DISCOUNT CAR STEREO A2D-MBFM Direct Music Streaming Instruction Manual
- June 8, 2024
- DISCOUNT CAR STEREO
Table of Contents
Courtesy of: DiscountCarStereo.com
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A2D-MBFM
QUICK START BLUETOOTH INSTALLTION GUIDE FOR MERCEDES BENZ RADIOS
Created September 3, 20 21
Revised: March 14, 20 22
PRODUCT SAFETY & DISCLAIMER
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE INSTALLING, FAILURE TO DO SO MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO PRODUCT AND/OR PROPERTY
- This installation guide is provided as a GENERAL installation guide, some vehicles vary and may require additional steps. We do not accept responsibility for third party labor charges or modifications. Exercise due-diligence when installing this product.
- We do not accept any responsibility for vehicle damage or personal injury resulting from the installation of this product.
- Careless installation and operation can result in equipment damage
Requirement
Mercedes BENZ RADIOS WITH FM BAND
Introduction
With Bluetooth technology and a Smartphone; Mercedes Benz radios without dedicated AUX port (e.g., 1999-Up digital fiber radios etc.) are able to stream applications on the car speakers thanks to the A2D-MBFM. The A2D-MBFM kit is designed to install in line with the radio antenna using the included antenna adapter kit: ISO (older radios) and FAKRA (newer radios). If uncertain about which antenna adapter is requires by your radio; please email us a picture of the radio face prior to ordering. The A2D-MBFM works on any Mercedes Benz FM Band radio and does not interfere with normal radio operation or the operation of existing factory options.
Installation
Radio must be removed from dash to gain access to connectors. Removal tools (See Fig. 1 ) required and must be purchased separately. Mercedes Double DIN radios do not require tools for removal. Special removal instruction available upon required.
Fig. 1
tools
1. Slide both tools into radio slots to detent position, (Straight edge
facing out) and withdraw by pulling outwards. (See Fig. 2 )
Click here for additional
radio removal instructions.
Fig. 2
radio
2. Disconnect factory antenna terminal from radio socket (See Fig. 3 )
Fig. 3
radio antenna terminal
3. Connect factory antenna terminal (from step2) to antenna socket marked “TO
ANTENNA” in Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Factory plug
4. Connect antenna terminal marked “TO RADIO” (See Fig. 4 ) to vacated
antenna socket on radio.
5. By default, the modulator tuning frequency is set to 87.9MHz. If for any
reason you need to change to 88.3MHz; locate module Frequency switch (top
left), insert small screwdriver etc. and move switch to frequency mark seen in
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
6. Connect RED wire to an accessory (key on) circuit in your vehicle We suggest tapping wire at pin A7 of radio power/harness (See Fig. 6 )
Fig. 6
radio connector
7. Connect BLACK wire to ground.
We suggest removing radio chassis screw and securing ground terminal as seen
in Fig. 7.
Fig. 7
8. Secure module behind radio cavity and proceed to Pairing.
Optional AUX input jack
This module has supports for a wired AUX. Any RCA cable will suffice, but if you purchased our optional AUX cable, simply connect RCA plug to “AUX INPUT” jacks on module and route AUDIO jack to the front of the dash or where AUX jack will reside (within 3 ft.) Secure jack to dashboard, ensure mounting panel is no thicker than 1/8″ otherwise the threads won’t protrude enough to engage nut. (If necessary, use Dremel or sander to thin panel).
Pairing
Pairing process varies among devices but basic steps are the same. This process is done upon initial install and should not have to be repeated.
- Turn ignition and radio “ON”
- Open smart device Bluetooth Settings and enable Bluetooth
- Tap Scan (Search) for devices.
- Wait for Bluetooth device name to appear and tap
- Connected is heard on car speakers
Bluetooth operation
-
Turn ignition and radio “ON”
-
Set radio station to tuning frequently selected in step 5.
Once you determine the correct frequency, it is a good idea to store the frequency using one of the radios presents buttons (e.g. preset #1) -
Launch smart device streaming app.
-
Device should not be heard on car speakers otherwise ensure smart device volume is at 80% or higher.
-
Use radio volume control button to set playback level. If distorted, lower volume on smart device.
Warning: Playlist and Track selection, text display areNOT possible from radio. Use audio device built-in controls to access and control audio files.
To listen to AUX device
a. Pause Bluetooth or disable Bluetooth on smart device
b. Connect audio device to AUX input
c. Place audio device in playback mode
d. Ensure AUX device volume is at 80% or higher
e. Use radio volume control button to set playback level. If distorted; lower
volume on AUX device
Notes:
- Often times Bluetooth playback will be louder than AUX. As a precaution always lower radio volume when switching between AUX and Bluetooth
- If phone rings during streaming session; music is muted and call number announced on car speakers. Take call on handset (this module does no support hands-free calls). Once call ends, streaming resumes.
Frequently ask questions and troubleshooting
1. What is the difference between this FM modulator and FM transmitter?****
Unlike FM transmitters, this FM modulator connects directly to the Mercedes radio antenna socket (input) to provide very high quality sound as you would expect from a commercial radio station. FM transmitter’s sends music signal over the airwaves, picked up by the antenna mast and then sent to the radio and prone to interference depending on weather conditions, topology, and landscape.
2. No audio is heard even though radio is on the right tuning frequency****
Check that ignition is in “ACC” or “ON” position and smart device has paired.
3. How good is sound quality from this module?****
Contrary to what you may have heard, the modulator included in this kit sounds very good and far better than FM transmitters which are subject to noise and interference.
4. Does the A2D-MBFM work on all Mercedes radios?****
Works on any Mercedes/Sprinter radio with ISO or FAKRA antenna socket.
5. Can I control Smart device from radio buttons?****
NO; you must continue to use audio device built-in controls and radio volume control button to set playback level.
6. I hear lots of distortion. What do you suggest doing?****
Ensure radio is set to selected Frequency.
7. Will radio mute when I receive or make a phone call?****
Steaming playback is muted during phone call. Call must be taken through handset.
8. Why I’m I not able to pair a second smart device?****
In order to pair a second device, ensure no other device has already paired otherwise disable Bluetooth on first device and pair second.
Disclaimer
- This product has no affiliation with Mercedes, Becker or Alpine
- There are no warranties expressed or implied by purchase of this product
- We’re not liable for misuse of this product.
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