MCS Problem
 

'00 ML 55 with 40k Miles. While on a 3 hr road trip I attempted to change the volume level on the radio station I was listening to, no response, tried to turn off the MCS, no response, pressed other buttons, same problem. I pulled off the road and turned off the ignition for a few seconds. Turned engine back on, the MCS was now dead, wouldn't turn back on. Traveled down the road for another 1/2 hr. Pulled into a gas station. While I was filling up, took a look at the fuses in the fuse box. I pulled two fuses that looked like they were associated with the MCS (F10 & F21). They looked go so plugged them back in. Started the car back up and the MCS came on with a message to enter the security code, after the code was entered everything appeared to work. What's going on. Only thing I can possibly figure out is one of the fuses had a poor connection, but why did it stay on with no control response?

Hopefully there is still warranty on it. This is a known problem, usually referred to as the MCS "locking up". There is an updated MCS unit available that fixes the problem.

Gilly

Thanks Gilly. The vehicle is still under warranty. Does the MCS have to be in the locked-up condition before the dealer will replace it? Might be hard to prove.

It would be up to the individual dealer I guess.
I'm really quite sure there is a bulletin dealing with this though, so between your complaint and the bulletin, and that I'm sure you're getting close to being out of warranty, hopefully they'll just replace it.

Gilly

Gilly,

re updated MCS for MY2000. Is that the 163 820 21 86 or is there a later one?

When replacing the MCS in a MY2000, does one have to configure the BOSE option to ON through the diagnostic port like in the COMANDs or is there another way to do it?


Wolfgang

Not sure on the part number, I'd have to look it up.
On the BOSE display, the display itself an be programmed on or off. Either way, the stereo will work the same. In other words, either you have the BOSE system or yo don't, and how you configure the display will have no effect on the system.

Gilly

Thanks for the fast reply Gilly. Since I'm a BOSE fan I'll have the display turned on next time the diagnostic needs to be hooked up.

I have the 163 820 21 86 which seems to be the latest for MY2000 MLs. It does run a little warm.


Wolfgang