DIGITAL REMOTE START SYSTEM
MADE IN THE USA
WWW . XPRESSKIT . COM
XPRESSSTART
Mercedes Solution
Installation Instructions
2012+ Mercedes Benz ML Class
2013+ Mercedes Benz GL Class
2013 Mercedes Benz G Class
The XPRESSSTART Mercedes Solution is designed as a direct plug in interface to the rear of the Mercedes Benz key cylinder. Please
read this manual in it’s entirety prior to installation as there is a speciﬁc order of operation that needs to be followed.
Tools and Parts you will need:
s
s
s
T-20 driver
Drill
3/4” drill bit or Unibit
XPRESSSTART Wiring Overview
W/X166
GREEN PLUG
EIS
(KEY CYLINDER)
BEFORE INSTALLATION
EIS
(KEY CYLINDER)
AFTER INSTALLATION
BLUE PLUG
GREEN PLUG
WHITE PLUG
VALET SWITCH
SUPPLIED T-HARNESS
XPRESSSTART
ML & GL Installation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Remove (3) T-20 screws from the driver’s under dash panel.
Lower dash panel down and move air vent out of the clips that hold it in place.
Reach up to the rear of the EIS. There are two retaining clips on the top and bottom of the EIS.
Grasp the wiring harness while squeezing the retaining clips together to remove the EIS.
Pull the EIS with harness attached out of the dash to access the wiring.
Unplug both plugs (blue and green) from the EIS.
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1
QRNMB166 2012-12
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
Remove the blue housing from the harness and install it on to the supplied XPRESSSTART T-harness.
Install the supplied white housing on to the empty plug where the blue housing originally was.
Plug the T-harness into the factory wiring and the EIS.
Once ALL connections are secured, turn on the valet switch and verify the LEDs visible inside the XPRESSSTART are ﬂashing.
Start the vehicle with the key or with the push button to verify your work. If the vehicle starts and runs, you’ve made all the
connections correctly.
Shut the vehicle off.
Push the panic button once on the remote to test the XPRESSSTART.
Once you are satisﬁed with its operation, shut down the XPRESSSTART by pushing the panic button once.
Locate a place to secure the XPRESSSTART module in the dash cavity away from any heat sources.
Secure the module in its ﬁnal location.
Locate a place for the valet override switch. Recommended location is the driver’s under dash panel.
Drill a 3/4” hole in the desired location.
Route the wires for the valet switch through hole made in step 18.
Plug in the valet switch to the XPRESSSTART valet switch leads. Make sure the spade connectors are fully installed on the
switch.
Line up the vent to the under dash panel in the clips that hold it into place.
Reinstall the under dash panel making sure the vent is lined up to the duct in the dash.
Reinstall (3) T-20 screws to hold the panel in place.
If vehicle is equipped with KeylessGo, see additional required connection on page 4 to retain KeylessGo features.
Remove (3) T-20
Lower panel and move vent
EIS removed
T-harness installed
2
© 2012 Directed. All rights reserved.
G Wagon Installation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Lower the steering column and extend it to its maximum.
Grasp the plastic trim below the instrument cluster and pull toward you.
Continue removing the boot around the steering column and pull it away from the dash as far as itwill go.
Reach in the behind the EIS and unplug the two plugs, (1) green plug and (1) blue plug, and unplug them.
Connect the XPRESSSTART harness in line with the plugs and connect the opposite end into the rear of the EIS.
Remove the under dash panels using a T-20 driver.
Route the XPRESSSTART harness to a location where the starter can be mounted away from heat and moving parts.
Connect the XPRESSSTART to the T-harness and securely mount it.
Drill a 3/4” hole for the valet switch in an easily accessible location under the dash.
Remove the valet switch from the T-harness and mount it in the hole just drilled and reconnect the wires.
Start the vehicle with the key and let it run for 60 seconds then turn it off.
Press the panic button on the keyfob once and test the remote start.
Reassemble the under dash.
Reinstall the steering wheel boot.
EIS plugs
Remove steering wheel boot
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EIS plug location at rear of EIS
3
2012+ ML, 2013+ GL W/X166 KeylessGo Connection
The KeylessGo connection for the 2012 ML is quite involved and requires signiﬁcant disassembly of the rear of the vehicle. This
guide assumes the basic XPRESSSTART Mercedes Solution is installed and functioning properly.
