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Red battery message ( Visit workshop)
#326
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Late Built 2005 W-211 E-320 CDI
My mom drove the car to and from work last night (approx 45 miles round trip). No error messages. I'm going to check the batteries again when I get home. I'm leaning toward it being the aux battery or the relay. Both batteries showed they were healthy cold. I want to test them under load again. The second load test on the aux showed it was healthy while off (though this may have been from charging while I had the car running).
[That is exactly what happened!]
[That is exactly what happened!]
It is not 'while under load' that is the problem, but the fact that the aux. battery will not evidently hold a full 12 volts plus
when sitting for or any length of time as in over night.
That is what the cars' system is seeing or 'reading' when the car is first started up when having sat for some time as in overnight.
When you start it up and let it idle even for even a couple of minutes and you have the red warming message,
and then shut if down and then restart it, the aux. battery has then been 'surfaced charged'
just enough that the message will not come on again.
In other words, it must sit for a lengthy time to loose the charge enough to cause the warning to appear.
I read that our alternators 'put-out' 200 amps!
Derrel
#327
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03 E500 and Corvette
That is exactly how my original aux battery did for several weeks after I purchased my CDI used in December, 2011.
I would start it and drive to the mail box and shut if off, and a minute later,
when started, the message would be gone and stay that way all day long.
The problem was definitely the aux battery, as it had one completely dead cell.
When I removed it, that same 10.2 volt reading is exactly what I got. In other words, one dead cell!
You do know that each cell should have at least 2.1 volts plus by itself?
The fact that the 'new' aux battery is only showing a little over 10 volts
tells me that your problem is with that 'new' aux. battery.
It's hard to understand how a practically new aux. battery could fail, but it was not exactly new
(Build Date-Wise) when it was installed. Is there any guarantee with that battery?
In the past, I have seen brand new batteries be bad right off of the shelf.
I am of the opinion that there is a failure with the replaced aux. battery.
Hard to tell when you must simply throw parts at the problem. But it appears to me to be the aux. battery.
Good luck.
Derrel
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E500, 3000GT and 3000GT VR-4, 335i
That's what it sounds like to me too. I'm gonna test it again and see what it shows. If it shows weak again, I'm gonna call my dealer and have a nice little talk. I don't think it comes with any sort of guarantee, but it isn't right if I was sold a weak battery that won't even last a year in my car.
#329
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03 E500 and Corvette
That's what it sounds like to me too. I'm gonna test it again and see what it shows. If it shows weak again, I'm gonna call my dealer and have a nice little talk. I don't think it comes with any sort of guarantee, but it isn't right if I was sold a weak battery that won't even last a year in my car.
#330
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E500, 3000GT and 3000GT VR-4, 335i
Push comes to shove, I can replace it for $80 at Walmart/Autozone/Sears based on all the wonderful info in this thread (thanks to everyone, by the way). Not a big deal, but annoying nonetheless.
#331
I recently replaced battery in trunk & alternator on '06 e350 w/66,000 miles. Ok, but red message (visit shop) still comes on; so do I need a new aux battery? I've owned dozens of cars for over 50 years and never heard of an AUX battery. Is MB the only car that has the thing. What's it for?
#332
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03 E500 and Corvette
I recently replaced battery in trunk & alternator on '06 e350 w/66,000 miles. Ok, but red message (visit shop) still comes on; so do I need a new aux battery? I've owned dozens of cars for over 50 years and never heard of an AUX battery. Is MB the only car that has the thing. What's it for?
#334
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Late Built 2005 W-211 E-320 CDI
No Hurry . .
I recently replaced battery in trunk & alternator on '06 e350 w/66,000 miles. Ok, but red message (visit shop) still comes on; so do I need a new aux battery? [YES!]
I've owned dozens of cars for over 50 years and never heard of an AUX battery. Is MB the only car that has the thing. [Probably.] What's it for?
I've owned dozens of cars for over 50 years and never heard of an AUX battery. Is MB the only car that has the thing. [Probably.] What's it for?
There's no need to rush out and buy a new aux. battery as you know the rest of your charging system is in good shape.
You may have noticed that once you start your car, and let it run for a short while
and shut it off, and then restart it, the red message warning disappears?
That AUX. battery is there to provide current for the SBC braking system as a sort of back up power supply,
but you know your main, the (rear) big battery is in excellent shape, it being brand new.
