 09 0060 55 Gallon Drum output, low-emission engines including those systems using Diesel Particulate Filter
BQ 1 09 0179 6/1 Quart Cases with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and After- (DPF) and Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC)
Mobil Delvac 1300 treatment Systems with Diesel Particulate Filters technologies
BQ 1 09 0086 Bulk - No Equipment (DPFs) and Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs)
Super 10W30
BQ 1 09 0051 4/1 Gallon Cases Fully synthetic supreme performance heavy
Recommended for use in all super high
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performance diesel applications, including
Mobil Delvac 1 5W40 life while providing long drain capability and
BQ 1 09 0052 55 Gallon Drum modern low emission engine designs with
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Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
operating in severe applications
BQ 1 09 0078 60/14 oz Cartridge
Formulated to provide excellent high
BQ 1 09 0079 120 lb Keg Recommended for industrial and marine
Mobil Grease temperature performance with superb
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December 2017 29
Feature

So Sensitive:
Recalibration
of Driver-assist
Technologies

Many Advanced Driver Assistance

Systems (ADAS) do not set trouble
codes that alert you to the need
to calibrate or reset them after
repairs. Here are tips to help you
catch them before returning the
vehicle to your customer.

Mercedes-Benz
 December 2017

“It worked fine until after your collision a given model, there may be dozens are functioning properly. Recalibration
repair.” If you’ve heard that recently, of sensors and modules in various is simply a way to confirm that these
chances are it is because your locations around the vehicle. ADAS imaging and sensing devices have
technician was unaware that he or she technologies may be mounted on the been mounted with the required
must recalibrate the device in question windshield, embedded in front and mathematical precision.
after any event that disconnects rear bumpers, in side mirrors, behind
power, sometimes even after repair of the front grille, in the rear decklid and Powerful and vulnerable
an unrelated component. in other locations around the vehicle. The perimeter locations of the imaging
and sensing devices for ADAS enhance
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Mathematical precision coverage and expand the area they can
(ADAS) from Mercedes-Benz use Distance and trajectory data is useless “see” ahead, behind and to the sides of
camera, radar, and sonar sensor if the camera, radar, sonar, or other the vehicle, but also makes them highly
technologies to collect information sensing device is mounted improperly. vulnerable to collision impact damage.
about nearby vehicles, pedestrians, If a camera or radar device is mounted After repair, you’ll have to reset or
lane markings, and potential in a windshield or bumper just a calibrate the ADAS component to
obstacles. They measure distance few degrees offset from its factory ensure that it is positioned properly and
and vehicle trajectory for assessment specification, the detection area it communicating with its control module.
of potential collision risk. These records two or three hundred yards
inputs are also used for control down the road may be in the wrong Similarly, if you remove or replace
module calculations of the amount lane. For both collision risk assessment a bumper, windshield, or other
and direction of braking required and mitigation strategies, all imaging component on which an ADAS device
for effective collision avoidance or and sensor technologies must be is mounted or embedded, you must at
impact reduction. mounted with pinpoint accuracy. minimum re-calibrate, and depending
on whether or not it sustained
Depending upon which and how After every repair, you must check that damage, replace the ADAS device.
many of these technologies are on any ADAS or other sensing devices Disconnecting an ADAS sensor
or control module from its power
source requires a re-initialization
or recalibration, much like a power
failure at home requires you to reset
the clock on your microwave or other
plugged-in digital devices.

Fault detective
Many ADAS devices do not set a
trouble code if there is a problem.
So, how can you tell which devices
are on the vehicle, and whether or
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on Mercedes-Benz vehicles use a variety of imaging
not any need repair? First, access the
technologies, including regular and infrared cameras, short and long-range radar, and ultrasonic list of what ADAS components may
sensors to make drivers aware of potential hazards. These imaging technologies also provide be on the vehicle. In the Mercedes-
input to control modules that activate braking to slow, stop, or alter the direction of the vehicle to Benz Workshop Information System
help avoid or reduce the damage of a potential collision.
Driver-assist Technologies

