2014 Mercedes E350 - phantom Christmas lights- random dashboard lights come on

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May 9, 2026 | 11:04 AM
  #1  

My car will randomly have the entire Christmas tree lights come on

When I turn the car off and wait for like 15mins
They go away

The lights when I scanned it came as:

U0122 - Lost Communication with Vehicle Dynamics Control Module

P061a-Internal Control Module Torque Performance

I can’t seem to replicate the lights coming on, they randomly appear and after clearing them, the car works perfect and no issue but when they do come on, I have to pull over and turn the car off and just wait

My mechanic was stumped and didnt know how or what to do with it since I can’t replicate it at all.

Anyone have this issue or any idea what it could be?
Reply 0
May 9, 2026 | 02:01 PM
  #2  
Killer Limp-Mode
Quote:
My car will randomly have the entire Christmas tree lights come on

When I turn the car off and wait for like 15mins
They go away

The lights when I scanned it came as:

U0122 - Lost Communication with Vehicle Dynamics Control Module

P061a-Internal Control Module Torque Performance

I can’t seem to replicate the lights coming on, they randomly appear and after clearing them, the car works perfect and no issue but when they do come on, I have to pull over and turn the car off and just wait

My mechanic was stumped and didnt know how or what to do with it since I can’t replicate it at all.

Anyone have this issue or any idea what it could be?
Your powertrain quits randomly while driving. For your safety... do not drive this car on open public roads until it gets repaired - See NHTSA database of this danger in traffic.


You submit a scan list with two faults only which does not begin to describe this. Troubleshooting this requires a more comprehensive scanner such as a Launch unit or a Xentry setup from your local MB specialist.

What you describe seems like a low chassis voltage condition that disrupts VIP modules networking.

This may be caused by dismal voltage from batteries (MAIN+ AUX) drained by buggy voltage control by ECU below 11V while driving... the MY'14 YO-YO.

Live Battery sensor on Display (
Live MAIN battery sensor on Display ("ALT-LIN")

You can easily monitor chassis voltage with the car "shop-menu" display or a plug-in cig. lighter "USB" type charger with voltage display ($15 AMZ).


> Tips...
-- New ALT / New MAIN / New AUX batteries do not fix this condition.

-- CTEK charger helps but don't fix it either.

-- Workaround : driving with "HL: ON" is shown to force stable ALT output at a safe 13.7V.

Without troubleshooting tests no one knows why your chassis limp modes - These vehicles make excellent low mileage trade-ins specials.

Pls be safe.
🤞

Reply 0
May 9, 2026 | 04:38 PM
  #3  
Quote: Your powertrain quits randomly while driving. For your safety... do not drive this car on open public roads until it gets repaired - See NHTSA database of this danger in traffic.


You submit a scan list with two faults only which does not begin to describe this. Troubleshooting this requires a more comprehensive scanner such as a Launch unit or a Xentry setup from your local MB specialist.

What you describe seems like a low chassis voltage condition that disrupts VIP modules networking.

This may be caused by dismal voltage from batteries (MAIN+ AUX) drained by buggy voltage control by ECU below 11V while driving... the MY'14 YO-YO.

Live Battery sensor on Display (
Live MAIN battery sensor on Display ("ALT-LIN")

You can easily monitor chassis voltage with the car "shop-menu" display or a plug-in cig. lighter "USB" type charger with voltage display ($15 AMZ).


> Tips...
-- New ALT / New MAIN / New AUX batteries do not fix this condition.

-- CTEK charger helps but don't fix it either.

-- Workaround : driving with "HL: ON" is shown to force stable ALT output at a safe 13.7V.

Without troubleshooting tests no one knows why your chassis limp modes - These vehicles make excellent low mileage trade-ins specials.

Pls be safe.
🤞
thank you for help.
I will check the voltages with a USB charger then

how can I run with HL ON?
the batteries on the car are original since 2014 so never changed
Reply 0
May 9, 2026 | 07:45 PM
  #4  
Aux battery. My car did the same thing.
Reply 0
May 9, 2026 | 09:31 PM
  #5  
Quote: Aux battery. My car did the same thing.
flat AUX... including the open 7.5A fuse afterwards?
Reply 0
May 9, 2026 | 09:49 PM
  #6  
voltage roller coaster
Quote: thank you for help.
I will check the voltages with a USB charger then

how can I run with HL ON?
the batteries on the car are original since 2014 so never changed
Manually Turn Headlights:ON with hand switch to get assured 13.7V Minimum day & night. While driving then manually shut it off after parking.

HL Switch control module
HL Switch control module request fixed 13.7Volts

Your batteries being originals are overdue for replacement. AGM lasted a mighty long time. No need to load test 12Yr olds units...

Do scan chassis and check running voltage to see what happening live.

Reply 0
May 10, 2026 | 03:54 AM
  #7  
This must be related to the batteries . More than 10 years as original batteries , kudos to Mercedes-Benz anyway
Reply 0
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