Discount Car Stereo IL-CMD Instruction Manual

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Serving the internet community since 1995
IL-CMD
QUICK START INSTALLATION GUIDE FOR MERCEDES COMAND 2.0 APS
Not for Mercedes: MCS or COMAND 2.5
Created October 10, 2015
Revised September 15, 2021

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.
Requirements:
Mercedes Benz Comand 2.0 radio
Introduction
Just because you drive an older car does not mean you have to settle for old
technology. Some Mercedes includes optional 3.5mm AUX jack (in glove box)
which may be satisfactory to some, but because Apple has removed audio jack
from recent iOS devices, the factory AUX jack just won’t cut it. Enter the iL-CMD.
This adapter replaces factory AUX jack with Apple Lightning plug which plays
and charges iOS devices with Lightning connectors including iPhone 5-12, iPod
Touch (5G), iPad(4G), iPad Mini(1G), iPad Mini with retina etc. without sacrificing
the look and feel of dashboard components.
Installation
Warning: The iL-CMD applies only to Mercedes Comand 2.0 APS radios and
replaces factory AUX jack, TV tuner options (if present)
Remove radio from dashboard to gain access to connectors. (Vehicle
specific radio removal instruction is not part of this guide, but may be
available upon request)
1. Disconnect factory 18-pin plug from radio chamber C2 by pressing and
lowing lock-down tab (See Fig. 2)
Fig. 1
Comand radio connectors
Fig. 2
C2 plug

Warning: If factory C2 plug has more than 4 wires, you are required to
transfer the additional wires over to the IL-CMD 18-pin contact carrier OR
transfer 4 wires from IL-CMD to factory 18-pin contact carrier--- your
choice!!
Removing wires from contact carrier
Remove contact carrier from both factory radio plug and that of the IL-CMD.
Release pins from contact carrier by straightening (flattening) locking tab (6)
using flat screwdriver or similar (7) after which wires can be pulled from
contact carrier (8) (See Fig. 3)
The IL-CMD wires are:
Pin 4 (red), 5 (black), 14 (black) and 15(white) (See Fig. 4)
Fig. 3
Noteworthy: If transferring factory wires to IL-CMD contact carrier, we
recommend noting pin (color) and location prior or transfer one by one.
Prior to re-inserting pin to contact carrier, you must lift tabs allowing
pins to lock in place
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
contact carrier
1. Re-install 18-pin contact carrier to plug housing.
2. Reconnect 18-pin plug to chamber C2 on radio
3. Disconnect 8-pin plug from chamber “A” (See Fig. 1) and connect
power harness mating connector (See Fig. 6)
4. Connect power harness 8-pin plug to chamber”A” vacated in step 3.

Fig. 6
power harness
5. Carefully route Lightning plug (See Fig. 7) to desired mounting location
on dashboard, glove box, console etc. within 4 ft.
Use caution to not cut, pinch or crimp the cable during this step.
6. Securely install cable in a location away from heat, humidity, moving
parts, or sharp metal objects. Damage to lightning plug may occur if
subject to abuse.
Fig. 7
Lightning plug
Operation
1. Connect Lightning plug to Apple device
2. Turn ignition and COMAND2.0 radio “ON”
Apple device should beep/vibrate and begin charging
3. Switch COMAND2.0 radio to “AUX” Mode:
Turn right hand rotary/pushbutton to highlight “AUX” menu field in
main system settings and press to confirm.
Alternate: Press SYS button to gain access to AUX IN menu field or
from Navigation screen scroll to AUX option.
4. Select test track on Apple device
Warning: Playlist and Track selection is *NOT* possible from the
COMAND 2.0 APS radio. You must use the Audio device built-in
controls to access and select music files.
5. Selected track is now be heard on car speakers.
6. Use radio volume control to set playback level (See Frequently asked
question #2)
7. If successful go ahead and reinstall radio.

Frequent ask questions & troubleshooting
1. Does the IL-CMD work in Bose systems?
YES; works in Bose and non-Bose applications
2. Why is “AUX” playback considerably lower than other sources?
COMAND volume can be adjusted for AUX as follows:
• Turn radio to AM/FM and adjust volume to a comfortable listening level.
• Press “SVC” button on COMAND radio.
• Select “AUX:” setting on COMAND radio.
• Press play on audio device (e.g., Apple iPhone etc.)
• Adjust volume on audio device so that audio system output is at or near
the same comfortable level previously set for AM/FM station.
• Adjust volume with COMAND radio or steering wheel.
3. Does the IL-CMD require disconnecting CD changer?
NO; CD changer (if present) remains connected and functional
4. Which COMAND2.0 APS radios were used during your test?
A 463 820 12 89, A 208 820 31 89, A 203 827 53 42, A 210 820 49 89, A
210 820 52 89, A 210 820 55 89, A203 820 92 89, A203 820 38 89,
5. Will the iL-CMD work on Mercedes MCS radios seen in Fig. 9?
NO; MCS (Modular Control Systems) available in US market are not
compatible with the IL-CMD. (See Fig. 10) The IL-CMD works only on
Mercedes COMMAND 2.0 radios.
Fig. 10
Mercedes MCS radio
6. Will this adapter drain car battery?
NO; When properly installed, the IL-CMD is powered only when ignition is
“ON” therefore eliminating all battery drainage possibilities.
7. Can I control Apple device from COMAND radio buttons or steering
wheel controls?
NO;control remains with Apple device. Radio volume button/steering wheel
volume buttons may be used to adjust playback level.
Comand 2.0 radio
Disclaimer
• This product has no affiliation with Mercedes Benz or Apple
• There are no warranties expressed or implied by purchase of this product
• We’re not liable for misuse of this product.
•We recommend professional installation.
email [email protected]
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