HOWTO: Fix no GPS signal on NTG 2.5 COMAND

[PhilG]

So I had no signal on my nav. Apparently this is quite common - the aerial goes bad.

All the threads on here mentioned a Fakra type connector for a replacement receiver. I bought one of these with the intention of connecting it to the back of the COMAND unit. On my CLS it was really, really hard to get the trim out, so much so that I gave up.

In the boot (left hand side) there is another connector. This is a WICLIC type.

I bought a receiver on ebay like this one:

Brand new active WICLIC BECKER type GPS navigation antenna Traffic Pro | eBay

On the CLS there is a panel on the parcel shelf that you can unclip and route the cable through. A bit of fiddling and you can get it through the sound deadening and into the boot:

Simply run the cable over to the left of the boot, connect up and put all the trim back.

Enjoy working nav again!

 

[richard]

Have you really left it on top of the parcel shelf completely visible ?

GPS signal passes through glass / carpet / cardboard (but not metal or metalised tints). So, poke it through one of the holes in the metal under the parcel shelf, from within the boot and hide it away nicely.

You should note that on Pre 2009 facelift CLS and E with COMAND, the GPS receiver is in the navigation drive in the boot. On post and on Audio-50-APS for all years, its in the COMAND/Audio-50 at the front. The recommended place for retrofitting the antenna on cars with GPS receiver in the front is under the dashboard above the instrument cluster.

We put 'replacements' for pre 09 facelift under the back shelf. Slightly harder on an estate to get a good place though, and you have to be using a good antenna in that case too - thus we recommend a proper Mercedes GPS antenna.

And yes, all E/CLS have that intermediate point in the boot for factory fit systems which then goes on to the roof antenna - and good spot as i had never considered using a WICLIC GPS antenna connected to that, and that is a simple option for W219/W212-Saloon without the nav unit in the boot.

Richard

 

[PhilG]

Have you really left it on top of the parcel shelf completely visible ?

GPS signal passes through glass / carpet / cardboard (but not metal or metalised tints). So, poke it through one of the holes in the metal under the parcel shelf, from within the boot and hide it away nicely.

Richard

I tidied it up better than in the picture, but basically yes. Agreed not the best look but I fixed it for £8!

I'll have a go as you suggest and try hiding it under that panel, but there is a metal plate with holes in it below the sound deadening so there might not be room.

Thanks for adding some more detail.

 

[zipdip]

PhilG I am in shock did you just score a goal against Command,did you just do something they had not considered,wow,that is a very very rare event well done.and a nice cheap fix as well.

 

[richard]

It works on-top of the plate and under the foam.

It is better to have less connectors (in terms of signal strength), so ideally a decent GPS antenna with Fakra plugged straight into the nav unit is best for signal strength as the antenna isn't on the roof !

Richard

 

[PhilG]

Now relocated the receiver under the parcel shelf panel so completely invisible - still works!

Thanks for the tips Richard.

Sent from my HUAWEI P8max using Tapatalk

 

[daze]

I have just bought a 2004 S 320 cdi W220 and it is showing zero satellites, would this fix work on mine ? and if so is everything in the same place so I have a clue in which direction to head ?
Thanks in advance, Darren.

 

[Alfie]

I have just bought a 2004 S 320 cdi W220 and it is showing zero satellites, would this fix work on mine ? and if so is everything in the same place so I have a clue in which direction to head ?
Thanks in advance, Darren.

Yes if your W220 has the navigation drive in the boot and you dont have IR reflecting solar glass option.

 

[D4zban]

Hi folks - sorry to add an unrelated post but I'm unable to post one of my own yet it seems.

Can anyone advice how to make the linguatronic Comand option read out my iPhone text messages for me whilst I'm driving. I have an iPhone 5s and everything else seems set up and working well???

 

[D4zban]

Forget that - figured it out - sorry for the hijack!!

 

[daze]

Ok ! After stripping out my boot (the connector is on the right in an S class) I plugged it in and ta da !!! Nothing Still no satalites, any ideas anybody ??

 

[Alfie]

Ok ! After stripping out my boot (the connector is on the right in an S class) I plugged it in and ta da !!! Nothing Still no satalites, any ideas anybody ??

The connector on the nav drive is on the left in a W220 with navigation drive in boot.

Simply plug the new antenna in and let it see the sky. It can take 10 - 15 minutes to collect up satellites.

 

[daze]

The DVD Rom is on the left but the splitter with the wiclic connector is on the right.

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[daze]

40 minute drive to work this morning and still no satalites

 

[Alfie]

Can the GPS antenna see the sky clearly?

Best bet is to plug new GPS antenna in with boot open. Leave the antenna resting on the boot lid with a clear view of the sky. Wait for about 10 mins and see what the number of satellites show. the car does not need to be moving. It will collect up satelites whilst stationary.

 

[daze]

It was pilot error lol there are 2 connections and I picked the wrong one :fail connected it to the other one today and bingo 13 satalites and everything is good
Thank you very much to PhilG for the discovery