Replaced Main Battery Today
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 9
From: Atlanta
2002 G500, 2007 CLS 550, 2018 GLC 300
Replaced Main Battery Today
I replaced the main battery on my 2003 E500 today. I was getting the "electrical consumers switched off" message for a month. I got a Duralast Platinum H8-AGM battery from Autozone for $160. It's the correct group 49 AGM battery for this application, has 850 CCA, 170 minutes of reserve, and fits perfectly with no issues. Took 5 minutes to change. Turn off all electrical consumers beforehand, and remove the key from the ignition. Using a 10mm socket, disconnect the negative terminal first, positive terminal second, then loosen and remove the clamp at the base of the battery with a 13mm socket. Installation is the reverse.
You will have to reset the ESP system afterwards by turning the steering wheel from lock to lock with the engine on in park, and then sync the windows by running them all the way down, then all the way up, continue holding switch in the up position for one second after each window closes. That will restore the one touch up/down feature. You will need to sync the sunroof by pushing up to tilt the rear edge of the glass up, then continue holding switch in the up position for one second. Then reset your clock and you are all set.
You will have to reset the ESP system afterwards by turning the steering wheel from lock to lock with the engine on in park, and then sync the windows by running them all the way down, then all the way up, continue holding switch in the up position for one second after each window closes. That will restore the one touch up/down feature. You will need to sync the sunroof by pushing up to tilt the rear edge of the glass up, then continue holding switch in the up position for one second. Then reset your clock and you are all set.
Last edited by foreyes; Mar 25, 2013 at 07:51 PM.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 77
From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
2003 E500
followup?
I replaced the main battery on my 2003 E500 today. I was getting the "electrical consumers switched off" message for a month. I got a Duralast Platinum H8-AGM battery from Autozone for $160. It's the correct group 49 AGM battery for this application, has 850 CCA, 170 minutes of reserve, and fits perfectly with no issues.
Im just checking to see how that battery is holding up for you? Ive been eyeing that one to replace my main battery in my 2003 E500.. I was having the same issues as you were, except to add that the non-mercedes dealer I purchased the car from put a regular lead acid battery in mine (autozones 49H8) and needless to say ive been having dead battery issues along with having my consumables cut off..
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
2003 E500
Awesome, 
I wonder if allot of the posts I see regarding allot of the battery issues and the consumers switched off code are related to people running a non AGM battery now that ive been through this..
But one more question for you foreyes since we have the same car, How in the world do you check voltage through or on the display? Ive seen put the ignition on 1 then hit the trip odometer button 3 times, but this does nothing for me.. I know it wouldnt be the most accurate way to check it but it would be just something for general reference it would be an idea of my battery status..
I wonder if allot of the posts I see regarding allot of the battery issues and the consumers switched off code are related to people running a non AGM battery now that ive been through this.. But one more question for you foreyes since we have the same car, How in the world do you check voltage through or on the display? Ive seen put the ignition on 1 then hit the trip odometer button 3 times, but this does nothing for me.. I know it wouldnt be the most accurate way to check it but it would be just something for general reference it would be an idea of my battery status..
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 9
From: Atlanta
2002 G500, 2007 CLS 550, 2018 GLC 300
I believe only European market W211s have a voltage check function on the cluster, here is a video of an Italian W211 cluster readout procedure:
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 314
Likes: 29
From: Coastal Georgia, USA
2007 E350 Sedan
I can get voltage to show up in the display, and mine is decidedly a US car. First, make sure your display is set on the setting showing the temperature. Then turn the key to the first click and hit the reset three time quickly.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
2003 E500
Hmm.. so mine in the center of the display is currently set for speed. Id have to change it to temp then try it? Maybe that's what im missing because it doesn't work any other way ive tried it..
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 314
Likes: 29
From: Coastal Georgia, USA
2007 E350 Sedan
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
2003 E500
I usually check it with my handy amprobe tester but it would be convenient I guess to just quickly get an idea of the voltage.. And so far, this interstate AGM battery is the SH**! There was all kinds of weird things going on that I just thought were quirks of the car.. It all centered around me hitting my brakes.. that SBC is a massive power hog.. but thank you Jimbo, im about to head out for a little drive and ill check it out! 
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 77
From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
BTW, I can't get mine to display oil status. I can get it to display voltage when I press trip odo reset three times and MPH is displayed. But when I have temp displayed and hit reset three times, nothing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
2004 E320
Oil level, at least in my car, is via menu, not reset button presses.
