Dead Battery - Warranty Coverage?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
GLK
Dead Battery - Warranty Coverage?
Hi all,
The battery in our GLK went dead at around 2.5 years. Mercedes roadside service jumped the battery for my wife, but it didn't start the next time either.
Does anyone know if this would be covered under the warranty, or are batteries considered consumables even at only 2.5 years?
If Mercedes does not warrant them and I need to get a new one, I will just do it myself.
If they do cover it, I will take it in to make sure it isn't something else like the alternator or other part of the charging system. The auto parts store will test the battery and possibly even do a basic charging system diagnostic so that would give some comfort level. I have a suspicion that a new one installed by the dealer with diagnostics would run around $200 - 300 given my last horrible experience there.
Thanks in advance!
The battery in our GLK went dead at around 2.5 years. Mercedes roadside service jumped the battery for my wife, but it didn't start the next time either.
Does anyone know if this would be covered under the warranty, or are batteries considered consumables even at only 2.5 years?
If Mercedes does not warrant them and I need to get a new one, I will just do it myself.
If they do cover it, I will take it in to make sure it isn't something else like the alternator or other part of the charging system. The auto parts store will test the battery and possibly even do a basic charging system diagnostic so that would give some comfort level. I have a suspicion that a new one installed by the dealer with diagnostics would run around $200 - 300 given my last horrible experience there.
Thanks in advance!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 771
Likes: 7
From: Waikele, Oahu, Hawaii
2011 GLK350 P1, Multi-media & AMG Pkg; 2010 E350 w/ prem 2; 2018 4Runner SR5 Prem. 4x4
Hi all,
The battery in our GLK went dead at around 2.5 years. Mercedes roadside service jumped the battery for my wife, but it didn't start the next time either.
Does anyone know if this would be covered under the warranty, or are batteries considered consumables even at only 2.5 years?
If Mercedes does not warrant them and I need to get a new one, I will just do it myself.
If they do cover it, I will take it in to make sure it isn't something else like the alternator or other part of the charging system. The auto parts store will test the battery and possibly even do a basic charging system diagnostic so that would give some comfort level. I have a suspicion that a new one installed by the dealer with diagnostics would run around $200 - 300 given my last horrible experience there.
Thanks in advance!
The battery in our GLK went dead at around 2.5 years. Mercedes roadside service jumped the battery for my wife, but it didn't start the next time either.
Does anyone know if this would be covered under the warranty, or are batteries considered consumables even at only 2.5 years?
If Mercedes does not warrant them and I need to get a new one, I will just do it myself.
If they do cover it, I will take it in to make sure it isn't something else like the alternator or other part of the charging system. The auto parts store will test the battery and possibly even do a basic charging system diagnostic so that would give some comfort level. I have a suspicion that a new one installed by the dealer with diagnostics would run around $200 - 300 given my last horrible experience there.
Thanks in advance!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
GLK
Thanks PHML!
Update:
Mercedes said they have a 4-year or 50k miles warranty on the battery. We are around 2.5 years and ~35k miles.
Roadside assistance came out again (in my driveway right now). Same guy. Only this time he actually tested the battery, which for some reason he didn't do yesterday. It tested as bad. He will replace it under warranty now.
Mercedes should change the process to do this every time or if that is how it is supposed to go, then better educate the techs and could have saved themselves the expense of a second trip.
I am still going to take it in and have the charging system checked, which they can't do with the gear they have on the roadside assistance vehicles. (My neighbor had a dead battery on his Nissan a few weeks ago, and their service vehicle WAS able to check that on the spot. Note to Mercedes!)
Update:
Mercedes said they have a 4-year or 50k miles warranty on the battery. We are around 2.5 years and ~35k miles.
Roadside assistance came out again (in my driveway right now). Same guy. Only this time he actually tested the battery, which for some reason he didn't do yesterday. It tested as bad. He will replace it under warranty now.
Mercedes should change the process to do this every time or if that is how it is supposed to go, then better educate the techs and could have saved themselves the expense of a second trip.
I am still going to take it in and have the charging system checked, which they can't do with the gear they have on the roadside assistance vehicles. (My neighbor had a dead battery on his Nissan a few weeks ago, and their service vehicle WAS able to check that on the spot. Note to Mercedes!)
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 520
Likes: 5
From: Tromsø, 69° 41' N
2010 GLK 220CDI 4M BlueEFFICIENCY
- I am still going to take it in and have the charging system checked, which they can't do with the gear they have on the roadside assistance vehicles. (My neighbor had a dead battery on his Nissan a few weeks ago, and their service vehicle WAS able to check that on the spot. Note to Mercedes!)
Connect to the + (positive) terminal adjacent to the battery, and chassis.
Let engine (and alternator) run with as few loads as possible. Multimeter should read 13.7 - 14.3VDC.
Switch on the loads the GLK might have, like headlights, rear window - and seat heaters, operate pano etc., and note multimeter reading. Should not drop a lot - or after a short while not much at all.