(WIS), enter the VIN and click on the For example, the camera, radar, and PLUS (Code 268), or Brake Assist PLUS
Datacard icon at the top of the web sonar devices we’ve mentioned above cross-traffic (Code 269), PRE-SAFE
page. This will open a list of all of the must be calibrated after replacement brake (Code 271 or Code 300), Rear-
features on the vehicle, including all or repair. They are used by multiple end PRE-SAFE (Code 253), and Traffic
ADAS components. ADAS technologies (if so equipped) on Sign Assist (Code 513).
the E 350. This includes Cruise Control,
Alternatively, plug your XENTRY STAR Lane Keeping Assist (Code 476) and There are trouble codes that may
DIAGNOSIS tool into the diagnostic Active Lane Keeping Assist (Code 238), set for cruise control problems, but
connector on the vehicle. In addition COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST and not for many of the other ADAS
to showing a list of the as-built COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS components on the above list. If
configuration of the vehicle, it will (Code 258 up to MY2014), DISTRONIC you see any of these codes on the
allow you to read any trouble codes PLUS (Code 233) and DISTRONIC vehicle data card or in the list, and
that have set, activate sensors, PLUS Steer Assist (Code 266), Blind you replaced or disconnected from
and troubleshoot ADAS or other Spot Assist (Code 234), Active Blind power the imaging device related to
components. You could try using an Spot Assist (Code 237), Brake Assist the code, check that those devices
advanced aftermarket scan tool, but
it will not have the factory as-built
information for newer model year
vehicles, and there is no guarantee
that it will be able to communicate with
every sensor or control module needed
for troubleshooting ADAS devices.

At minimum, you may now be able

to develop a short list of ADAS and Single or dual-unit versions
other components that you suspect of the multifunction camera,
depending on the driver
are most likely to have been affected
assist applications on the
by your repair. This applies to both vehicle, are mounted on the
collision repair and to the side effects windshield near the roofline.
of disconnecting
or replacing ADAS
devices as part
System Recalibration/ Op- System Reca- Models
of accessing or
Resetting tion
Code
Name(s) libra-
tion?
Even if the vehicle shows no
repairing nearby 218 Rear-view Camera, YES 117, 164, 166, 176, 204, 207,
warning lamps (MILs), systems Reversing Camera 212, 216, 218, 221, 222, 231,
components. Even
may need calibration following 246, 251
changes to the
repairs. This guide is not 219 DISTRONIC YES 209, 211, 219, 220, 215, 230,
suspension, use of 164, 251 as of MY 2011
comprehensive, not guaranteed
tires of a different
accurate, and will not be updated: 220 PARKTRONIC NO 164/251, 166, 171, 172, 197,
203, 204, 207, 209, 211, 212,
diameter than the Check the available service 215, 216, 218, 219, 220, 221,
factory originals, literature and tools (e.g., WIS, 230, 231, 245/169, 246/176,
463
or work on the XENTRY, etc.) for the specific
230 PARKTRONIC with NO 172, 204 MU (not X204), 207,
steering system can system(s) and vehicle in question. Parking Guidance 212, 216 MU, 221 MU
have indirect impact The Option Code list for a 233 Brake Assist YES 207/212 MU, 222
on where a camera specific vehicle can be found in System PLUS
with Cross-Traffic
or other imaging the Vehicle Data Card, available Assist, with
device is pointed, in several online systems, such Intersection Assist
as they may alter as VeDoc, EPC, WIS and VMI. 233 Brake Assist YES 166, 172, 204 MU, 207, 212,
suspension level or System PLUS, 216, 218, 221, 222, 231 (on
System names may vary. “MU”
PRE-SAFE Brake, vehicles with DISTRONIC
ride height. means Model Update. DISTRONIC PLUS PLUS)

32 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
are functioning properly. If any are Multifunction Camera Body Control. The multifunction
not performing as specified, check A multifunction camera is used camera must be recalibrated if you
your Mercedes-Benz repair manual on many Mercedes-Benz vehicle are installing a new camera, control
to see if there are any calibration, models for a variety of driver assist unit, or cable from the camera to its
initialization, or activation procedures systems, including Active Lane control unit.
required after repair or replacement. Keeping Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS
It must also be calibrated if the
with Steering Assist, Brake Assist
Below are a few examples of specific camera has been disconnected or
Plus, Adaptive High Beam Assist and
scenarios in which calibration or removed. For example, if you are
Intelligent Light System, and Active
initialization is required. replacing the windshield and either

