diagnosing error messages
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
2017 E 400 Wagon
diagnosing error messages
Hi everyone,
I'm a new owner of a 2017 E400 wagon. I'm loving the car but frustrated by some recurring error messages. First it was a left low beam light that wouldn't turn on properly, then turned on when I switched off the car (and stayed on, like a wink, until it turned off automatically). It was accompanied by a "active headlights not available" message (or similar). Mechanic was able to reset and test it and now the low beam and active high beam functions properly.
Now it's an error message that the light on the instrument cluster isn't functioning -- and indeed, the dials work properly but are dark, with no white gas tank or coolant temp lights either. Then later when I restart the car it's all good and functional. Then as I pull up the drive the error message comes back but the instrument cluster is illuminated as normal.
If I could ask the collective opinion of wise heads on this forum, I have two questions:
1. Any sense of what is causing these intermittent messages?
2. Is this something that a diagnostic scanner can reset so they don't keep happening?
All thoughts or recs for scanners (if that's a solution) appreciated.
HT
I'm a new owner of a 2017 E400 wagon. I'm loving the car but frustrated by some recurring error messages. First it was a left low beam light that wouldn't turn on properly, then turned on when I switched off the car (and stayed on, like a wink, until it turned off automatically). It was accompanied by a "active headlights not available" message (or similar). Mechanic was able to reset and test it and now the low beam and active high beam functions properly.
Now it's an error message that the light on the instrument cluster isn't functioning -- and indeed, the dials work properly but are dark, with no white gas tank or coolant temp lights either. Then later when I restart the car it's all good and functional. Then as I pull up the drive the error message comes back but the instrument cluster is illuminated as normal.
If I could ask the collective opinion of wise heads on this forum, I have two questions:
1. Any sense of what is causing these intermittent messages?
2. Is this something that a diagnostic scanner can reset so they don't keep happening?
All thoughts or recs for scanners (if that's a solution) appreciated.
HT
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,707
Likes: 4,599
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Multiple unexplainable electrical problems and error messages are often caused by batteries needing replacement. Modern German cars need electrical systems in as close to 100% perfect condition as possible for proper function.
When were the main and aux batteries last replaced? If you are a new owner, what is the likelihood that the batteries were not replaced by the previous owner(s)?
I would replace both batteries and go from there.
When were the main and aux batteries last replaced? If you are a new owner, what is the likelihood that the batteries were not replaced by the previous owner(s)?
I would replace both batteries and go from there.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 905
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Multiple unexplainable electrical problems and error messages are often caused by batteries needing replacement. Modern German cars need electrical systems in as close to 100% perfect condition as possible for proper function.
When were the main and aux batteries last replaced? If you are a new owner, what is the likelihood that the batteries were not replaced by the previous owner(s)?
I would replace both batteries and go from there.
When were the main and aux batteries last replaced? If you are a new owner, what is the likelihood that the batteries were not replaced by the previous owner(s)?
I would replace both batteries and go from there.
At my last service, 40K miles, car is 5 year's old I had my battery, original, checked. Passed with flying colors. Saved several hundred dollars. I also charge my battery twice a year: in the fall to get it ready for the winter and the spring after hard use in the winter.
BTW, mine is a 2019 and there is no auxiliary battery, only the H6 battery under the hood. 2017 might have an auxiliary battery.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,707
Likes: 4,599
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Doesn't W213 have a "voltage converter" aka capacitor in place of an aux battery? This is needed for Direct Select shift by wire.
Aux batteries and capacitors go bad. They need to be replaced over time.
Aux batteries and capacitors go bad. They need to be replaced over time.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,707
Likes: 4,599
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
A charger will not fix a dying battery. Replace the main battery, then replace the aux battery or voltage converter. It's time.
Depending on build date, the batteries could be nearly 7 years old, past their useful lives. I change batteries preemptively in the 4-5 year time frame.
Depending on build date, the batteries could be nearly 7 years old, past their useful lives. I change batteries preemptively in the 4-5 year time frame.
