Audio 10 - PROD display

[Dave]

Hi, I’ve been looking at the forum for a while now but this is my first post.

I’ve just got a ’95 E220 estate and decided to replace the old Pioneer stereo with an Audio 10 CD. I’ve got one off ebay, it’s as new/unused but after installation it just displays PROD. On looking around the web it seems that it is only the units made by Becker that should display this message, although the label on mine says MF2910 (MB part A 170 820 03 86), meaning it’s an Alpine(?).
I called Mercedes service and they said they would look at it, but at £100 + VAT ph I was hoping there was a cheaper solution.

Thanks

 

[miro]

Sounds like it is the wrong radio for your car. It needs some sort of CAN connection.

 

[Alex Argent]

I think that an Audio 10 is an Audio 10 is an Audio 10 .

Having said that, they come in dozens of shapes and sizes to fit specific models. Someone on here maybe able to access the part number (A 170 820 03 86) to extablish exactly which model it was manufactured for.

Also, the early Audio 10's had cassette units, whereas the later ones are all CD. Lastly, I am sure that the early units did not have fibre-optic inputs on (for a CD changer or other device) whereas the later ones all do.

Getting to the problem in hand, the radio is asking for a code ('PROD' = production setting IIRC), which I gather you obviously do not have. You need to get the car onto a STAR diagnostic unit, and get the technician to remove the code required setting in STAR. I recently fitted an Audio 30 APS head unit and had the same problem, and the technician at MB Romford found and changed the STAR setting in about 2 minutes. It's a bit of a drill-down operation as STAR is a formidable programme if you don't quite know what you're looking for. But if he can do it in a similar time.......you should get a bill for about £3.33 + VAT if my calculations are correct .

If they can't get STAR to recognise the head unit (I'm sure Canbus will not be installed on your car), then you'll have to revert to pleading with dealer for a code, assuming the Audio 10 has a serial number on it.

Hope this helps.

Alex

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Yep, needs to be coded to your car or the vehicle specific code removed. We had the same issue fitting Audio 30 APS to our ML. The unit we bought had an A208 (CLK) part no. A local specialist ith star recoded it and it's been fine.

 

[miro]

I think that an Audio 10 is an Audio 10 is an Audio 10 .

Clearly that must be true given the Audio 10 is declaring a CANbus error.

 

[Howard]

Hi Miro,

A 95 E220 could be a w124 , no CAN system on these so the Audio 10 wont work will it ?

The OP doesn't give the car model number ....

 

[miro]

Hi Miro,

A 95 E220 could be a w124 , no CAN system on these so the Audio 10 wont work will it ?

The OP doesn't give the car model number ....

You need the ML / SLK / W210 / W208 non-can version.

 

[Diesel Benz]

Someone on here maybe able to access the part number (A 170 820 03 86) to extablish exactly which model it was manufactured for.

This product/part appears to have been used on 129, 163, 168, 170, 202, 208, 210, 414, 460, 463. Quite a popular one.

 

[Dave]

Thanks for all your valued replys.
I've been phoning around some ICE specialists and will try at the weekend to get it sorted. Otherwise it's a visit to Jacksons.
BTW it is a W124.

 

[Leon]

MFxxxx model numbers do indicate they are Alpine. BE indicates Becker. Certainly see if your dealer can do anything, we have modified some internally (Becker units) to disable the "PROD" from appearing but each unit is different. It is controlled by the CANBUS, if the car doesn't have CANBUS, then it may have to be connected to one that does and see if the STAR Diagnostics can disengage it.

Depending on what functions are controlled by CAN, you may find some things wont work, such as light and ignition..