Op- System Reca- Models Op- System Reca- Models

tion Name(s) libra- tion Name(s) libra-
Code tion? Code tion?
234 Blind Spot Assist NO 117, 164, 166, 172, 176, 501 360 Camera YES X166, W166 as of MY 2013,
197, 204 MU, 207, 212, System X204 MU, 207/212 MU, 222
218,216/221 up to MY 2009,
513 Speed Limit Assist, YES 117, 166, 172, 176, 204 MU,
246, 251 MU
Traffic Sign Assist, 207, 212, 213 216 MU, 217,
235 Active Park Assist, NO 117, 166, 169/245 MU, 176, Speed Limit Pilot 218, 221 MU, 231, 246 As of
PARKTRONIC X204 MU, 207/212 MU, 218, MY 2012 207/212 MU, 222
222, 231, 246
538 ATTENTION ASSIST NO 117, 166, 172, 176, 204 MU
237 Active Blind Spot NO 166, 204 MU, 207, 212, 216 (only with code 442), 207, 212,
Assist MU, 218, 221 as of MY 2010, 216 MU, 218, 221 MU (without
222, 231 S400 Hybrid), 222, 231, 246
238 Active Lane YES 166, 204 MU, 207, 216 MU, 608 Adaptive Highbeam YES 117, 166, 172, 176, 204 MU,
Keeping Assist 212, 218, 221 MY 2011, 222, Assist 207, 212, 216 MU, 218, 221
231 MU, 231, 246
239 Adaptive Brake YES 117, 176, 246, 242, 207/212 610 Night View Assist, YES 216, 221 (NVA), 166, 212, 218,
Assist, Active MU, 222, 166 (as of MY 2013) Night View Assist 216/221 MU, 222, 231 (NVA+)
Brake Assist (with code 239, 252 or 258) PLUS
239 COLLISION NO 117, 176/242/246 as of MY 628 Adaptive Highbeam YES 207/212 MU, 222
PREVENTION 2014 Assist PLUS
ASSIST PLUS,
233 DISTRONIC PLUS YES 166, 172, 204 MU, 207,
Active Brake Assist
239 212/218, 221/216, 207/212
252 Adaptive Brake YES 117, 176, 246, 242, 207/212 MU, 222, 231 (code 233), 117,
Assist, Active MU, 222, 166 (as of MY 2013) 176, 246, 463 MU (code 239)
Brake Assist (with code 239, 252 or 258)
Std ATTENTION ASSIST NO 117, 166, 172, 176, 204 MU
252 COLLISION NO 246, 176, 166 (as of MY 2013) (only with code 442), 207, 212,
PREVENTION 216 MU, 218, 221 MU (without
ASSIST S400 Hybrid), 222, 231, 246
253 PRE-SAFE PLUS Special 207/212 MU, 222 Std Brake Assist NO All
System, BAS
258 Adaptive Brake YES 117, 176, 246, 242, 207/212
Assist MU, 222, 166 (as of MY 2013) Std Clock YES All
(with code 239, 252 or 258)
Std ESP YES All
258 COLLISION NO 207/212 MU, 222, 117
Std Sunroof YES All
PREVENTION
ASSIST Std Tire Pressure YES All
Monitoring System
266 DISTRONIC PLUS YES 117, 176, 246, 463 MU (code
with Steer Assist, 239) Std Window lifters YES All
Distance Pilot
Crosswind Special 216,221,217,222, 213
DISTRONIC
Stabilization,
269 Brake Assist YES 207/212 MU, 222 Crosswind Assist
System PLUS
LED Headlamps YES Need scanner tool
with Cross-Traffic
Assist, with Neck Pro head YES
Intersection Assist rests
476 Lane Keeping YES 117, 166, 172, 176, 204 MU, PRE-SAFE Brake YES 205, 207/212 MU, 213, 217,
Assist 207, 212, 216 MU, 218, 221 with Pedestrian 222
MU, 231, 246 Recognition

December 2017 33
Driver-assist Technologies

installing a new camera, or reinstalling Tire Pressure front and rear tires. For example, if
the existing camera on the new OEM Monitoring System you rotate a left rear tire to the right
glass, calibration is required. Were you aware that tire rotation front, you must adjust the pressure
requires you to re-activate the tire to the appropriate level for each
Backup Camera wheel that moved. Without pressure
pressure monitor (TPM)?
You must calibrate the backup adjustment, the controller sees that
(reversing) camera after any of the Wheel replacement, installation of the pressure is off for one or more
following events occur: a new pressure sensor on a given tires, and presents a TPM error
1. Replacement of the backup tire, or simply adding or releasing warning message in the dash.
camera control unit. air to bring a tire within pressure
2. Removal of the backup camera. specification limits are all events that Activation is easy, and less costly
3. Any collision repair that could require activation of the TPMS. than throwing parts at the problem.
potentially alter the camera
mounting angle in the trunk lid, The TPM must also be re-activated Tire pressure is
as this may have altered the after every tire rotation. The inflation often different for
camera viewing angle. pressure specification is different for the front and rear
tires. In that case
4. Changes to the suspension when you rotate
which influence ride height. them rear-to-front,
5. Removal or replacement of the you’ll need to
steering angle sensor (SAS). adjust pressures
to maintain tire
performance within normal parameters, not to
You will need a calibration fixture
mention keeping the TPM happy.
(stand) and target, a laser, and the
XENTRY Connect diagnostic system.
Use current
DISTRONIC PLUS pressures as new
DISTRONIC PLUS (DTR) uses front
long- and short-range radar technology
The DTR radar sensor (Code A89b1 in this
image, for vehicles with non-arched type
reference values
to regulate vehicle speed and distance radar sensor, B29 for the arched type) is
the heart of the DISTRONIC PLUS system. It
Confirm with OK
relative to the vehicle immediately
must be adjusted not only if it has suffered Once you’ve adjusted tire pressures for
ahead. Initialization of the DTR control collision or mechanical damage, but also if each wheel, then tell the TPM control unit to
unit is necessary if the control unit the vehicle has had suspension alterations accept the new pressure for a given tire as
is replaced or disconnected from that affect ride height. its baseline value.

power during any procedure. Because

the DTR uses lateral and longitudinal
acceleration data inputs in its
calculations, it must also be initialized
after replacement of the yaw rate and/
or rotational speed sensors.

