How to Fix an Inoperable SOS Function in a Mercedes C220D
Mercedes and its commitment to excellence are truly unmatched. They make everything to perfection or at least try to, which is why their vehicles are so well respected across the globe and sold in the millions.
It doesn’t matter if you buy the high-end S-Class or the more affordable C-Class, each car comes packed with the latest technology and safety features.
Therefore, it would only come as a surprise if something as important as a safety feature stops working in a Mercedes.
Well, the world is full of surprises, and we received one not too long ago when a certain Mrs. A came to Garden City Garage and complained that her 2018 Mercedes C220D had issues with the SOS function. She claimed that the feature was working but the dash showed a warning sign that said otherwise. The warning was there when the owner purchased the car a few months ago but it had not gone away.
Now, it is quite uncommon for a person to get in a situation where the Mercedes SOS function is needed. But it should still work because you never know when the next emergency might arrive. When the need arises, the Mercedes SOS safety function helps notify the authorities of your location, and emergency services reach you in due time. The warning should illuminate only when the function is unable to work.
Mr. A had previously taken his Mercedes C-Class C220D to different workshops. However, no one could solve the issue for him. He drove from Swansea to visit our garage and that’s where he met our specialist Mercedes technician, Joshua Williams.
Joshua listened to the client’s query, devised a plan of action, and got straight to work.
Fault Discovery
Our technician started the repair by initiating the 15-step diagnostic procedure followed at the Garden City Garage. Joshua began with a fault code scan, which led him to an interesting discovery. The diagnostic tool showed the P06530 and P06531 error codes that are completely unrelated to the SOS function.
Why were the fault codes related to VIN programming showing on the diagnostic tool? Joshua was puzzled but unfazed by the discovery. He moved on to the next step, determined to find the solution.
Our technician chalked up a few theories in his mind but focused on the most interesting one. Could it be that the ECU was not recognizing the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and in turn causing problems with the SOS function? That was a strong possibility because a car is registered at the authorities by the VIN and if that is not recognized, the ‘SOS inoperable’ warning sign could flash as a result.
So, Joshua started to dig deeper, using his expertise and unmatched skill to get to the problem’s core. The 15-step diagnostic procedure helped along the way to save time, and money for Mrs. A in repairs.
Employing The Solution
The best way to find out the solution for Joshua was to follow the 15-step diagnostic procedure and then stick to his training. That’s what he did and as a result, he got close to the root cause of the problem. The fault code search using the diagnostic tool brought him nearer but not to the final destination. Joshua tried several times to get an error code relevant to the Mercedes SOS function, but nothing useful turned up on the search.
It seemed like a dead end, but Joshua kept on the task and did not show signs of giving up.
He thought about testing the SOS buttons next to see if an input is registered on the ECU. Sure enough, the buttons were working and the control module was receiving the signals. The physical test to inspect the state of the buttons and the general problem area resulted in nothing fruitful.
The only way forward, Joshua presumed, was to consult the Mercedes Technical Service Information. This document is useful to learn about the latest updates and problems plaguing Mercedes vehicles. Fortunately, our technician found the answer to his questions.
It turned out that there was a Mercedes software issue troubling the C220D and a simple update would solve the problem.
Joshua was quick to download the update and prepared to upload it to the Merc.
The Solution for the Malfunction
It isn’t easy to download and upload the software onto a vehicle. That’s because the software updates require a super-fast internet connection as well as special software. Thankfully, Garden City Garage has it all when it comes to vehicle repairs.
Joshua used the Xentry dealer software (created by Mercedes-Benz and used by their technicians), found the problem area, and installed the upgrade onto the Mercedes C220D. However, before the client could go home a satisfied customer, there was a bit more work to be done.
Usually, a software update is followed by a teach-in process. This allows the car’s computer to understand the changes and helps it to apply them as soon as possible. Moreover, the teach-in process teaches the onboard software how to operate the new interface.
According to Mercedes, the update takes a week or more. However, there is a way to do things more quickly.
You would have to praise Joshua, because he did all of that in a day, much to the joy of Mrs. A
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Mrs. A was disappointed when other garages had been unable to get to the bottom of the issue with her Mercedes C220D. Fortunately, our client thought about the Garden City Garage and drove straight to our premises.
Luckily, the trip over to our garage proved fruitful for Mrs. A who got the best value for her money. Not only did she get answers for her car’s problems but the fault was solved in a day. That’s a testament to the skill of our technician Joshua who worked on this problematic Mercedes C220D.
The issue plaguing the Mercedes was a rare one. But our technician had the presence of mind to check the Technical Service Info and that resulted in a clear answer.
Our specialist Mercedes technician’s commitment to solving the problem resulted in our client’s satisfaction. That’s what we believe in at Garden City Garage. We give you the kind of service that will make you keep coming back to our garage in the future.
If you want help with your Mercedes, give us a call on 01639 320032 and set up an appointment. Our staff would love to welcome you and your questions.
