I have seen warnings that disconnecting the battery on a 2003> E Class will make it necessary for "...major reprogramming by your dealer..."

Yet, depending on what you want to install, it seems like the safe thing to do. True or False... Disconnecting the Battery on the car will necessitate major reprogramming... and why is there all the confusion on this point.

 

Barry,

I have an 03 E320 and I've disconnected the main battery several times when I replaced the fuel filter and aux battery and the only stuff I had to reset is the ESP (just start the car and turn the steering wheel full left/right) which was the only malfunction in the MFD, reset the clock and re-synch the sunroof and windows. I don't have COMMAND or any of that other fancy stuff (no NAV, etc). I didn't lose any of my pre-selected radio stations either.

So, I'm also confused as to what "major reprogramming" means.

Here's an attempt to copy the WIS procedure text I got from another forum about disconnecting the main battery ground cable -- the images won't show:

AR54.10-P-0003T Disconnect/connect battery's ground cable 24.10.01
MODEL 211.0/ 6
P54.10-2161-07
Shown with TIREFIT equipment
1 Ground cable 2 Nut G1 Battery
e d Remove/Install
a Danger! Risk of explosion caused by oxyhydrogen
gas. Risk of poisoning and caustic burns
caused by swallowing battery acid. Risk of
injury caused by burns to skin and eyes from
battery acid or when handling damaged leadacid
batteries
No fire, sparks, open flames or smoking.
Wear acid-resistant gloves, clothing and
safety glasses. Pour battery acid only into
suitable and appropriately marked containers.
AS54.10-Z-0001-01A
p Notes on battery AH54.10-P-0001-01A
i Notes on AGM battery AH54.10-P-0002-01A
1.1 Switch off the ignition and remove the
transmitter key from the EIS control unit
On vehicles without code (889)
Keyless go
1.2 Switch off ignition and remove transmitter key
from the transmitter range of the vehicle
On vehicles with code (889)
Keyless go
2 Remove trunk floor covering from trunk.
3 Remove spare wheel cover or spare wheel
well trim panel from trunk
i Depending on equipment.
4 Loosen nut (2) and remove ground line (1)
from the battery (G1)
n *BA54.10-P-1012-01C
5 Install in the reverse order
6 Perform basic programming AR00.19-P-0200T
7.1 Read out fault memory and erase if required On vehicles up to 29.1.04
a Connect STAR DIAGNOSIS and read out
fault memory
AD00.00-P-2000-04A
Diagnosis system STAR DIAGNOSIS *WE58.40-Z-1013-06A
n Battery
Number Designation Model
211
BA54.10-P-1012-01C Nut, battery cable to battery terminal M6 Nm 7
Workshop equipment/MB testers (see Workshop Equipment Manual)
WE58.40-Z-1013-06A STAR DIAGNOSIS Compact diagnosis system for passenger cars, order number 6511 1801 00
Copyright DaimlerChrysler AG 10.08.2006 CD-Ausgabe G/10/05 . This WIS print-out will not be recorded by Modification services. Page 1


Hope this helps.

Regards,
paul...

 

I guess thats the answer. There is no radio "unlock code" that has to be reentered either on our "radois"... so everything sould work just as you describe.

 

There are two batteries of course, so what does "disconnect the battery" mean?

 

How do you reprogram the doors and seats? We had a "lost memory" on our seat once and the dealer reset it but we don't know how. Is there a procedure. Thanks Jim

 

If I'm not mistaken, this is the procedure:

For each window, pull up on the window's switch (close direction) and hold it for 5 seconds. For the sunroof, you are supposed to remove and replace a fuse but my Service Adviser says it isn't necessary. Just push up and hold the sun roof switch for 5 seconds.

I don't have it handy but I believe the procedure is in the Owner's manual.

 

You do not need to pull the fuse for the roof. it is just like the windows.

 

Barry,

I'm not sure if "that's the answer" because like I said, I have a basic model and can't speak for others who have many other options on their 211's..

lkchris,

Kent, "disconnect the battery" refers to the main battery in the trunk.


vettdvr,

Jim, Don't know about the seats but the procedure for windows/sunroof is exactly what BudC mentioned.

Regards,
paul....

 

Thanks folks for the info.. Jim

 

I own a 2003 E class with 55000 miles,what is the life expectancy for the 2 batteries and what is the procedure for replacing the electronics battery located under the hood.
Does anyone know if you get a warning should the batteries need replacement?

 

I had to replace the aux battery at about 70K miles, the main battery is still going good. I have to do the F service on my car (81K miles now), so I'll go to a parts shop that has the Midtronics tester (tests by conductance, not load) and have both batteries checked out.

To replace the aux battery under the hood:
1) make sure the headlight switch is in the OFF position and not Auto.
2) disconnect the ground cable from the main battery (in the trunk).
3) remove old aux battery and install new one.
4) reconnect ground cable back on main battery and re-sync windows, etc.

As far as warnings go, I was getting many wierd warnings from the MFD. Used a volt meter and checked both batteries with engine on/off. Determined that the aux battery was dying from lower voltage readings and the fact that the relay near the aux battery kept clicking on which indicated that the aux battery wasn't taking a charge.

Bought a new aux from a dealer for $125, which was the cheapest of 3 dealers I checked with -- highest was $175. Can't second source these batteries, or at least I couldn't.

Regards,
paul...

 

You need to re-sync the seats too in order for the easy entry/exit features to work. Just move the 2 seats all the way to the front and all the way to the back just like how you re-sync the windows.

 

I just tried to re-syn my drivers seat, no luck. Do I have to do both seats, and do I have to go full forward first or full back first.

 

Yes both seats. Doesnt matter if forward first or not. That's what the dealer did on mine. To test it. you have to move the seat forward while the engine is running, then turn the engine off and remove the key. The steering column and driver seat should move back. But not all the way to the back. If you are tall and still having a hard time getting out of the car. You should let the dealer adjust it more using the star diag.

 

are you guys suggesting that the Star Diag system has adjustments in the seats? I have been having a difficult time trying to diagnose a problem with my passenger side seats. i can't get them to go back far enough and I can't get them to recline?? Do they have settings in the Star Diag Computer system??

 

Well, we had a UK 2003 E320 CDI - Endless COMMAND and other electronic isssues,-- breakdown assist came out more than once, disconnected the battery in the boot/trunk, had a coffee, reconnected it and she was fine ('till the next thing packed up!!) Dunno if this is just a UK thing but nothing needed re-setting etc...???

 

Is this a sedan or a wagon? What do you mean by SDS settings? Like limits for the adjustment range? Should not be any.