You must adjust the DTR radar

sensor after replacement of the DTR
control unit, or if the sensor has
sustained any mechanical damage.
Front collision repair, alterations
to camber, track width, caster or
alterations of the vehicle height
at the front or rear axle, are all
additional reasons you must adjust Once you start the Mercedes-Benz STAR DIAGNOSIS tool, shown here plugged into the
diagnostic connector on the C-Class (chassis series 204), STAR DIAGNOSIS provides step-by-
the DTR radar sensor. step, menu-assisted test and repair procedures for any faults it identifies on the vehicle.

34 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned
 Wholesale Team Spotlight

Once you’ve made the appropriate

pressure adjustments, you simply
Ron Resnick
press “OK” to confirm with the TPM
control unit that they are the correct
“I Love the Parts Business!”
values for each tire, and the system
is re-activated. However, because Those words are certainly music to the ears of
TPMS technology has evolved, there dealership parts departments and independent
are at least three, and possibly more, service providers who deal in parts for
different activation procedures for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz models from the early
2000s up to the present. Check in the Consider the role of Mercedes-Benz Regional
Mercedes-Benz Workshop Information Parts Sales Managers. Their job is to provide
System (WIS) for the TPM activation support to Mercedes-Benz dealership parts
procedure that is appropriate to the departments and the independent auto repair
model you are repairing. and collision repair shops they serve. What
would you expect such managers to do?
If your repair requires you to
disconnect or remove and reinstall Well, you’d expect them to educate and assist dealership parts
components such as the ABS professionals in using the latest software and ordering procedures in order
controller or other electronic to obtain parts for wholesale and retail customers as quickly as possible,
control units, those devices also and assuring that they get exactly the part needed at competitive prices.
must be checked for function after And that’s exactly what Ron Resnick does.
re-assembly. In some cases, a test Ron is Parts Sales Manager for the 115 or so Mercedes-Benz dealerships
failure will cause the setting of a in 13 southeastern states, and he really does love the parts business. And
trouble code that will indicate the well he should, as virtually his entire professional career -- 40+ years -- has
need for initialization or calibration been in the parts business, much of it within the Mercedes-Benz family.
of the device. If no code is set even
though the device fails a function His career path has been classic. He started as a parts driver, worked in
test, check your Mercedes-Benz dealership parts departments and as a national parts director for one of
repair information for initialization, the largest dealer groups in the U.S., served as a Parts Manager/Director
calibration, or reset instructions. for several dealerships before managing three different Mercedes-Benz
dealership parts departments. He has facilitated training seminars at the
After you have completed any national level for MBUSA and provided training, support, and coaching for
required calibration, initialization, dealership parts and service professionals all around the country. Half of
or reset procedures, scan again to his career has been with dealerships and half has been with automotive
verify your repair was effective and manufacturers, so he knows the parts business inside out.
complete. You can then delete from
the diagnostic trouble code memory These days Ron provides support for dealerships and their wholesale and
any stored faults which may have retail customers throughout the southeast U.S. He counsels on subjects
been caused by disconnecting wiring like inventory control, merchandising, marketing and wholesale parts
or by simulation during testing. promotional programs. He visits independent service providers in order
Connect your Mercedes-Benz STAR to constantly monitor their needs and relay those needs to the supporting
DIAGNOSIS tool and read out and dealership and MBUSA Headquarters. He also makes extensive use of
erase the fault code from memory. teleconferencing, which allows him to interact more frequently than in-
person visits would allow.
With these hidden calibration
requirements taken care of, now you Rather than simply a trainer, Ron considers himself a coach/consultant,
can invite your customer to come working with parts professionals in exploring ways to provide even faster,
and pick up the vehicle. | more accurate, and more affordable solutions for their wholesale and
retail customers.

We guess Ron really does love the parts business.... |

December 2017 35
Some think all wiper blades are the same.
This will make it clear. MSRP

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$
60
Part #
ordinary blades*. Not to mention that every blade has a precise curvature unique to each model, A 212 820 19 00
and most have a maintenance indicator on the tip that shows when replacement is necessary. A clear
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Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or learn more at www.mbwholesaleparts.com.

*As compared to economy wiper blades using durability test #PN 103713, which tests wiper durability through 1.5 million wiping cycles.

36 Mercedes-Benz StarTuned