DVD Navigation question..(Gilly) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

99ML430 · #1 04-30-2004, 04:32 AM

Gilly......for the last week, l have not been able to get any satellites for my 03 DVD nav system....l have done the obvious, which is remove Fuse #21,( for 20 minutes) to reboot the system, but nothing...my GPS antennae is under a year old, so l can't imagine that would the problem..any suggestions....

Gilly · #2 04-30-2004, 08:08 AM

You need to check the GPS reception, which shown on one of the screen, I think the main "map" screen you would normally see when using Nav. I believe you'll see it in one of the upper (?) corners. Looks sorta like this: -o- (like a satellite) and will indicate reception with a series of U shaped curves under the symbol (the more "curves" the better, kind of like the series of bars you get to indicate cellphone reception.) If you're showing NO curves under that symbol, and you go through the screen and find that screen where it lists how many satellites you're receiving, and it shows "0", one would be forced to think it's the antenna again.
Sometimes you do have to be patient with it. What would be a better "obvious" thing to do it to put the truck outside parked for about 1/2 hour, then see if you get any satellites, but make sure it's a nice unobscured place without alot of high buildings or trees blocking the sky.
If you do try to use the Nav, does it still show the vehicle in motion, or does it stay stationary? Even though it may be moving off the map, etc, it should still register motion from the wheel speed sensors. If it's not doing that, then I'd look at the possibilty that the Nav unit may be bad....

Gilly

99ML430 · #3 05-01-2004, 03:31 AM

Hey Gilly..these are my symptons....
1. l have a "Large red "X" on the satellite indicator in the upper left hand corner...
2. The map does move when l am in motion, it will even indicate street names on the bottom of the screen..problem is, l'm not even in that city....
3. As l mentioned before...l have removed fuse # 21, for at least half an hour, and placed myself in an open area for at least half an hour..to no avail....
4. How, is it possible that a GPS antennae can start to malfunction after such a short time...how is moisture getting in....l'm assuming that this sounds like the antennae...

Gilly · #4 05-01-2004, 06:30 AM

Yes, sound probably like the antenna to me, could be something else I suppose. As a test you could try to test the Teleaid and see if the Teleaid operator gets a "fix" on your position, because the Teleaid control unit uses that GPS antenna also. The Teleaid operators have always been understanding of this, at least for me, just tell them right away you need to test the GPS system and are wondering if they have a fix on your location. If they do get a fix on the location, maybe there is a problem with the wiring under the seat for example.

Sometimes you can just get a part that craps out, what more can I say? Could be water intrusion at the antenna, you can take it off and inspect it, I don't have "all" the answers.
Seeing movement on the map is "good". The fact it is showing you in a different city (Hey, at least you have something interesting to see, I saw one like this which showed itself in Lake Michigan!) is common for a no-reception problem like this.

Gilly

99ML430 · #5 05-03-2004, 01:54 AM

l apoligize Gilly...l'm just a little "miffed", at this 03 DVD NAV "thingy"...l have a 99, which l retro-fitted with a 00 MCS, and 03 DVD NAV, so l don't have a Tele-aid button....As well, l have not been able to find this option to where l can check how many satellites are being used....l don't think l have it....Though, threw our discussions, l assume that it is the GPS antennae...Great, another $400.00 bucks.....

Gilly · #6 05-03-2004, 05:06 AM

There should be, (unless this whole "swap into a 99" thing becomes a problem), a 1 year unlimited mileage warranty on the antenna, assuming you bought it from MB. At $400 I assume you did. If you think you're out in the cold on a warranty claim (talk to the parts dept you bought it from) then maybe there is an aftermarket GPS antenna that would work??

Gilly

PS I think, not 100% sure, that you find the # of sats being used somewhere in the "SVC" button screen. click on that and look around.

pps Maybe MB will sell you the manual for the MCS, that'd help alot, it's a seperate manual.

99ML430 · #7 05-03-2004, 10:30 AM

Thanks Gilly.........l have been informed that the GPS antennae's now have a improved sealing grommet............the part number is A 163 820 1875.......Again, thanks for all your help.....

Gilly · #8 05-03-2004, 07:09 PM

No prob. BTW is there any chance of getting a spare part warranty for you, or did you purchase it in a 'round about way and no dealer coverage?

Gilly

99ML430 · #9 05-03-2004, 10:21 PM

l purchased the part from a Forum member on another site....so l'm SOL.......As for the GPS satellite location, the cd-based version, has a section called GPS information, the DVD-Based one does not....that's why l have not been able to find it, unless it's under another location............Any idea's, do you think it has something to do with my ML being a 99.....but my DVD NAV is 03..l don't get it.....

Gilly · #10 05-04-2004, 05:03 AM

I do have a former co-worker who put a DVD nav in his 2000 MCS unit. If I think of it maybe I can call and ask. Seems the key here is to try to obtain an MCS operators guide from MB, especially a later one which includes the DVD nav instructions.

Gilly