Android Auto on Merc E class 191 has mind of its own

bmay529 · 19-12-2023 2:02am #1

I have recently had Android Auto added to my Merc using a usb wired connection but cannot get it running reliably yet. I am using a Samsung S20Fe running Android 13, One UI 5.1. When I start the car and connect my phone, Android Auto starts and seems to run perfectly. However, after only a few miles ( could be 3, 6, 9 or more miles) it just drops the connection, without a message, returning to the Mercedes maps or whatever on the car screen. I can reconnect the phone and Android Auto restarts and runs perfectly again, even with the search/route previously set ... but only for a few more miles. Has anyone experienced this and found a reason/fix? Any thoughts welcome

Atlantic Dawn · 19-12-2023 2:42am

No experience on that model but some issues can arise with poor quality usb cables on some cars, have you tried swap it out for another to see if that makes a difference?

bmay529 · 19-12-2023 7:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121512686#Comment_121512686

Thanks. Yes, I swapped out the USB cable for a new high speed one.

AnonZen · 20-12-2023 9:13am

It's not happening when the phone locks, by any chance?

statto25 · 20-12-2023 9:48am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058327504/android-auto-on-merc-e-class-191-has-mind-of-its-own

Is it a 3rd party install or did it come from the factory? The 3rd party ones can be hit and miss

thebiglad · 20-12-2023 10:10am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058327504/android-auto-on-merc-e-class-191-has-mind-of-its-own

I had this problem with my S20 FE - it was a loose USB cable, if I moved the phone or went over a bump it would disconnect and had to push the connection tight again. Have a new phone now, same USB cable but doesn't happen now - not sure if USE port on phone was damaged or came from factory with the issue. I tried other USB cables but had same issue with that phone, due to port.

When you plug it in and start up try knocking it a few times to see if it is the connection.

Miscreant · 20-12-2023 12:29pm

Could be a loose connection to the phone as said above but also an issue with the port itself going to the head unit. If you have another Android phone it would be fairly easy to test out.

Another possibility could be some sort of battery/app protection on the phone. I have had phones in the past that would kill background apps after a few minutes, including Android Auto. If this is the case for your phone, there may be a menu within Settings that will allow you to remove Android Auto from this feature.

pcardin · 20-12-2023 2:04pm

Could be also Android Auto issue, especially after latest release. I was struggling with the same on my merc and then I noticed it works flawlessly with Apple Carplay. At the end I just changed my phone to iCrap and it works well, no issues.

bmay529 · 22-12-2023 11:06pm

Thanks so much for the guidance guys.. I will work my way through them.

Android Auto was installed/setup by a reputable 3rd party (prefer not to mention their name at this time as they are trying to sort it). As said I had the cable replaced with a new one. I also fiddled with both ends of the cable to check for a loose connection and could not detect anything. The interesting/annoying thing is that what is happening is changing and I'm not sure why (may have to do with settings I have tried). At he moment the connection drops almost immediately after the app opens. I will now go in search of "battery/app protection on the phone" as "Miscreant" mentioned.

raxy · 25-12-2023 1:25am

I've an s20 fe & have issues with android auto as well, car's a megane. Most of the time it works fine but randomly disconnects. Might reconnect itelself but might not. If it doesn't I've to turn on/off the engine. Always wonder if it's the phone or android auto to blame.

Sometimes seems it may be the phone & bumps knocking it off but the phone stays charging so maybe not.

Android Auto on Merc E class 191 has mind of its own

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