Malfunctions after Battery Replacement
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Joined: Aug 2011
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C320, SLK230, T1N Sprinter
Malfunctions after Battery Replacement
2002 W203 C320 Wagon
After having a battery failure (starter engaged and instantly disengaged w/o engine rotation), I replaced the battery.
Upon start, I had 2 malfunctions enunciated in the multi-display:
1) ESP Malfunction (NO illuminated triangle in top of cluster)
2) "Lamp Sensor; Visit Workshop"
I cleared the ESP malfunction by simply turning the ESP off, then back on, but I still have the Lamp Sensor warning (that I never had before).
I followed the owner's manual to reset the Lamp Sensor using the trip odometer reset button (since it's a C2 type warning), but it didn't reset. The manual also says one of the ways to display the warning is to press the "Reset" button, but that doesn't bring it up. When I start the engine, however, the warning does come up for several seconds.
The owner's manual also says if the Lamp Sensor is BAD, the headlamps will automatically be switched on. Mine do NOT come on automatically.
Finally, under that fault, the manual also says that by "using the MENU, under LIGHTING, the LIGHT CIRCUIT HEADLAMP MODE can be set to MANUAL, making it possible to switch the headlamps on and off using the exterior lamp switch." I have always been able to use the switch (and do so), though the auto position has also worked.
Am I REALLY having a "LAMP SENSOR" malfunction, or is this just a computer glitch, and if I cannot reset it, must I have it done by the dealership (min $128 charge)? Or will it just go away after a number of drive cycles?
BTW...All of the exterior bulbs work fine, and in bright light, the headlight switch DOES illuminate all of the exterior bulbs as it should.
And, I know I will have to reset my sunroof, and the door windows. Been there/done that.
Thanks!
Bob
After having a battery failure (starter engaged and instantly disengaged w/o engine rotation), I replaced the battery.
Upon start, I had 2 malfunctions enunciated in the multi-display:
1) ESP Malfunction (NO illuminated triangle in top of cluster)
2) "Lamp Sensor; Visit Workshop"
I cleared the ESP malfunction by simply turning the ESP off, then back on, but I still have the Lamp Sensor warning (that I never had before).
I followed the owner's manual to reset the Lamp Sensor using the trip odometer reset button (since it's a C2 type warning), but it didn't reset. The manual also says one of the ways to display the warning is to press the "Reset" button, but that doesn't bring it up. When I start the engine, however, the warning does come up for several seconds.
The owner's manual also says if the Lamp Sensor is BAD, the headlamps will automatically be switched on. Mine do NOT come on automatically.
Finally, under that fault, the manual also says that by "using the MENU, under LIGHTING, the LIGHT CIRCUIT HEADLAMP MODE can be set to MANUAL, making it possible to switch the headlamps on and off using the exterior lamp switch." I have always been able to use the switch (and do so), though the auto position has also worked.
Am I REALLY having a "LAMP SENSOR" malfunction, or is this just a computer glitch, and if I cannot reset it, must I have it done by the dealership (min $128 charge)? Or will it just go away after a number of drive cycles?
BTW...All of the exterior bulbs work fine, and in bright light, the headlight switch DOES illuminate all of the exterior bulbs as it should.
And, I know I will have to reset my sunroof, and the door windows. Been there/done that.
Thanks!
Bob
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,054
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From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
you removed the battery correctly right? neg first then positive and then reverse order on install. sometimes installing it incorrectly will cause some issues to the SAM. did you check all your fuses and headlight relays
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
C320, SLK230, T1N Sprinter
Yep.
When I got home tonight, I removed the battery terminals, and connected them together for 30 sec, and re-connected them, and started over.
This time I didn't get the Lamp Sensor, but got the ESP warning.
I took it out on the road, turned the ESP Off (and got the warning triangle), turned it back on, and that seemed to make it happy.
I'll see how it acts tomorrow, but my fingers are crossed.
BTW, where is the battery vent hose supposed to route from the battery? I didn't see a hole for it to exit the battery compartment.
Normally I wouldn't care, but in the C320 the HVAC fresh air intake is directly above the battery, w/ the blower just inside. I doubt hydrogen could get into the motor and ignite, but that would be unpleasant if it did.
Bob
When I got home tonight, I removed the battery terminals, and connected them together for 30 sec, and re-connected them, and started over.
This time I didn't get the Lamp Sensor, but got the ESP warning.
I took it out on the road, turned the ESP Off (and got the warning triangle), turned it back on, and that seemed to make it happy.
I'll see how it acts tomorrow, but my fingers are crossed.
BTW, where is the battery vent hose supposed to route from the battery? I didn't see a hole for it to exit the battery compartment.
Normally I wouldn't care, but in the C320 the HVAC fresh air intake is directly above the battery, w/ the blower just inside. I doubt hydrogen could get into the motor and ignite, but that would be unpleasant if it did.
Bob
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 587
Likes: 6
From: Boston
12 E350 4Matic Sport
I was wondering the same thing when I purchased my replacement battery, but then noticed it doesn't even have the vent like old batteries did. This one is black on top and clear around. Is yours a OEM Benz battery?
