Battery replacement
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Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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GL 450
Battery replacement
Dealer quoted $395 for battery replacement on a GL. I can get one from Sam Club for $150. I'm going to replace it myself, anyone can suggest a DIY? Will computer relearn new battery or should I still go to the dealer?
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
Someone more experienced than I may have a better answer (I haven't replaced my battery yet) but --- I'd put a trickle charger on the jumper cable connections under the hood, then, with everything else off, including keyless go if installed, remove the right front seat, get the carpeting pieces out of the way, start taking the main battery out and put in the new one. Some photos are available on STAR TEC or EPC.
Good luck
Good luck
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 125
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From: Chicago
2007 GL450 2005 C55 2002 C32 sold 2001 ML320 sold
Moving the seat all the way forward should allow you to remove the battery and replace it if you do not want to take the seat out. Make sure you put the air vent back correctly when you are done as it requires some "jiggling" to seat it correctly.
The battery is HEAVY, so take your time and be careful not to hurt yourself!
The battery is HEAVY, so take your time and be careful not to hurt yourself!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 361
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From: Chicagoland
2008 ML350 4matic
I have seen other posts where a radio code is required after the swap to reactivate it....200 for labor is silly, but if you end up there anyway paying for codes and a reflash of the ecu it may not be so bad in the longrun.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
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From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
Be VERY careful to NOT, REPEAT NOT! allow the positive wire from the battery to touch ANY grounded metal.
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a lot of the gl battery problems can be traced to bad battery positive terminal coupling to the battery wire. the connection is finicky and the gl presents often huge loads sufficient to "powder" the connection enough to be unreliable during high amp draws (starting, air compressor operation).
in other words lights, radio, etc. will work, but turning motor over will produce only clicks and reset dashboard. especially on diesel which requires more power to turn over.
i have yet to see a bad battery even on 07 gl trucks... drained- yes (there is a rear circuitry tsb for it), but not being able to hold charge- not a single one so far.
that... and women forget things on. statistically i have seen far more of the fairer gender stuck with dead battery than guys (now off i go to put my flak jacket on)...
in other words lights, radio, etc. will work, but turning motor over will produce only clicks and reset dashboard. especially on diesel which requires more power to turn over.
i have yet to see a bad battery even on 07 gl trucks... drained- yes (there is a rear circuitry tsb for it), but not being able to hold charge- not a single one so far.
that... and women forget things on. statistically i have seen far more of the fairer gender stuck with dead battery than guys (now off i go to put my flak jacket on)...
Last edited by alx; Aug 18, 2010 at 11:54 AM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Denver,CO
'03 CL500,& '18 GLS63. Gone: '83 500SEC,'99 500SL,'07GL450
"I have yet to see a bad battery even on 07 gl trucks... "
At 26,300 miles on my 2007 GL450 the battery "failed the Midtronics Test" and was replaced under warranty.
At 26,300 miles on my 2007 GL450 the battery "failed the Midtronics Test" and was replaced under warranty.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
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reddog- a critically discharged battery might need to be "conditioned". i am sure that the "failed" battery you experienced could be conditioned and would provide more service.
generally speaking non-gell acid batteries can be conditioned by charging the battery fully, then removing the charger and running the lights (without the engine) until lights start to dim. once they dim a bit, shut off everything and charge battery again. repeat for few times. if the battery is "good" you will notice that it takes longer and longer for the lights to drain the battery. usually 3-4 cycles are sufficient.
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From: Charlotte, NC
2002 S430, 2004 Cobra, 2004 Tahoe
Call roadside assistance, they do not charge labor to put the battery in. If they cannot get your car jumped or see the proper volts, they should change it out for you. The cost of the battery is on you though...just food for thought.
