E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Random warning lights flash

Old 07-12-2018, 07:57 PM
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E500
Random warning lights flash

I drove our 2005 E500 for 70 minutes on the interstate when the AC and radio died. Several dashboard warning lights randomly flashed, the windows would not open, comand screen went black, headlamps on passenger side flashed several times when in “0” position. Several warnings appeared: Red battery visit workshop, display malfunction visit workshop, convenience functions unavailable, active headlamp unavailable. We replaced the auxiliary battery which did not fix the problem so we made an appt. with MB dealer for service. They recommended replacing the “central gateway module” at a cost of $1000+ “and go from there” with no guarantee that the module replacement would fix the problem. Has anyone had this problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Old 07-12-2018, 10:18 PM
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2004 Mercedes E500 (W211)
The Voltage Regulators are a common issue on these cars. Do you happen to know the voltage of the battery when the car is running?
Old 07-15-2018, 12:19 PM
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I replaced the auxiliary battery first and replaced the main battery second, both within the last two weeks. The voltage fluctuates between 12.5 to 14. Replacing the batteries did not fix any of the problems.
Old 07-15-2018, 12:22 PM
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
New battery will not fix lack of charging .. The voltage should be steady at 13.9V +- 0.1
Start with VR as suggested.
Old 07-15-2018, 02:56 PM
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Thank you both for responding. I will try the voltage regulator next. Today the voltage is at 14 but yesterday it was fluctuating. Will replacing the voltage regulator, if that is the problem, clear the error messages and stop the warning lights from flashing?
Old 07-15-2018, 03:32 PM
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Voltage codes are self-clearing from what I know. They will stay as historic codes in car memory, but no more warnings when problem is solved.
That said, if you have scanner - clear all historic codes. Had it several times that health scan come with 30-40 historic errors and the car will not tell you if they happen yesterday, or 10 years ago.
Old 08-05-2018, 01:43 PM
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Just wanted to give an update on our E500. We replaced both batteries and a shop nearby that specializes in Mercedes replaced the central gateway module and the passenger side SAM. All of the previous problems are resolved with the exception of the headlamps. The running lights, fog lights, blinkers and high beams on both sides are working fine, the problem is with the low beam headlamps. Neither low beam headlamp is coming on at all. The shop is recommending replacing a $1500-2000 computer module. Could that be the problem?
Old 08-05-2018, 01:47 PM
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I forgot to add that the voltage regulator was also replaced.
Old 08-05-2018, 02:47 PM
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
You paid shop to check for error codes, right?
Where are they?

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