What's causing a satnav fault in my Mercedes-Benz ML 420CDI?

I have a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML 420CDI, which has had an intermittent satnav function for several months. After prolonged diagnostic testing at the local MB dealer they replaced the antenna at considerable cost, but the problem persists. It registers no satellites yet sometimes works well, but if I venture into an area the DVD cannot recognise, it then loses its place and is unable to recover its position when on a recognisable road. It is to go back in shortly for more investigation. I am beginning to run out of patience and I wondered if you had any idea what may be wrong. All other parts of the ‘Command’ system work well.

Asked on 19 October 2013 by NM, Glasgow

Answered by Honest John

If it only spasmodically recognises satellites it may simply be working from its memory in the same way as it does in a tunnel when it can't "see" any satellites. So I think the aerial system is still the root of the problem.

Tags: sat nav electrical faults aerials

Similar questions

Is it common for the Volkswagen sat nav system, as fitted to my 2010 Golf GTI, to malfunction?

I have a Golf GTI bought in March 2010 with Volkswagen satnav installed. It worked fine until a couple of months ago. At that time the direction arrow on the map went adrift. Often it was miles off the...

Is the failure of Skoda's Columbus unit a common fault?

My 2009 Skoda Superb is four years old and out of warranty. A couple of months ago the Columbus unit (radio, satnav, Bluetooth, etc) ceased to function. The local Skoda dealer said he had never heard of...

My TomTom Go won't go - can it be repaired?

My TomTom Go 700 won't Go. I bought it about five years ago and have used it very little, maybe three or four times a year, but I've found it an invaluable aid (and safety feature) for detailed navigation...

Related models