W164 ML63 Rear monitors "TV Error" and nothing else

[ab9758]

Settling in with my recently bought 2007 ML63 and world apart from my old ML55. Frustration is that for 2 weeks the kid's rear headrest installed monitors happily played TV (I choose the channel on the dashboard Comand). Then suddenly both monitors stopped and display "TV Error". Don't think they have any other output (but haven't checked with headphones) and remote handset seems only to operate On/Off setting.

Searched handbooks and online with no success. Just to clarify, the rear headrest units are monitors only, They do not have their own Audio/Visual source such as a CD/DVD player. Both though show the same error message.

 

[whitenemesis]

Both would suggest a system error. Does the TV display in the front COMAND screen?

 

[ab9758]

Yes - perfect display and full channel selection on front Comand screen

 

[whitenemesis]

Perhaps a setting changed in COMAND to deselect rear entertainment?

Possible cable/connection broken in feed to rear? Check under seats?

 

[grober]

Most likely a broken signal connection as suggested above^^^^^^^^

 

[richard]

Hi
I retrofitted this all to my 07 ML500 some years ago !!

The TV tuner has a separate video output that feeds the RSE controller (the DVD drive etc thats under the rear seat). So same error on both is unsurprising.
The various components also talk to each other using CAN bus.

Given the TV tuner is in the boot, in a place that can get damp, i'd suspect the TV tuner or the cable between that and the RSE. It could just be the RSE controller, but unlikely and i'd hope Star Diagnosis will point towards the fault

If you replace the cable, luckily it can be run without removing the front seats and carpets to get to the wiring ducts Its still a bit of a pain.

If you are near Lightwater, I think we have a spare TV tuner which makes diagnosis easier .. (see Mercedes Retrofit Specialist - Comand.co.uk)

The DVD drive thing is *very* expensive (and TV tuner is not cheap), so hope cable is the issue !!!

Cheers

Richard

 

[ab9758]

Richard, many thanks for comprehensive reply. I'll try to track cables as you suggest, but could I just ask that as I don't have the Rear Entertainment System, only the monitors but not with the dvd etc under or near the rear seats), is your advice still the same?

 

[richard]

Richard, many thanks for comprehensive reply. I'll try to track cables as you suggest, but could I just ask that as I don't have the Rear Entertainment System, only the monitors but not with the dvd etc under or near the rear seats), is your advice still the same?

Can you post (or PM) your VIN. The factory RSE DVD player is "below" the right hand seat base, and you access it from the front (theres a cutout in the carpet). There is a sliding cover to reveal it.
I don't know of any factory system that talks to TV that doesn't have that, so post some pictures

Richard

 

[ab9758]

Update and success.
Completely flat battery yesterday (cause not identified) and AA call out. Jump start, which I think probably reset most of the systems, and rear monitors live again. If I knew what I am doing (and I don't!), my ML55 overhead fuel computer would turn off, but if I removed and reinserted Fuse 13 it came back to life for a few days. Wondering in passing if I should have investigated fuse for rear monitors or Comand system and tried same technique.

The separate issue at the time the AA chap arrived was that the rear tailgate failed to open after the jump lead start. It had a new tailgate motor 10 days ago. AA thought maybe it has been partially open and that had drained the battery. Drove for the next 45 minutes after jump lead start and lo and behold, it worked again first time.

Better check all still ok when I go to car today!

 

[richard]

I'd still like to know what rear seat entertainment system you have in there that links to the factory TV but doesn't have the DVD player on the rear seat base ....


R

 

[ab9758]

Richard - just sent you my VIN using the forum email system

 

[ab9758]

Firstly an apology to Richard who has been so helpful. Christmas now over and kids back at school, so time to worry about the really important things! Yes - you are absolutely right. There is a DVD player tucked away under the rear offside seat and hidden behind a sliding panel. All I needed to do was grab a torch and get on my hands and knees to discover! Who on earth ever thought this could be a satisfactory location for anything. Frustratingly, it's only a single disc at a time, so I've got to work out what to do when kids are on long journey and I don't want them fumbling under the seat whilst car is moving and because they've got bored with that DVD after 2 minutes.

Yet there's a 6-CD cartridge in the glove box - but who listens to CDs anymore!