New 11 Pro not charging in 2014 Mercedes E350

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Level 1

42 points

New 11 Pro not charging in 2014 Mercedes E350

I upgraded from my iPhone 6s today and plugged it into the USB port of my 2014 Mercedes Benz E350. My prior phone charged from the USB port. The new 11 Pro vibrates for a 1/4 second and then nothing happens. I've seen this happen before with my wife's iPhone 8 ... we were never able to get it to charge.

Any ideas on how to enable charging via the built-in USB port? NOTE I don't care about playing music (Bluetooth is fine for that) ... just charging.

Thank you.

- David

iPhone 11 Pro

Posted on Oct 6, 2019 1:56 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Saifan Pilot

Level 6

8,747 points

Oct 6, 2019 2:07 PM in response to David Kohl

Perhaps the USB port on the car isn't capable of delivering the proper amperage.

You can purchase an aftermarket USB charger.

If you get a charger that support power delivery, it will quick charge your iPhone.

This one made by Anker is excellent product: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-Charge-PowerDrive-PowerIQ/dp/B01K9MQ8WW/

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Answer 2

Oct 7, 2019 6:05 AM in response to David Kohl

Back in 2014, 5 Watt USB chargers (5 Volt with 1 Amp) were more common place both as wall chargers and in vehicles.

Over recent years more sophisticated chargers were introduced to implement fast charging. Initially 12 Watt (5 Volt with 2.4 Amp) and later even higher wattage like Quick Charge and Power Delivery that both boast voltage as well as amperage.

It's unfortunate, but it's the nature of technology, it never stands still and n standards keep on developing in leaps and bounds and it's not easy to keep up with these developments.

Wifi standard 6 just came out as well as cellular 5G, and yesterdays devices won't support these, only way to keep up is to get newer devices that support these new standards.

It's frustrating but unfortunately obsolescence will continue to be part of the technology arena.

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Answer 3

Oct 7, 2019 6:20 AM in response to David Kohl

Take the original iPhone cable and try in the car and see if there is any difference.

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Answer 4

Oct 7, 2019 6:00 AM in response to David Kohl

Are you using an Apple original cable or one sold as Mfi certified?

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Answer 5

Oct 7, 2019 5:36 PM in response to David Kohl

Then it's likely an issue with the USB port in the 2014 Benz that is the culprit.

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Answer 6

David Kohl Author

Level 1

42 points

Oct 7, 2019 5:29 AM in response to Saifan Pilot

Yes. Certainly that can be the case. But the behavior of my wife’s iPhone 7 (not 8 as I originally thought) suggests another possibility. On my wife’s iPhone 7, when I plug it into the USB port in our 2014 Benz, her phone initially charges for about 3 to 5 seconds. Then it goes out. Each time we pull it out and plug it back in, the same behavior occurs. Notable is that on her 2018 Fiat, she has no problem, and neither does my iPhone 11 Pro.

It is is certainly possible that the newer Fiat has a higher amperage output in the USB port. I’m sort of surprised a higher end car like my Mercedes would have this issue, but not her much lower end Fiat.

That said, I can charge both our iPhones using an adapter ... we have several that we’ve collected over the years.

Any additional ideas are appreciated.

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Answer 7

David Kohl Author

Level 1

42 points

Oct 10, 2019 1:34 PM in response to David Kohl

SO >>> Problem solved. I ordered a Music Interface Audio Adapter from Amazon and the iPhone 11 Pro now charges perfectly. It remains unclear to me whether the underlying issue is the amperage of the USB connection or some other Apple feature in the name of security and genuine parts. The important part is that I'm able to use the MMI rather than having to have a cigarette lighter adapter sticking up all the time. The MMI port is within the covered center console.

Thanks all for the various suggestions. This one is now good to go!

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