No need to bother checking your AUX. battery which is located on the passenger side under the hood
beneath the cover that houses the filter for the fresh air system.
That small battery (AUX.) is no doubt bad, but the system will still function properly because current
is passing through it, that current being supplied from the main battery in the trunk.
Get yourself a new AUX. battery and try and find one that is already filled so you won't have to bother filling the
cells yourself which can be messy and after you fill it yourself, it will need to be charged up, another bother.
Read all through these messages above which I found to be most informative and helpful to be sure.
You do not need to disconnect the rear battery, but you must to be careful and not allow the connections in the
front to contact anything metal as the connection coming from the rear will indeed be 'hot' and sparks will fly!
Nothing to it really once you have done it, and as I said, there is plenty of helpful advise above.
Almost any parts supply house will have the proper battery, and you will find that
your car still has the original AUX. battery made in Italy. Note the date on it.
Mine had 44-04 and that is the 44th week in 2004. My CDI was assembled in November 2004.
So have at it and I hope you 'do it yourself' and save some dinero as many of us have done.
Good luck and keep us posted please.
BTW, where did you get your rear battery and how much was it? Did you install it yourself?
Nosey aren't I?
Regards,
DHG
Last edited by Green E-300 DT; 06-07-2012 at 11:25 AM.
#335
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03 E500 and Corvette
I bought my Gell Cel battery replacement from Carquest for the main battery around $200 total. Your price may vary and that was 18 months ago.
#336
Redbattery message
Thanks green e320 dt for you comprehensive answer. The battery was installed by a local mechanic in Martin County, Fl for just under $200. I actually just called him and he never heard of an aux battery in the E350, although he works on many even newer than my 2006. I'm not sure where the fresh air filter system is located, so I will try to find a more qualified mechanic (other than the dealer) to have the battery looked at, since I am up in NY for the summer and perhaps I shouldn't wait. Appreciate everyone's input.
#337
Red battery message
Thanks green e320 dt for you comprehensive answer. The battery was installed by a local mechanic in Martin County, Fl for just under $200. I actually just called him and he never heard of an aux battery in the E350, although he works on many even newer than my 2006. I'm not sure where the fresh air filter system is located, so I will try to find a more qualified mechanic (other than the dealer) to have the battery looked at, since I am up in NY for the summer and perhaps I shouldn't wait. Appreciate everyone's input.
#338
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2003 E500 Sport
Just got this message, going to have to replace the battery or batteries. Starting with the Aux battery, I'll check the voltage to make sure that's what it is. Of course this would happen right after I put it up for sale.
#340
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Got the dreaded red battery code yesteday morning. Purchased a new one and added the acid, waited, and then charged for 2 hrs, 13.4v Installed into car and did the procedures, but still have red code when started up. Pos 1 volts read 12.6 , then start up climbed from 13.3 to 13.7 after idling 4 min. Maybe i need to idle/drive the car for longer to get it fully charged to 14.4v?
I did check the rear battery w/car off at 12.8v, but didnt check with car running. Next step is to do so and replace the volt reg on the alternator. Just hope its not the alternator or BCM that is going.
I did check the rear battery w/car off at 12.8v, but didnt check with car running. Next step is to do so and replace the volt reg on the alternator. Just hope its not the alternator or BCM that is going.
#341
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Late Built 2005 W-211 E-320 CDI
Wait and See
Since you're seeing 12.8volts from the rear battery when the car is sitting , and you are reading 13.7 volts at the
front battery after the car is idling for a few minutes, I would seriously doubt if there are any charging problem.
Why not give it a day or two and see if the red message simply goes away all by itself?
You've got nothing to loose by waiting, have you?
DHG
Last edited by Green E-300 DT; 06-28-2012 at 01:30 PM.
#343
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I replaced the front aux last night. I'm thinking i just need to drive it more than just idling for 4 mins to clear the codes?? Hipe that is the case!!! Or better yet, disconnect both neg terminals of both batteries and wait for 30 min or so... This forum has been very helpful/useful in diagnosis the common issues with the W211.
#344
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2005 c55 AMG, 2006 Kleemann E50 K, 1997 Acura-CL Custom
Red Batter Warning
I just replaced my alternator yesterday. The rear battery was reading 11.79 w/o the car running and 12.3 while running. Checked all the usual spots..voltage regulator etc. Took it to interstate warehouse to get warranty chek and charge. Definitely the alternator not charging the battery.
Now comes the fun part. MB wanted 1200 for the part and 300 to install it.
