Mercedes-Benz vehicles are equipped with an anti-theft protection system that prevents unauthorized use of the car’s radio and head unit. While this is a great security feature, it can sometimes be an inconvenience, especially if the anti-theft protection is unintentionally activated. This article will guide you through the steps of deactivating the Mercedes Anti-Theft Protection Radio and help you understand the causes and solutions for the issue.
What Is Mercedes Anti-Theft Protection?
Mercedes-Benz’s anti-theft protection system is designed to prevent thieves from stealing the car’s radio and head unit. When this system is activated, you will see the message “Anti-theft protection activated” displayed on the COMAND system screen. This message will block all system features, such as navigation, FM, media playback, and camera functions. However, the vehicle will still operate normally as long as it is unlocked with the electronic key. Once the car is started, the anti-theft protection message will appear, disabling all media and navigation functions.
Common Causes of Anti-Theft Protection Activation
The most common causes of anti-theft protection activation on Mercedes-Benz vehicles include:
- Weak Car Battery: A weak or low battery can trigger the anti-theft protection system. This is especially true for older or cold-weather conditions where the vehicle’s battery does not charge fully.
- Replacement of Radio or Command Unit: When replacing the radio unit or the COMAND head unit, the system may trigger anti-theft protection to prevent unauthorized use.
- Loss of Communication Between the COMAND System and the Car: A damaged wiring connection can lead to the anti-theft protection activation.
- Incorrectly Coded EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch): If the EIS is replaced but coded incorrectly, it can cause the anti-theft protection system to engage.
- Battery Disconnection: Disconnecting the battery or replacing it can also activate the anti-theft protection system, which requires the appropriate PIN code to unlock.
How to Deactivate the Mercedes Anti-Theft Protection
To deactivate the anti-theft protection on your Mercedes-Benz radio, follow the steps below. Please note that this guide applies to most Mercedes models, such as W203, W204, W205, W906, W907, W156, W164, W166, W167, W212, W213, W221, W222, W251, W253, W117, W118, W176, W177, and more.
Requirements:
- Laptop Diagnostic Tools:
- Intel Core i5 (3rd generation) or higher
- Minimum 4GB RAM
- 256GB SSD or higher
- Windows 10 or 11
- Mercedes Star C4 (or alternative devices such as Autel, C5, C6, etc.)
- Xentry Diagnostic Software
- Vediamo or DTS Monaco Offline Coding Software
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Park the Vehicle
Ensure the vehicle is parked in a well-ventilated and safe location where you can easily work on the system. The car must be in the parking mode for the process to work.
Step 2: Connect the Diagnostic Tools
- Connect the diagnostic tool to your laptop, then plug the diagnostic device into the car’s OBD2 port.
- Ensure that the diagnostic tool is recognized by both the laptop and the car.
Step 3: Check the Serial Number of the Radio
- Use the diagnostic tool to read the serial number of the radio or head unit.
- The serial number will be essential for calculating the PIN code needed to deactivate the anti-theft protection.
Step 4: Diagnose the Vehicle and Read Fault Codes
- Run a full vehicle diagnosis using Xentry software. This will allow you to check for any existing error codes in the Radio (Head Unit) module.
- Look for error code A40/3-COMAND APS which signifies issues with the COMAND system.
Step 5: Check the Error in the Head Unit Module
- Once the fault codes are retrieved, verify the error in the head unit module on the car’s screen.
- This will confirm the activation of the anti-theft protection.
Step 6: Connect to Vediamo or DTS Monaco
- Use Vediamo or DTS Monaco software to connect to the head unit module.
- Add the PIN code for unlocking and confirm the correct PIN code in the software.
Step 7: Reset the System
- After entering the correct PIN code, disconnect the diagnostic tool.
- Turn off the ignition and then restart it to check if the anti-theft protection has been successfully deactivated.
Step 8: Test the Radio and Head Unit
- Ensure that the radio and all other head unit functions are fully restored. The anti-theft protection message should no longer appear.
Additional Tips:
- If you are unable to find the PIN code for your Mercedes-Benz radio, consider using our remote support service for assistance.
- It’s important to use official and professional diagnostic software like Xentry, Vediamo, or DTS Monaco to ensure the correct deactivation procedure.
Conclusion
Deactivating the Mercedes anti-theft protection system can be a quick process when following the steps outlined above. By using the proper diagnostic tools and software, you can unlock your radio and restore all media and navigation functions without much hassle. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, our team is here to help.
Need Help?
If you encounter any problems while deactivating the Mercedes anti-theft protection system, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We provide expert remote support to ensure that your system works perfectly. Reach out to us via WhatsApp at +1 (641) 206-8880 for immediate assistance. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected] for further guidance.
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