Hybrid Mercedes DC/DC Converter Module Coding
What was the Problem?
A hybrid Mercedes C-Class recently connected with OSCA. Unfortunately, the car had to be towed to a garage non-starting, having had the hybrid battery and the DC/DC converter module replaced. The customer understood that this job wasn't listed on our application list but knew that our technicians would have to develop a resolution to resolve this issue.
What is the Function of a DC/DC Converter Module on a Hybrid Vehicle?
The vehicle's hybrid battery outputs a specific voltage, usually considerably higher than vehicle components demand. The function of the DC/DC converter is to take this input voltage then analyze and manage the output voltage depending on requirements in the vehicle's system by stepping down the voltage to a specific value. For example, the radio in a car will require the voltage to be reduced to 12v.
What was our solution?
After a short investigation into live data and following the faults carefully, we established a solution; the module required coding to activate the electrical systems in the vehicle. After performing variant coding, the customer still couldn’t start the engine, as the module still contained a fault code, which shut off the system for safety reasons. We managed to clear the code after an ignition cycle, and the car then proceeded to start, confirming that it was now fault free.
Why would an Uncoded Module cause a Non-Starting Vehicle?
The DC/DC Converter module contains a small computer within the component that takes input values from the vehicle’s electrical system and outputs the correct voltage for the system’s requirements. If this component isn’t coded, the unit cannot process and thus output the electrical signals to the vehicle, so the immobilizer and other modules will not power up.
An Expanding Applications List
We’ve since added this job to our application list! So, you can come straight to us if you have this same issue.
OSCA is always looking for ways to improve and develop our application list, so if you are unsure if we can complete a job, feel free to contact us, and we’ll take a look into the job for you.
If you have any questions, reach out to the team and we will be happy to help!
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