Radio - (Grand Prix) New Features
85mercedes03TO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS
DATE: October 1985 REF. NO. MBNA 82/17
SUBJECT: MODEL YEAR 1986 GRAND PRIX RADIO
A. THEFT DETERRENCE SYSTEM (ALL MODELS WITH ANTI-THEFT ALARM SYSTEM)
B. CASSETTE PLAYER CLEANING PROCEDURE
The Grand Prix radio for model year 1986 has several new features including a theft deterrence system.. Details about the other new features can be found in the 1986 Introduction Manual.
Figure 1 - Theft indication symbol (dashed line):
A. Theft Deterrence
If the radio is removed while the antitheft alarm is armed, the radio will be rendered inoperative, indicated by a dashed line in the display (Figure 1). The anti-theft alarm system will be activated simultaneously.
The purpose of the new theft deterrence feature is to eventually reduce the incidence of radio theft by making a stolen Mercedes-Benz radio inoperable, and therefore, worthless and unattractive to a thief. It was also important that this be accomplished with a minimum of inconvenience to the Mercedes-Benz customer.
Mercedes-Benz dealers share an obligation to see to it that the integrity of this effort is maintained, in the interest of alleviating a source of acute customer displeasure. The following new repair and replacement procedures are designed for this purpose.
1. Radio Stolen and Recovered
Customer presents his car and an allegedly recovered, inoperable radio to the dealer for repair of the radio. (This situation will almost always involve an insurance claim, although occasionally a customer may not wish to involve his insurance company).
Procedure: before returning the radio to MBNA, the dealer must
a. Obtain from the customer a copy of an insurance claim.
b. Obtain from the customer a copy of a police department document recording transfer of the stolen property back to tile customer.
c. Visually inspect the car and radio to confirm there is no obvious attempt to defraud taking place.
The radio should then be returned to MBNA, along with the documentation obtained from the customer, and replaced with a reconditioned unit, with normal replacement costs being charged to the customer.
2. Radio Displays Theft Indication Symbol
Customer's radio is inoperable, the theft indication symbol appears in the digital display of the radio, but customer states the radio never left his car.
a. Dealer should advise customer this condition normally indicates a radio theft has occurred, and that MBNA checks serial numbers of radios, matching them with the VIN, and monitors such claims for potential abuse. MBNA will take applicable actions against any individuals who participate in a scheme to defraud.
b. Customer will be provided with an exchange program radio under the terms of the vehicle warranty.
c. Inoperable radio will be returned to MBNA under normal warranty procedures. MBNA will check serial number.
3. Radios Installed in Non-1986 MB
A 1986 U.S. Grand Prix radio displaying the theft indication symbol is presented for repair by a customer owning a pre-1986 U.S. MB, an originally non-U.S. MB, or another make of car.
Procedure: To be followed only if customer owns an MB; if not, customer to be referred to Becker of North America for service.
a. Dealer should advise customer this condition normally indicates a radio theft has occurred, and that MBNA checks serial numbers of radios, matching them with the VIN, and monitors such claims for potential abuse. MBNA will take applicable actions against any individuals who participate in a scheme to defraud.
b. Customer to be requested to produce proof of radio ownership.
c. Radio, and proof of ownership, to be returned to MBNA for repair. MBNA will check serial number.
Repair Note
Every time the battery is disconnected, the anti-theft alarm will be automatically "armed" as soon as the battery is reconnected.
To avoid activating the alarm (and damaging the radio, if removed) always manually "disarm" the system using the master key after reconnecting the battery.
IMPORTANT: After radio repairs/replacement, verify the proper operation of the antitheft alarm system.
B. Cassette Player Cleaning Procedure
To ensure good tone quality and help prevent tape jamming, the cassette player should be cleaned with the cleaning cassette (tool no. 903 589 00 68 00) during the maintenance service every 15,000 miles. For customers using their cassette player on a daily basis, the cleaning cassette should be made available for purchase to allow for more frequent cleaning by the customer.