The outcome to be told/taught Mercedes.
Last edited by GLKKa2H; May 18, 2012 at 05:49 PM. Reason: adding 10V to numbers!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
GLK
Given you do have a multimeter you could get a pretty good idea by testing the charging - if the battery is fairly charged:
Connect to the + (positive) terminal adjacent to the battery, and chassis.
Let engine (and alternator) run with as few loads as possible. Multimeter should read 3.7 - 4.3VDC.
Switch on the loads the GLK might have, like headlights, rear window - and seat heaters, operate pano etc., and note multimeter reading. Should not drop a lot - or after a short while not much at all.
The outcome to be told/taught Mercedes.
Connect to the + (positive) terminal adjacent to the battery, and chassis.
Let engine (and alternator) run with as few loads as possible. Multimeter should read 3.7 - 4.3VDC.
Switch on the loads the GLK might have, like headlights, rear window - and seat heaters, operate pano etc., and note multimeter reading. Should not drop a lot - or after a short while not much at all.
The outcome to be told/taught Mercedes.
Thanks GLKKa2H, I appreciate the response.
But the voltage is nominally 12V.
Fully charged the battery should be about 12.6V.
IIRC, 75% charge is maybe 12.4V.
Much into the 11V range and it is getting close to dead.
If you are measuring battery voltage, then you don't need the car running, i.e.- measuring across the terminals. You don't even need the key in it.
I got the same voltage across the terminals as I got across the jumpstart points, so if anyone is checking the voltage on the GLK, you don't need to pull off the plastic piece that sits over the battery.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 520
Likes: 5
From: Tromsø, 69° 41' N
2010 GLK 220CDI 4M BlueEFFICIENCY
My bad, sorry, I didn't catch my "miswriting" until now. 
To read "13.7 - 14.3VDC." Voltage in that range is to be expected from a well working (charging) alternator.
To read "13.7 - 14.3VDC." Voltage in that range is to be expected from a well working (charging) alternator.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
GLK
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Southern Calif
2013 ML350
I bought a 2010 CPO last year, my battery just gave out and took it to the dealer, its just about 4 years old and i have 41,000 miles.
No questions asked, they just dropped in another, tested everything, took about 45 min and then washed the car and I was on down the road.
It is under the blower assembly in front of the passenger area and has special venting, I called a few auto part places and they said I needed to get it from the dealer because of how it is mounted.
MB stood behind it with no issues, so Im happy.
No questions asked, they just dropped in another, tested everything, took about 45 min and then washed the car and I was on down the road.
It is under the blower assembly in front of the passenger area and has special venting, I called a few auto part places and they said I needed to get it from the dealer because of how it is mounted.
MB stood behind it with no issues, so Im happy.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 771
Likes: 7
From: Waikele, Oahu, Hawaii
2011 GLK350 P1, Multi-media & AMG Pkg; 2010 E350 w/ prem 2; 2018 4Runner SR5 Prem. 4x4
Coming full circle here. The GLK didn't start this afternoon. I turned the ignition, and it wanted to start, but it didn't. Im using my Sears battery charger now...going with the slow charge...2 amps...and overnight....crossing fingers it starts tomorrow morning....otherwise, its time to call MB Roadside Service, or have my E-class to give it a jump...and drive it to the MB dealer. Oh btw the GLK is a 2011...with 20K miles on there.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Southern Calif
2013 ML350
i have always found original manufacturers batteries to be junk
Lexus LS460, 2 years
Lexus SC430 3 years
Mercedes E320 3 years
Mercedes GLK 350 3 years
None of these cars should come with a 2-3 year battery, but they all did.. I always get better luck on the 2nd battery.
Lexus LS460, 2 years
Lexus SC430 3 years
Mercedes E320 3 years
Mercedes GLK 350 3 years
None of these cars should come with a 2-3 year battery, but they all did.. I always get better luck on the 2nd battery.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
I hope the self-"jumpers" understand the proper procedure - on the recipient MB - key-out, keyless-go out during hookup.. or heck to pay.
I have no idea why someone would not want to call free Roadside Assist and get that process in motion.
I have no idea why someone would not want to call free Roadside Assist and get that process in motion.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
Roadside service can be somewhat of a joke. My wife hit a pothole which bent the rim and flattened the tire. 2-1/2 hours later, I was able to finally get there, put on the spare (1/2 hour total) and drive away. 3 hours and Roadside still had not shown up. This was a weekday afternoon about 2:30. Unless I need the car towed on a flat bed, I doubt I would call "Roadside Assistance" again. Probably why someone would not want to call free Roadside Assist.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
Bop, call MB Customer Service and report the issue - and start the process for a $100-$200 customer satisfaction discount certificate off your next service... I am not excusing the service time, I am just saying a call may get you some type of "satisfaction".
Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 160
Likes: 2
Fj cruiser 2014 GLK250
i have always found original manufacturers batteries to be junk
Lexus LS460, 2 years
Lexus SC430 3 years
Mercedes E320 3 years
Mercedes GLK 350 3 years
None of these cars should come with a 2-3 year battery, but they all did.. I always get better luck on the 2nd battery.
Lexus LS460, 2 years
Lexus SC430 3 years
Mercedes E320 3 years
Mercedes GLK 350 3 years
None of these cars should come with a 2-3 year battery, but they all did.. I always get better luck on the 2nd battery.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Southern Calif
2013 ML350
same was true in all my hondas too :-(
3 accords
2 preludes
1 pilot
none of them got more than 3 years and were all replaced under warranty.
I dont listen to the radio with the car off or anything either, maybe the heat here in So Cal?
3 accords
2 preludes
1 pilot
none of them got more than 3 years and were all replaced under warranty.
I dont listen to the radio with the car off or anything either, maybe the heat here in So Cal?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 771
Likes: 7
From: Waikele, Oahu, Hawaii
2011 GLK350 P1, Multi-media & AMG Pkg; 2010 E350 w/ prem 2; 2018 4Runner SR5 Prem. 4x4
Just to give you guys an update...MB Roadside Asst was able to jump me after my overnight charger didn't do the trick. I drove straight to my MB Dealer on Sunday morning...dropped off the GLK and got a rental C-class. My MB service rep says he had to jump it again Monday morning to get it to the service bay. In the end, it was the battery. MB installed a new battery for me....under warranty...no charge.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 336
Likes: 11
From: Northern California
2016 GLE300d 4Matic
I was monitoring the battery voltage to see if the starter battery was getting old - at just over 2 years use no less. I charged it up and it read 12.76 v. A little low but not terrible. I would prefer over 12.85. It sat overnight and I ran around the next day. I read the battery again and it's more like 12.5. This is a problem. I put the charger back on it but now I take the HVAC ductwork off the battery to to take a look at it and I find myself staring at a little squirrel cage fan running like mad.
What the h*** is this? I go inside, turn on the key and kill the climate control - fan still running.
If this fan stops when the car is locked - and I've not verified that it does, this could be a significant drain and a source of my battery drain problems.
When I went to charge the battery the other day it was down at 12.26 - below 1/2 charge and a real problem...
It's not a hot day at around 70 degrees F. Would the electronics need this?
Any experts on the forum that can enlighten on this?
What the h*** is this? I go inside, turn on the key and kill the climate control - fan still running.
If this fan stops when the car is locked - and I've not verified that it does, this could be a significant drain and a source of my battery drain problems.
When I went to charge the battery the other day it was down at 12.26 - below 1/2 charge and a real problem...
It's not a hot day at around 70 degrees F. Would the electronics need this?
Any experts on the forum that can enlighten on this?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 493
Likes: 14
84 300d 2009 e320 bluetec (retired)/, now 2012 E350 4-matic blueefficiency automatic
The battery that comes with the car usually has a longer MBZ warranty. The replace battery is likely 2 years. Also with the CPU and other electronic, only a <2A charge rate and an < (forgot the voltage) should be used if the battery is installed. Have the headlight off. I would also disconnect the charger before starting the car.
You got a good deal when a 4 year old battery is replaced for free.
Sears sell the glass mat type battery.
BTW: Roadside assistance also replaces the battery. Many of them don't charge for labor.
You got a good deal when a 4 year old battery is replaced for free.
Sears sell the glass mat type battery.
BTW: Roadside assistance also replaces the battery. Many of them don't charge for labor.
Last edited by dave2001auto; Nov 5, 2013 at 09:45 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 356
Likes: 33
From: NYC
glk
I was monitoring the battery voltage to see if the starter battery was getting old - at just over 2 years use no less. I charged it up and it read 12.76 v. A little low but not terrible. I would prefer over 12.85. It sat overnight and I ran around the next day. I read the battery again and it's more like 12.5. This is a problem. I put the charger back on it but now I take the HVAC ductwork off the battery to to take a look at it and I find myself staring at a little squirrel cage fan running like mad.
What the h*** is this? I go inside, turn on the key and kill the climate control - fan still running.
If this fan stops when the car is locked - and I've not verified that it does, this could be a significant drain and a source of my battery drain problems.
When I went to charge the battery the other day it was down at 12.26 - below 1/2 charge and a real problem...
It's not a hot day at around 70 degrees F. Would the electronics need this?
Any experts on the forum that can enlighten on this?
What the h*** is this? I go inside, turn on the key and kill the climate control - fan still running.
If this fan stops when the car is locked - and I've not verified that it does, this could be a significant drain and a source of my battery drain problems.
When I went to charge the battery the other day it was down at 12.26 - below 1/2 charge and a real problem...
It's not a hot day at around 70 degrees F. Would the electronics need this?
Any experts on the forum that can enlighten on this?
possibly a fan to ensure the aircon dries and doesn't build up mold?
