Thanks to the many individuals that have the knowledge of using different software/ability to understand the data to then help fix and prevent issues within our community. I’m trying to utilize what they have figured out. Im working on grounds and batteries right now to prevent issues. CaliBenzDriver and others have done some extensive research on this issue but I needed a little clarifications on a few things. Maybe it helps someone else as well.
1. Original Aux. Battery (2013 E550 coupe) with no issues currently. Should I change it to prevent issues arising, which I’m leaning towards yes, or hold off for now?
2. Wanting to clean ground wires after reading some great threads about them. With grounds in the engine bay, trunk and cabin, finding them all is the battle. How many are in each area? Locations? Any mods needed during cleaning process? Best method for cleaning flat ground area?
3. Through my basic understanding of electronics and I could be wrong but running additional grounds would not cause issues. It would help any weak ground signals if anything. I saw CaliBenzDriver and some others agree the chassis ground, I believe, could be better. Rather than mod the factory ground, I think he ran an additional one. What additional grounds would be of a beneficial nature to run that don’t require using software to evaluate data and where to run them?

 

Okay let's make electricals work better! The bases of all computer modules is the alternator voltage. Many items require simple service.

It usually helps to stay focused and not disturb too many things at once to make sure one project is completed before second project is tackled.
The idea of fixing things well is not to brake anything you deal with. Don't bite more than you can chew....

> THE POOR GROUNDINGS:
> MB are build with marginal GND return circuits. I think there's only one good GND at battery-chassis post and all the others are waiting for a visit.

-- Worst offender being the main chassis-engine strap. It's located all the way under carriage exposed to road projections next to hot muffler.

-- Co-chair are the painted GND screws in:

1. engine bay: beams, fenders
2. inside cabin: footwells, chair rails
3. inside trunk: sides and back

> CONNECTORS:
-- The poor GND count is challenged by leaky connectors that channel water straight through.
Main offenders are located around front/rear bumpers. Any connectors you see there needs simple RTV silicone. Do this at the same time you are reworking your GND screws...


At some point you need to start dealing with your 46 modules. Get a LAUNCH C-Reader Elite Benz. This will let you query reported fault's.


> VOLTAGE YO-YO:
Voltage is an excellent source of Benz chaos... the alternator is 100% controlled by the ECU that is factory built to suffer from poor networking. Check the live battery voltage display while driving, specially the Amerage to understand charge/discharge level.


> SOLDERLESS:
-- Next you're welcome to step into solderless territories to repair all the marginal connections that impact CAN Networking. You'll do this with help from your scanner starting with

• Door Control modules
• trunk area modules (K-Go, R-SAM,...)
• steering column modules

> WHOLE CAR SYSTEMS:
Complete all your CAN- B then tackle CAN-C!
Performance will increase as you eliminate defective connections.
Reliability will increase such as

• keyless work as intended,
• battery drain no-longer,
• tranny shift without banging,
• steering holds straight at highway speed
• suspension rear don't kick sideways
• engine run strong and quiet.

> SELF-HELP:
Read links from my signature as well as interesting threads in W212 section.
EVERYTHING has been WRITTEN already for you to help yourself... READ, get the tools and practice!

Overall we understand the poor electricals are used to inject chaos in the marginal CAN networking. This creates an overwhelming amount of repair to help you decision to trade up to No1 brand.

This is a fine business model besides these cars don't even run well factory new because of CAN-C issues.




​​​​​​

 

Thanks for the input. I do have a Benzninja setup but not familiar with using the software. I will start with cleaning grounds and put silicon on connectors.

 

Good move 👏

Be sure to disconnect batteries each time you work on your GND circuits.

Driver FOOTWELL is No1 (SAM/ECU) and has 3 separate posts but only 2 are in use.