Tools and Parts you will need:
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
E14 Torx Socket - ML only
T30 Torx Driver - GL only
T45 Torx Bit
T40 Torx Bit
Panel Removal Tool
Pick tool
KG20 Harness
ML Installation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
4
Remove the driver’s rear door sill plate.
Fold the driver’s rear seat bottom forward.
Remove (2) bolts holding the seat bottom to the ﬂoor.
Remove the driver’s side rear seat bottom from the vehicle.
Remove (1) bolt holding the center seat back bracket and (1) bolt holding the seat belt.
Fold the rear driver’s side seat back down.
Pry up the covers for the tie down loops in the cargo area.
Remove the bolts from each tie down and remove the hooks from their mounts.
Remove the cargo cover.
Remove the foam inserts directly behind the rear seats.
Remove (2) additional bolts that hold the driver’s side rear seat back.
Unclip the wire harness that is clipped to the driver’s side rear seat bracket.
Flip the driver’s side rear seat back into the cargo area making sure the wire harness doesn’t get pinched or pulled beyond its
limit.
Pull up the carpet to access the KeylessGo module on the ﬂoor.
Route the supplied KeylessGo harness from the XPRESSSTART module to the rear seat area.
Unplug the main connector from the KeylessGo module.
Remove the shroud from the main KeylessGo connector.
Remove the brown and brown/red wires from the KeylessGo plug. Make a note of the wire locations in the plug.
Insulate the ends of the removed wires.
Using the supplied W166 KG adapter, populate the brown and brown/red wires into the locations where the factory wires
were removed.
Reinstall the shroud for the KeylessGo main plug and plug it back in.
Close all doors, hood and hatch to test the remote start.
Remote start the vehicle. If everything is connected properly, you should be able to lock and unlock the vehicle using the touch
sensors on the door handles while the remote start is running.
Unlock and enter the vehicle. Push the start button one time. The lights should ﬂash three times to conﬁrm key take over.
Turn off the vehicle.
Secure the KG20 harness to existing wiring.
Lay the carpet back in place.
Remount the seat back and seat belt. Make sure the wire harness is clipped back into place.
Fold the seat back down and install the foam inserts and the cargo cover.
Reinstall the cargo tie down hooks.
Fold the seat back up.
Reinstall the seat bottom and bolt it in place.
Reinstall the sill plate.
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Remove sill plate
Unbolt seat bottom
Seat bottom removed
Unbolt seat back
Unbolt cargo tie downs
Remove cargo cover
© 2012 Directed. All rights reserved.
5
Remove foam inserts
Unbolt seat bracket
Unclip wire harness
Flip seat back into cargo area
Pull up carpet
Unplug KeylessGo module
6
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Shroud removed from plug
New pins installed, reinstall shroud
© 2012 Directed. All rights reserved.
Plug KeylessGo module in
7
GL Installation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Remove driver’s rear door sill.
Fold driver’s middle row seat all the way forward.
Remove torx bolt holding seat belt to rear side panel.
Pull back weather strip on the back side of the rear door opening.
Remove (1) T-30 torx from inside the rear retractible cover mount.
Pop side panel partially out.
Route the 166 KG adapter to the rear side panel area.
Reach in and unplug connector on KG module (see picture).
Remove the shroud from that connector
Remove the brown and brown/red pins from the black connector making a note of their position
Install the pins from the 166 KG adapter into the spots where the factory wires were removed.
Reinstall the shroud for that plug.
Reinstall the plug into the module.
Pop the side panel back into place.
Reinstall (1) T-30 Torx and cosmetic cover.
Reinstall Torx bolt for seat belt.
Reinstall driver’s rear door sill panel.
Remove door sill
Remove seat belt
Remove screw cover
Remove T-30
8
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KG module under bracket
Pull back weather strip
Pop out side panel
remove white plug
hit
Remove white plug
l
Shroud removed
© 2012 Directed. All rights reserved.
l
Plug removed
d
KG harness properly installed into plug
9
Accessory Connection Instructions
Each XPRESSSTART is equipped with a (4) pin and a (3) pin connector at the end.
The (4) pin connector is designed to accept a D2D cable from an XL202 RF translator module to provide the ability for adding long
range remotes and 2 way capability to the XPRESSSTART. There is no programming required for the module. The remotes need to
be programmed to the XL202 which should have instructions provided with it.
