jronet

My 18' GCL 43 C4 has 508 miles on it and when I was detailing the interior today I had the doors open for about 2 1/2 hours (one at a time). When I want to start up and go in the garage the Yellow 'Start Engine" light came on. The Manual says this indicates a low battery. Is this normal to drain the battery this fast or do I have a problem?

Thanks,

guhvies

Well if you had the doors open, the music blasting away and the air on for 2.5 hours with the engine off, sure you're going to run down the battery. It is normal. Turn the engine on to recharge the battery.

jronet

No A/C, no radio - just one door open at a time. I hooked up my trickle charger overnight and everything was OK today. Are there any battery diagnostics in any of the menus? I can't find any info on the battery. Drove today for the first time in Sport +. That was quite an experience.

guhvies

I've had the same thing happen while sitting in my C43 listening to the radio with the air off and the windows cracked. After about 20 minutes I got the warning light. The resolution was to turn the engine on.

dieselfan1974

With all of the technology built into these vehicles, it amazes me that MB did not integrate a timer in the car that would cut all power to the accessories when the engine has not been running (alternator charging) for a given period of time. General Motors has had this in their vehicles for years as standard. When the power is cut after approximately 5 minutes, it requires that you turn your ignition on again to reactivate the power to your accessories when the engine is not running. This keeps you aware of the situation and also minimizes the risk of running the battery down so the car won't start.

taphil

The radio does cut power after a while, and gives you a 3-minute warning on the screen prior to shutting off. The interior lights shut off automatically as well. Then at some point with more accessory usage and repeatedly turning the radio back on, it won't let you turn on the radio anymore and shows the start engine and battery warning message, thus maintaining battery charge sufficient to start the engine.