Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Amplifier Problems

Mercedes-Benz flagship model W221 is one of the best S-Classes Mercedes-Benz has ever built, but it does have a fair number of issues.

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One of the most common problems with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 chassis is the amplifier’s failure, resulting in the unit not turning on or having no sound. Let’s look at this common issue, its symptoms, and how it can be diagnosed.

Symptoms

• No Audio
• CD error
• FM and AM intermittent
• The radio power is on, but no sound
• Shut down randomly, every few mins.
• Radio stand on Mercedes Benz logo
• Sound interruption
• No radio station
• No TV station
• Blank screen
• Very low volume
• The needle on the radio does not move from the joystick.

The amplifier problem in Mercedes Benz is widespread. You will have issues like moving the joystick on the MMI unit, the needle does not change, and you won’t have audio or sound in the car.

There may also be a sound interruption, no radio station, and the radio will turn on and off every few minutes. While on a call with someone, it will display a blank screen. Sometimes, commands do not function and the screen will freeze.

Also, a bad amplifier can lead to battery discharge.

You may have a noisy amplifier fan in the boot after you turn off the car for a few minutes

Common Causes

• Water damage
• Dead secondary battery
• Hard drive failure
• Antenna amplifier fault
• Software corruption amplifier
• Audio tuner module
• TV tuner module
• Faulty transistor
• Blow fuse
• AGW – Audio-gateway
• Radio tuner
• Fiber optic fault

Troubleshooting S-Class W221 No Sound Problem

What you will need

• Fiber Optic Loop
• Screwdriver
• Soldering iron
• Torches
• Voltmeter
• User manual for the audio system

Start by removing the radio and the fiber optic in the back of the radio (orange cables). Turn off the radio, then turn it on. You will see the red light blinking in the opening where the connector is removed; we should have a red blinking light. This tells us that the fiber optic from this unit is working.

Next, turn the unit off and check the end of the cable (connector) if it blinks, and if this one blinks red light, it tells us that fiber is working. In most cases, if you do not see that red-light blink from the radio, then the radio is causing the problem.

Next, find the amplifier in the trunk area and do the same procedure to check if you have red-light blinking.

Using a screwdriver, remove the screw on top of the fan and check for any water damage, fan failure from dust, and damaged cable.

When you open the frame, take a look if there is any sign of a burnt-out circuit and look carefully on the opposite side of the electronic. Take an in-depth look at all parts (components, chips, resistors, transistors, chipset, cables, fiber cable, etc.) Make sure to look at the fiber optic cable connection with two black wires that go to the reader.

Use a flashlight to check every connection, every chip, every cable, and do a detailed inspection carefully.

If you know how to use a voltmeter, conduct a volt check and test all resistors (be extremely careful when testing resistors). Attach your meter probe to the first resistor on the board after the power supply. Locate this by finding the power supply and tracing the circuit until you reach a resistor. Turn on the ignition and note the reading. The User Manual has a tolerance of 5% variance for the power. Any other reading outside of this variance tells us a faulty resistor. A zero reading on the voltmeter indicates a blown resistor. Sometimes the memory chips in the unit get corrupted.

We hope you find the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Amplifier Problems guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mercedes-Benz.