The (3) pin connector is designed to accept the ESP cable that comes with the Directed SmartStart module (DSM100, DSM200 or
DSM250). The cable can be plugged directly in to the port. The power and ground must be connected (soldered and taped) to the
XPRESSSTART harness. Please see the below diagram. DO NOT USE THE 4 PIN PLUG ON A SMARTSTART MODULE.
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3./1.69123/)-
red
,!133!13'1.4-$
".33.,1.69123
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Troubleshooting Diagnostic Flashes
While running on remote start, any of the following will cause vehicle shut down.
s
s
s
s
s
opening the hood (7 ﬂashes)
depressing the brake pedal (6 ﬂashes)
increasing the RPM over normal idle (8 ﬂashes)
three failed starts/low RPM (9 ﬂashes)
communications error (10 ﬂashes)
The vehicle will be limited to (5) remote starts between normal keyed operation.
If the lights ﬂash (5) times the starter is out of sync with the vehicle. This is a rare occurrence. Should it happen, you must start the
vehicle with the key or the KeylessGo button for at least one minute to synchronize.
10
© 2012 Directed. All rights reserved.
DIGITAL REMOTE START SYSTEM
WWW. XPRESSKIT. COM
MADE IN THE USA
XPRESSSTART Mercedes Solution
CLA 2013 Installation Instructions
Tools and parts you will need
x T-20 driver
x Drill
x 3/4” drill bit or Unibit/Step-bit
x E-10 Torx socket
x Panel removal tool
The XPRESSSTART interface is designed as a direct plug in interface to the rear of the Mercedes Benz key
cylinder. Please read this manual in its entirety prior to installation as there is a specific order of operation that
needs to be followed.
Installation Instructions
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lower the steering column and extend it to its maximum.
Gently pry out on the bezel around the gauges and release all the clips.
Unsnap the top rear half of the steering column shroud by pulling up starting at the part closest to the firewall.
Unplug the HVAC sensor from the bottom right of the trim bezel and set the bezel with column cover aside in a
safe place.
5. You now have access to reach the rear of the EIS to make the T-harness connections as shown in the diagram above.
Additionally, you can remove the gauge cluster by removing (2) T-20 from the bottom and releasing the clips on top.
This may free up additional space for accessing the EIS and will provide a place to mount the XPRESSSTART module
behind the gauge cluster.
6. Reach in the behind the EIS and disconnect the two connectors, (1) green connector and (1) blue connector,
and disconnect them.
7. Connect the XPRESSSTART harness in line with the connectors and connect the opposite end into the rear of the
EIS.
8. Remove the under dash panels using a E-10 torx socket
9. Route the XPRESSSTART harness to a location where the starter can be mounted away from heat and moving
parts.
10. Connect the XPRESSSTART to the T-harness and securely mount it.
11. Drill a 3/4” hole for the valet switch in an easily accessible location under the dash.
12. Remove the valet switch from the T-harness and mount it in the hole just drilled and reconnect the wires.
13. Start the vehicle with the key and let it run for 60 seconds then turn it off.
14. Press the panic button on the key fob once and test the remote start.
15. Reinstall the gauge cluster if removed.
16. Reassemble the under dash.
17. Reinstall the steering column cover and gauge bezel.
Begin to release bezel
Remove steering column cover
Remove bezel, Unplug HVAC sensor
EIS connections
Activation programming (optional)
Most Mercedes vehicles in the US and Canada have a panic button on the key fob; however, Mercedes vehicles elsewhere in the world may
not have a panic button. The option is offered for 2 types of factory key fob activation, panic button or “lock-unlock-lock” for those vehicles
not equipped with the panic feature.
1. Insert the key in the ignition switch and cycle it (5) five times from off to accessory (only one click in the clockwise direction) and back
to off.
2. The lights will flash once.
3. Pushing lock at this time turns the “lock-unlock-lock” sequence on.
4. Pushing unlock at this time turns the “lock-unlock-lock” sequence off.
Accessory Connection Instructions
Each XPRESSSTART is equipped with a (4) pin and a (3) pin connector at the end.
The (4) pin connector is designed to accept a D2D cable from an XL202 RF translator module to provide the ability for adding long range
remotes and 2 way capability to the XPRESSSTART. There is no programming required for the module. The remotes need to be
programmed to the XL202 which should have instructions provided with it.