I found the Bosch part locally for 250 and installed it in 45 min DIY. Let me tell you how good it felt to A) have saved that much and B) to have saved that much!
Even the local indy shops wanted to charge retail for a rebuilt part. All i have to say is don't be too hasty.
Now comes the fun part. MB wanted 1200 for the part and 300 to install it.
I found the Bosch part locally for 250 and installed it in 45 min DIY. Let me tell you how good it felt to A) have saved that much and B) to have saved that much!
Even the local indy shops wanted to charge retail for a rebuilt part. All i have to say is don't be too hasty.
#345
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03 E500 and Corvette
I just replaced my alternator yesterday. The rear battery was reading 11.79 w/o the car running and 12.3 while running. Checked all the usual spots..voltage regulator etc. Took it to interstate warehouse to get warranty chek and charge. Definitely the alternator not charging the battery.
Now comes the fun part. MB wanted 1200 for the part and 300 to install it.
I found the Bosch part locally for 250 and installed it in 45 min DIY. Let me tell you how good it felt to A) have saved that much and B) to have saved that much!
Even the local indy shops wanted to charge retail for a rebuilt part. All i have to say is don't be too hasty.
Now comes the fun part. MB wanted 1200 for the part and 300 to install it.
I found the Bosch part locally for 250 and installed it in 45 min DIY. Let me tell you how good it felt to A) have saved that much and B) to have saved that much!
Even the local indy shops wanted to charge retail for a rebuilt part. All i have to say is don't be too hasty.
#347
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223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Got the dreaded red battery code yesteday morning. Purchased a new one and added the acid, waited, and then charged for 2 hrs, 13.4v Installed into car and did the procedures, but still have red code when started up. Pos 1 volts read 12.6 , then start up climbed from 13.3 to 13.7 after idling 4 min. Maybe i need to idle/drive the car for longer to get it fully charged to 14.4v?
I did check the rear battery w/car off at 12.8v, but didnt check with car running. Next step is to do so and replace the volt reg on the alternator. Just hope its not the alternator or BCM that is going.
I did check the rear battery w/car off at 12.8v, but didnt check with car running. Next step is to do so and replace the volt reg on the alternator. Just hope its not the alternator or BCM that is going.
#348
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No, i didnt check the isolation relay. How do i check that??
Still getting the Read Battery. Started the car up again last night and let it run for 10 minutes. Dash read 13.7 car off and went up to 13.9volts car idling. Rear battery was 12.8 w/ car off and w/car on 14.1. When i turned on the headlights i saw a drop in the dash reading 13.5/6
Tomorrow (depending on how hot/humid it is) i will replace the volt reg that i have on hand. To me looks like the alternator is working and charging both batteries.
Still getting the Read Battery. Started the car up again last night and let it run for 10 minutes. Dash read 13.7 car off and went up to 13.9volts car idling. Rear battery was 12.8 w/ car off and w/car on 14.1. When i turned on the headlights i saw a drop in the dash reading 13.5/6
Tomorrow (depending on how hot/humid it is) i will replace the volt reg that i have on hand. To me looks like the alternator is working and charging both batteries.
#349
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No, i didnt check the isolation relay. How do i check that??
Still getting the Read Battery. Started the car up again last night and let it run for 10 minutes. Dash read 13.7 car off and went up to 13.9volts car idling. Rear battery was 12.8 w/ car off and w/car on 14.1. When i turned on the headlights i saw a drop in the dash reading 13.5/6
Tomorrow (depending on how hot/humid it is) i will replace the volt reg that i have on hand. To me looks like the alternator is working and charging both batteries.
Still getting the Read Battery. Started the car up again last night and let it run for 10 minutes. Dash read 13.7 car off and went up to 13.9volts car idling. Rear battery was 12.8 w/ car off and w/car on 14.1. When i turned on the headlights i saw a drop in the dash reading 13.5/6
Tomorrow (depending on how hot/humid it is) i will replace the volt reg that i have on hand. To me looks like the alternator is working and charging both batteries.
#350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Front aux battery w car off 12.6 and w car on 13.3. Which is same as rear battery. Still haven't taken it out on the road yet. Maybe needs to cycle and be driven for 20 min or more ? Since it's too hot here, I will wait when a bit cool to change voltage regular. Both batteries are def being charged when car is running. Culprit is volt reg and if that doesn't clear the battery code will take it to my Indy to figure what is the problem