I have a 2010 E350 4Matic Sedan with 159,000 miles. Today, while driving 60mph with Cruise Control set and simultaneously checking my mpg using the steering wheel buttons, my MB (affectionately known as "Mercy") went a little insane. The car flashed a "Cruise Control Inoperable at this time" (or something similar), followed by an ESC warning, then all of the dash lights illuminating and the car dying... while doing 60. Luckily, I was in a construction zone so pulling off was easier with no one too close passing by as I sat dead. I almost immediately tried a restart. The red screen on death warning presented telling me to see my dealer immediately for service. I attempted another restart. The car reluctantly cranked but sounded slow with no strength (like low combustion) (if that makes sense). I liken it to coughing but not being able to produce phlegm from being weak. The car didn't show a gear (P, R, N, D) as normal, too. I did my cursing, praying, crying (I was on my way to my Cancer doctor an hour and a half from home), contacted my Roadside Assistance from my insurance, Liberty Mutual, to get the ball rowing for a tow. Dealing with that for 20 minutes and getting the "We will be there soon to get your car... in 180 minutes (!?!)" was even more distressing. For "shats and gaggles", I attempted a restart. Successful this time! It started, ran smoothly, no unusual lights, smells, etc... Drove down the construction side of the highway with flashers flashing and doing 35mph hoping I didn't damage anything. I eventually sped back up to 60 but DID NOT engage Cruise Control. The car did fine the rest of my trip to the doctor and back. I am now very worried about what could be going wrong. I do not have money to fix anything that goes wrong since I am off work on sick leave. Oh, maybe of some relevance... the "Auxiliary Battery Malfunction" warning has been on for a while now, but a mechanic said replacing it isn't terribly pressing. Also, the engine light is (and has been) on since I bought the car (6 months ago/5,200 miles ago). So I come to you now, oh wise Benz owners and Technicians, for your sage advice and wisdom. Thanks so much for any help you can offer. You have no idea how appreciative I am for it!!!!

 

Let's try to reduce your suffering while the good Doctors are busy with you.

Do not ignore all the warnings from your car and hope for the best. The CEL is one serious flag that needs to be looked at ASAP. Faults tend to snowball into bigger things like what you experienced. Letting the car rest for 15mn with IGN OFF does allow for the crashed computers to reboot clean.

A spare AUX Battery only cost around $100.

Buy a scanner to read the status of your car computers. It will pay for itself and save you a bundle.

If you can't work on your vehicle, go to a indy shop for honest work. Just don't go to corner gas station mechanic. MB require specialists to work on.

Buy a "battery jumpack" it might come in handy when you need it the most to make a scheduled appointment.

 

Where are you located? There may be members close to you who would be willing to let you scan your car with their scanners. Sorry to hear about your health issues, as a two-time cancer survivor, I understand the monetarial and emotional stress only too well.

 

Hi! Thanks for your prompt reply! I am located on the southern most peak in Ohio...named appropriately South Point. I'm in the 45680 zip code, located within 10 minutes of Ashland,KY and Huntington, WV. I hope this gives you an idea where I am! Have a blessed day, fellow Benz-er!

 

The auxiliary battery can wreak havoc if it is too far gone. I would replace it and then see what else is going on.

Here's a clear write-up for the auxiliary battery if you want to DIY. https://mbworld.org/how-tos/a/merced...battery-389645

I would disconnect the main battery while replacing the auxiliary battery in order to clear the codes, then you can see what comes back. It could be the old auxiliary battery causing other issues.

Searches to find a battery for about $50-70:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...0&LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/000000004039.htm

Your local Advance Auto Parts or AutoZone can lend you an OBD2 reader to read basic codes.

 

Hi, fellow BenzWorld guys, anybody close to Southpoint Ohio who can help? I'm 4 hours North,

If not, your best bet is to go to AutoZone, get codes read to find out whats going on with the check engine light first, sounds like the main battery to me, but RWagz could be right it might be the auxiliary, but in your car that battery is in the dash and is the size of a house alarm battery, very low amperage, just used to shift car to Neutral when the main battery dies.

 

Thank you for your help, truly! I actually had a code reader that was bought for a problem with my 2008 VW Passat 3.6 4Mo, but I think my son relieved me of it (the reader, not the Passat). I will take the car today to let the ONE technician in my area read the codes (gratis, he offered). The nearest dealer is more than an hour away without traffic and they tend to prey on that fact since they have zero competition (they also sell Jag, Volvo... also the only dealer for those brands, too). The CEL was not illuminated when I bought the car. A couple days later, it popped on. I should have taken it back to the dealer that sold it to me but did not. My fault. I did due diligence and bought the CARFAX before buying the car. Very clean. Every maintenance done at the aforementioned dealer. No accidents (nor by inspection). Former local doctor owned it. I am confident it was garage kept and cared for. Had any of those items not been in place, I would not have bought it. All of that is moot today and for your purpose. Just thought I'd throw it out there lol! Thanks, again, for your help!

 

Glad it's working out for you, I have a friend in Pomeroy and my Son went to Marrietta College, so I know the area. best wishes and prayers for your continuing health!