The (3) pin connector is designed to accept the ESP2 cable that comes with the Directed SmartStart module (DSM200 or DSM250). The
cable can be plugged directly in to the port. The power and ground must be connected (soldered and taped) to the XPRESSSTART harness.
Please see the below diagram. DO NOT USE THE 4 PIN PLUG ON A SMARTSTART MODULE.
SmartStart power
st
Top row, 1 pin. Red
SmartStart ground
st
Bottom row, 1 pin.
Brown
Troubleshooting Diagnostic Flashes
While running on remote start, any of the following will cause vehicle shut down
• Opening the hood (7 flashes)
• Depressing the brake pedal (6 flashes)
• Increasing the RPM over normal idle (8 flashes)
• Three failed starts/low RPM (9 flashes)
• Communications error (10 flashes)
The vehicle will be limited to (5) remote starts between normal key start operation.
If the lights flash (5) times the starter is out of sync with the vehicle. This is a rare occurrence. Should it happen, you must start the vehicle
with the key for at least one minute to synchronize.
DIGITAL REMOTE START SYSTEM
WWW . XPRESSKIT . COM
MADE IN THE USA
XPRESSSTART Mercedes Solution
Operating Instructions
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a XPRESSSTART system for your vehicle. In order to enjoy
the beneﬁts of this system we recommend that you review the following manual.
Please visit www.xpresskit.com for additional support or contact your authorized
dealer.
Valet Mode:
When servicing your vehicle the system should be placed in valet mode. Valet mode
prevents the system from remote starting and allows proper servicing.
Valet mode is controlled via the valet switch typically located at the underside of
the driver dashboard. The valet switch is a 1” round toggle switch with a white dot
marking the “ON’ position on one side and no white dot marking the “VALET” position on the other side. To engage valet mode, depress the blank side of the switch.
To turn off valet mode, depress the side of the switch with the white dot.
Note: When the system has been placed in valet mode, it is necessary to re-initialize
the starter system before the vehicle can be remote started again. To re-initialize the
system, ﬁrst turn off valet mode and then simply start the vehicle with either the key
or using the KeylessGo Push Start Button and allow the vehicle to run for one (1)
minute. The vehicle can now be remote started.
Operation:
Your XPRESSSTART system can be operated in a number of ways. This includes
using the factory remote control key fob, an optional 1-way or 2-way long range
remote control, or the SmartStart smartphone application. For instructions on how
to use the long range remote or SmartStart controllers, refer to the operating /user’s
manual for those systems.
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1
To start the vehicle using the factory key fob, press the panic button once for ½ second and release. The vehicle parking lights will ﬂash once to conﬁrm and then the
engine will start within 5 seconds. Once the engine has started the parking lights
will ﬂash once every 5 seconds. The starter system will continue to run the engine
for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes the vehicle will shut down. The vehicle can be
remote started up to 5 times between normal key or push button start operation.
To shut down the vehicle engine, press the panic button again.
To perform driver takeover, insert the key into the ignition and turn to the ‘RUN’ position. The parking lights will ﬂash three times to indicate that the XPRESSSTART has
shut down but the engine will remain running. For vehicles equipped with KeylessGo (push-to-start) function, press the ‘START’ button once. The parking lights will
ﬂash three times to indicate that the XPRESSSTART has shut down but the engine
will remain running.
The vehicle security system remains intact while the engine is remote started. The
KeylessGo and key fob locking and unlocking will still function and the gear shift
will remain locked until either a valid key is inserted into the ignition or the ‘START’
button is pressed while a valid key is present in the vehicle. If the foot brake is
depressed or the hood is opened while remote started, the engine will immediately
shut down.
Troubleshooting:
When the remote start function terminates, the parking lights will ﬂash a speciﬁc
number of times to indicate the reason for shutdown:
3 ﬂashes: Normal Shutdown
5 ﬂashes: Exceeded maximum number of remote starts
6 ﬂashes: Foot brake was depressed
7 ﬂashes: Hood opened
8 ﬂashes: Engine RPM too high
9 ﬂashes: Engine failed to start
10 ﬂashes: Communication Error
If you encounter any problems, the vehicle and remote starter system can always be
reset using the following procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Turn off ignition
Close doors and lock with the factory key fob
Wait 5 minutes
Unlock doors with factory key fob
Insert key into ignition and start vehicle
Wait 1 minute
Turn off ignition
QRGMBRS 2012-10
2
© 2012 Directed. All rights reserved.