C219 CLS55 and CLS63, 2004-2010

Battery light on please help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jul 23, 2020 | 08:53 PM
  #1  
mbdreamr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 38
From: Bay Area, Ca
1987 190e 2.3-16 sold and missed, 1966 220s, 2016 GL550, 1999 C43, 2006 CLS 55
Battery light on please help

My CLS55 started displaying the red battery light then would shut off all convenience features. It then displayed low braking power and ABS, BAS, ESP lights came on.

I checked the battery voltages and they seemed fine. When I checked the charging it was low so I decided to replace the voltage regulator on the back of the alternator.

I started the car up drove for about a mile and what do you know the damn red battery light came on again. I checked the batteries they were good, and charging seems fine too. On the dash it shows that it is steady at 14-14.1 at idle. However, when I drive I see a dip in the charging going down to the 12s then back up.

I realized that the light will only come on after going past 3k RPM the convenience features will shut off. But the tricky part is that the light will go away and the features will start working if I keep it under 3k RPM.

I tried looking for any posts about this and they were all over the place including the battery control module.

Please help me out fellow members.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2020 | 11:02 AM
  #2  
machild's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 314
2006 CLS55 AMG, 2005 SLK 350 AMG
Originally Posted by mbdreamr
My CLS55 started displaying the red battery light then would shut off all convenience features. It then displayed low braking power and ABS, BAS, ESP lights came on.

I checked the battery voltages and they seemed fine. When I checked the charging it was low so I decided to replace the voltage regulator on the back of the alternator.

I started the car up drove for about a mile and what do you know the damn red battery light came on again. I checked the batteries they were good, and charging seems fine too. On the dash it shows that it is steady at 14-14.1 at idle. However, when I drive I see a dip in the charging going down to the 12s then back up.

I realized that the light will only come on after going past 3k RPM the convenience features will shut off. But the tricky part is that the light will go away and the features will start working if I keep it under 3k RPM.

I tried looking for any posts about this and they were all over the place including the battery control module.

Please help me out fellow members.
You are going to need to have it scanned using MB Star/SDS to see what is going on. Find a good MB independent shop and have them hook up the car and see what is going on with the charging system.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2020 | 04:14 PM
  #3  
mbdreamr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 38
From: Bay Area, Ca
1987 190e 2.3-16 sold and missed, 1966 220s, 2016 GL550, 1999 C43, 2006 CLS 55
Thanks Machlid that was the next step. Kind of annoying that I can’t drive her. But it’s ok, have to figure out what’s wrong.

A shame that at 67k having these issues.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2020 | 04:18 PM
  #4  
machild's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 314
2006 CLS55 AMG, 2005 SLK 350 AMG
Originally Posted by mbdreamr
Thanks Machlid that was the next step. Kind of annoying that I can’t drive her. But it’s ok, have to figure out what’s wrong.

A shame that at 67k having these issues.
Could be the Battery Control Module is failing. Plenty of those available from salvage yards for easy money. Make sure you report back what you find out so we can all benefit from it. Good luck.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2020 | 06:01 PM
  #5  
mbdreamr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 38
From: Bay Area, Ca
1987 190e 2.3-16 sold and missed, 1966 220s, 2016 GL550, 1999 C43, 2006 CLS 55
Just ran a diagnostic on the car and the BCM isn’t throwing any codes. There was a lot of stored codes when the voltage had dropped previous to the Voltage Regulator change.

However, one more thing at play here is the Voltage Regulator is an aftermarket one. I wanted to put the OE Bosch one but had to order at dealership. My local part supplier only had aftermarket.

I may order from stealership and put OE to see if that’s it.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2020 | 06:07 PM
  #6  
machild's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 314
2006 CLS55 AMG, 2005 SLK 350 AMG
Bosch rgulater could be an issue. When you get one make sure it has the same Bosch number on it as what you had originally. If you get it from MB then it sould be the correct part. There are lots of differnt regulators and I don't know if Bosch sell a more generic version in the open aftermarket and whether it is correct for your car. But, going with the Bosch unit is a step in the right direction. No chance your serpentine belt is slipping especially over 3,000 rpm?
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2020 | 10:02 PM
  #7  
mbdreamr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 38
From: Bay Area, Ca
1987 190e 2.3-16 sold and missed, 1966 220s, 2016 GL550, 1999 C43, 2006 CLS 55
Haven’t checked the belt. It was replaced before I bought the car back in November 2019. Be a good idea to check that too. Slim chance it could be it.

I ended up just buying a new Bosch Alternator. Don’t want to risk changing the voltage regulator to end up finding out I’ll need the alternator.

what gets me is that the charging seems fine at idle and when the car is cold it does it closer to 3k RPM. when the car warms up then it starts to do it at lower RPMs.

hopefully it’ll be sorted out soon. I’ll keep you posted.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2020 | 05:30 PM
  #8  
C32owner's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 979
Likes: 38
From: South Africa
2018 E63s AMG (Current) 2011 CL63 AMG (Sold) 2005 CLS55 AMG (Sold) 2004 C32 AMG (Sold)
I would say its your alternator. Have a look at the back of it and see if any caps have burnt off.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 27, 2020 | 02:22 PM
  #9  
mbdreamr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 38
From: Bay Area, Ca
1987 190e 2.3-16 sold and missed, 1966 220s, 2016 GL550, 1999 C43, 2006 CLS 55
Nothing burnt off as mentioned I went ahead and purchased a Bosch alternator and am just going to replace it. Nothing else seems to be giving a code. Alternator must be shot for the voltage to fluctuate when giving load.
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2020 | 08:00 PM
  #10  
mbdreamr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 38
From: Bay Area, Ca
1987 190e 2.3-16 sold and missed, 1966 220s, 2016 GL550, 1999 C43, 2006 CLS 55
Update:

I just changed the alternator today and the problem is resolved. It was the alternator after all.

Thank you for the responses.

Reply
Old Jul 30, 2020 | 08:02 PM
  #11  
machild's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 314
2006 CLS55 AMG, 2005 SLK 350 AMG
Originally Posted by mbdreamr
Update:

I just changed the alternator today and the problem is resolved. It was the alternator after all.

Thank you for the responses.
Glad yoiu got it sorted out.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2020 | 07:09 PM
  #12  
C32owner's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 979
Likes: 38
From: South Africa
2018 E63s AMG (Current) 2011 CL63 AMG (Sold) 2005 CLS55 AMG (Sold) 2004 C32 AMG (Sold)
Originally Posted by mbdreamr
Update:

I just changed the alternator today and the problem is resolved. It was the alternator after all.

Thank you for the responses.

Awesome, congrats on getting it fixed. Always nice to have problems solved. Enjoy
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2020 | 03:01 AM
  #13  
mbdreamr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 38
From: Bay Area, Ca
1987 190e 2.3-16 sold and missed, 1966 220s, 2016 GL550, 1999 C43, 2006 CLS 55
Thanks guys. I’m very happy it’s sorted out finally. I’ve been enjoying her for the last few days.

Usually I drive her about once a week. Use the Prius for commuting lol.
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2020 | 04:54 PM
  #14  
C32owner's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 979
Likes: 38
From: South Africa
2018 E63s AMG (Current) 2011 CL63 AMG (Sold) 2005 CLS55 AMG (Sold) 2004 C32 AMG (Sold)
Originally Posted by mbdreamr
Thanks guys. I’m very happy it’s sorted out finally. I’ve been enjoying her for the last few days.

Usually I drive her about once a week. Use the Prius for commuting lol.
Lol thought I was bad, with a mini as a daily then jumping in the cls for the blast lol..
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2020 | 08:35 PM
  #15  
mbdreamr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 38
From: Bay Area, Ca
1987 190e 2.3-16 sold and missed, 1966 220s, 2016 GL550, 1999 C43, 2006 CLS 55
😂 I used to have a 12 Mini Cooper clubman S stickshift. It was a blast to drive. But the Prius gives great gas mileage and then when I drive the CLS I appreciate the power difference.

lol have to balance my gas mileage CLS is horrible and my Prius I average 48-50.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:25 AM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE