E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Electrical Consumers Switched Off

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 30, 2024 | 02:55 AM
  #1  
hrmjay's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
W211 E240
Unhappy Electrical Consumers Switched Off

Hi All,
I got the electrical consumers switched off malfunction today. Both batteries are less than 1 year old and the alternator was also replaced at the same time (last September). Drove the car 2 days ago and everything was fine.

Checked the voltages as follows:
Not running:
Main battery 12. 8v
Aux Battery 12.7v

Running idle:
Main battery 13.5v
Aux Battery 12.7v

Took the car for a quick run - about 5km (about 10 - 15 minutes). When I came back and checked the malfunction message was gone. Checked the voltages again and got the following:
Not running:
Main battery 12. 9v
Aux Battery 12.8v

Running idle:
Main battery 13.9 - 14v
Aux Battery 12.8v

Noticed that the running voltage was higher than before. Am going to check again tomorrow morning when the car has been sitting a day and half to see if it is a parasitic draw.

Any other suggestions to check?

Thanks in advance
Roshan
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2024 | 02:00 PM
  #2  
cetialpha5's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Would probably help if you mentioned the year of the car. The pre-face lifted cars had the battery control module that also went bad. The idle voltage doesn't mean much, car is just in idle and can't generate much power anyway due to the lower rpms. It charges while you're driving. If the battery is being charged, you're going to get lower voltages, once it's more charged up, the voltages go up. Also rpms different between hot and cold. Again idle voltages don't mean much, as long as it's charging it's fine. The voltages before starting look fine, normal voltage is about 12.7 fully charged anyway.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2024 | 02:58 PM
  #3  
nd-photo.nl's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 499
From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Charging should be done with 14.1-14.2v. I would change the voltage regulator first. The batteries are probably fine. I created a video on the W219 platform on how to swap out the voltage regulator.

Reply
Old Apr 30, 2024 | 03:03 PM
  #4  
nd-photo.nl's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 499
From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
If the voltage regulator is fine, it could also be:

- Alternator itself
- Battery Control Module (BCM)
- Earth straps/earth points

Could also be parasitic draw, but my first suspect would be the regulator and/or BCM. If you want to monitor the battery, add a battery guard. I can highly recommend this, so you can see what is happening with the battery voltage.
Reply
Old May 1, 2024 | 09:19 AM
  #5  
hrmjay's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
W211 E240
Hi,

Thanks for the suggestions, will definitely get those checked.
As an update, left the car overnight and the message is back.
Reply
Old May 1, 2024 | 09:48 AM
  #6  
nd-photo.nl's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 499
From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Then you definitely have some draw. I posted this a couple times, as I was also searching for a drain:

I also had a power drain issue on my CLS55, to be honest I am not sure what I exactly did to solve it, but its highly strange that you cannot access the AGW with your Autel. I also have an Autel and was able to access it and code it where necessary. Some things:

-I also changed my alarm siren/horn. It wasn't working properly anymore and is a known culprit for power drain
-The CD changer needs to be connected with the power cables, else the headunit wont turn on. You can test this easily by drawing the fuse for the CD changer
-If you disconnect MOST components, you also need to adjust the coding for it. Else the AGW will expect the component to be there
-I also removed my phone + cradle in the arm rest. It always felt warm, meaning it was using power.
-I also replaced the BCM with the newest revision (I bought a 2nd hand from a 2007 E-class)
-I also replaced the AUX battery relay under the scuttle. If the AUX battery isnt charged properly, then it will keep asking for power from main battery if I am not mistaken
-I disabled the Interior Motion Sensor for the time being
-I serviced all (or almost all) earth points in the car, removing any corrosion and scuffing them up

[edit]
And:

I was also searching for parasitic drain. Some things:


- Search on Youtube, there are quite some videos on this topic, especially for W211
- Seat control modules are a common culprit, you can test this by pulling out the fuses and checking the draw
- Alarm siren is a common issue, with age the onboard batteries will fail to hold charge. The alarm siren will keep requesting current from the car, preventing it from sleep and draining the battery
- Audio Gateway is a common issue
- Navigation unit can cause drain
- Voltage regulator can cause drain
- BCM can cause drain
- AUX battery can cause drain
- AUX battery relay can cause drain
- non-MB Original alternator can cause issues! There was a thread in W211 AMG section not too long ago if memory serves me right

I replaced my BCM (2005 CLS W219) with a BCM from a 2007 E-class W211. Also replaced the AUX relay, alarm siren, both batteries. I disconnected all Tele Aid/Phone capabilities and fiber looped out the components I dont need (you also need to code them out).

I can also highly recommend a bluetooth battery guard, it gives insight what is happening with the battery > https://mbworld.org/forums/c219/8443...ml#post8860681

Last edited by nd-photo.nl; May 1, 2024 at 09:51 AM.
Reply
Old May 9, 2024 | 05:40 AM
  #7  
hrmjay's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
W211 E240
Hi All,

Update to the parasitic draw. Turned out it was the Parktronic control unit. With everything powered off there was a draw of 2.8 amps. Fitted a used unit (unfortunately new not available), the draw reduced to 0.061 amps.

Thank you everyone for the assistance.

Roshan
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:02 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE