Slow start GLK250
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 17
Likes: 14
2013 GLK250
Slow start GLK250
Our 2013 GLK250 runs great and has been super reliable. Aside from the Mars Red respray done at no cost by MB, really nothing to report.
That said, it starts kind of slow. I don't know if that is typical for the GLK250 little bluetec motor, or if it is a sign of a failing battery. I suspect it is original. I also read somewhere that an aux battery exists, though haven't confirmed. Lastly I'm wondering if special coding is required to install a battery (don't laugh my BMW requires it)? We are headed toward winter so I thought I'd ask these questions pre-emptively!
Thanks, Filippo
That said, it starts kind of slow. I don't know if that is typical for the GLK250 little bluetec motor, or if it is a sign of a failing battery. I suspect it is original. I also read somewhere that an aux battery exists, though haven't confirmed. Lastly I'm wondering if special coding is required to install a battery (don't laugh my BMW requires it)? We are headed toward winter so I thought I'd ask these questions pre-emptively!
Thanks, Filippo
Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 239
Likes: 39
From: Vancouver
14 GLK 250
Not sure if its the same but I replaced my battery on my C300 with a Costco almost identical size battery but with better CCA. No programming required. Also i don't believe the 250 has an AUX battery because there is no auto stop start. I could be wrong.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,369
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From: WI
GLK 250
As others have mentioned, it sounds like your original battery may be on its last legs if the cranking is slow. I would have it tested.
No auxiliary battery on the GLK250 since we don't have the start/stop feature.
No coding required to replace battery.
No auxiliary battery on the GLK250 since we don't have the start/stop feature.
No coding required to replace battery.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1
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GLK 250
Battery help
Does anyone know what battery is needed for GLK 250? Can I buy it at auto zone? eBay? like what size am i suppose to be looking for
thanks in advance
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GLK 250
I replaced the battery in my 2014 GLK250 after five and a half years in May 2019. I went to a local chain auto parts / service center called Pep Boys. The first problem came when the
replacement they used was the wrong size group, H-6, and was too small to fit in the clamps. I found that mine needed the H-7 size group, which they also had, and they installed an
H-7 Bosch Platinum AGM battery with a four year free replacement warranty. Two years pass and I had problems starting the car after parking it for a few days. I went to a AAA service
center for a free battery & charging system check. The result showed a bad battery. When cranked the voltage dropped to 9 volts. A sign of at least one cell gone bad. Went to Pep Boys
with the AAA test printout and asked for a replacement under warranty. They told me that I couldn't get a free replacement as they no longer carried Bosch batteries. I needed to have them test
the battery first and they could possibly give me an allowance off the price of a replacement. Well their battery "test" said my battery was fine. I compared their printout to the AAA test and
they only did a static test. No cranking, limited load. No wonder it looked OK, it was on a charger overnight. Well they lost a customer and this is just the first note about Pep Boys I'm sending out.
There is a problem with the GLK250 battery sizeing too. MOST parts sites show the H-6 size group as the GLK250 replacement. Only one, Advance Auto parts, says this size may not be the proper fit and
you should check before ordering.
By the way I have not had good luck with AGM batteries. I used an Optima AGM in my corvette and it left me stranded after 3 years. And of course the Bosch Platinum AGM is bad after 2 years.
replacement they used was the wrong size group, H-6, and was too small to fit in the clamps. I found that mine needed the H-7 size group, which they also had, and they installed an
H-7 Bosch Platinum AGM battery with a four year free replacement warranty. Two years pass and I had problems starting the car after parking it for a few days. I went to a AAA service
center for a free battery & charging system check. The result showed a bad battery. When cranked the voltage dropped to 9 volts. A sign of at least one cell gone bad. Went to Pep Boys
with the AAA test printout and asked for a replacement under warranty. They told me that I couldn't get a free replacement as they no longer carried Bosch batteries. I needed to have them test
the battery first and they could possibly give me an allowance off the price of a replacement. Well their battery "test" said my battery was fine. I compared their printout to the AAA test and
they only did a static test. No cranking, limited load. No wonder it looked OK, it was on a charger overnight. Well they lost a customer and this is just the first note about Pep Boys I'm sending out.
There is a problem with the GLK250 battery sizeing too. MOST parts sites show the H-6 size group as the GLK250 replacement. Only one, Advance Auto parts, says this size may not be the proper fit and
you should check before ordering.
By the way I have not had good luck with AGM batteries. I used an Optima AGM in my corvette and it left me stranded after 3 years. And of course the Bosch Platinum AGM is bad after 2 years.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,369
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From: WI
GLK 250
I would simply advise folks stay away from places like PepBoys, Walmart, or Iffy Lube for service on your German cars. It's just not a good idea.
For batteries, the best place is typically the dealership. Not to have it installed, just to source the battery there. Surprisingly, they will typically be decently priced and will carry OE parts. If the original battery lasts 5-6 years, it's not too much of a hassle to go by the dealer and pick up another one. In fact, these days people hardly even keep their cars that long.
Our 2014 Bluetec is on the original battery, which I know is weak. I use a charger now and then just to keep it as topped up as possible and I also drive it around once a week or so (since we both work from home). I will be getting a replacement from the dealer this fall before the winter comes. To have it last 7+ years is not bad.
For batteries, the best place is typically the dealership. Not to have it installed, just to source the battery there. Surprisingly, they will typically be decently priced and will carry OE parts. If the original battery lasts 5-6 years, it's not too much of a hassle to go by the dealer and pick up another one. In fact, these days people hardly even keep their cars that long.
Our 2014 Bluetec is on the original battery, which I know is weak. I use a charger now and then just to keep it as topped up as possible and I also drive it around once a week or so (since we both work from home). I will be getting a replacement from the dealer this fall before the winter comes. To have it last 7+ years is not bad.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 60
Likes: 15
In my experience, the 2 OEM/M-B brand batteries on my GLK250 started to get weak after only 3 years. Luckily the first one was still under warranty. Hopefully the aftermarket H-7/Group 94R batteries are more durable. I'd be interested to see if anyone will pony up $750+ for an Antigravity H7 Lithium-ion battery that has built-in jump start capability.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 56
Likes: 2
GLK 250
I got a replacement Duralast Platinum AGM from Autozone this morning. 3 year warranty. ($200 + tax). Lets hope it lasts.
I'm long retired and with covid 19 I don't drive much more than 30 miles per week nowadays. I love the GLK250 diesel for its
great mileage, torque & versatility. I hope to keep it for my lifetime.
I used the GLK 350 model when ordering to insure the correct size group. AAA service center had your advice, see the dealer.
I'm long retired and with covid 19 I don't drive much more than 30 miles per week nowadays. I love the GLK250 diesel for its
great mileage, torque & versatility. I hope to keep it for my lifetime.
I used the GLK 350 model when ordering to insure the correct size group. AAA service center had your advice, see the dealer.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 24
Likes: 3
2013 GLK250
Q2013 GLK 250 battery issue
Our 2013 GLK250 runs great and has been super reliable. Aside from the Mars Red respray done at no cost by MB, really nothing to report.
That said, it starts kind of slow. I don't know if that is typical for the GLK250 little bluetec motor, or if it is a sign of a failing battery. I suspect it is original. I also read somewhere that an aux battery exists, though haven't confirmed. Lastly I'm wondering if special coding is required to install a battery (don't laugh my BMW requires it)? We are headed toward winter so I thought I'd ask these questions pre-emptively!
Thanks, Filippo
That said, it starts kind of slow. I don't know if that is typical for the GLK250 little bluetec motor, or if it is a sign of a failing battery. I suspect it is original. I also read somewhere that an aux battery exists, though haven't confirmed. Lastly I'm wondering if special coding is required to install a battery (don't laugh my BMW requires it)? We are headed toward winter so I thought I'd ask these questions pre-emptively!
Thanks, Filippo
I have replaced new main battery battery ( CGM - Energizer) in December 2023 from Costco. Couple of days ago , battery found fully dead and could not start my GLK 250. CAA came and checked battery and gave a jumb start and able to start it. Tech from CAA receommded to run the engine idle for 30 minutes to get the battery charged. It was able to stat again after about 10 hours without any issues. Next day again , it fail to start. I received a jumb start from my son and drove my GLK250 to my garage ( about 30 minutes drive From home). Mechanic ran battery test and results as follows: 12.32 V and 317 CCA and recommended to change battery. I have 5 years no charge replacement warranty from Costco. Should I change the new battery or find the root cause of the issue ( can be fully charge the battery by external / potable battery charger ). Please advice.
Last edited by Roger Rajah; May 6, 2024 at 08:14 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2021
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From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
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Joined: Sep 2013
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
I have replaced new main battery battery ( CGM - Energizer) in December 2023 from Costco. Couple of days ago , battery found fully dead and could not start my GLK 250. CAA came and checked battery and gave a jumb start and able to start it. Tech from CAA receommded to run the engine idle for 30 minutes to get the battery charged. It was able to stat again after about 10 hours without any issues. Next day again , it fail to start. I received a jumb start from my son and drove my GLK250 to my garage ( about 30 minutes drive From home). Mechanic ran battery test and results as follows: 12.32 V and 317 CCA and recommended to change battery. I have 5 years no charge replacement warranty from Costco. Should I change the new battery or find the root cause of the issue ( can be fully charge the battery by external / potable battery charger ). Please advice.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,585
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2013 glk 350
First charge the battery and see if it’s good and passes a Load test, if not get new battery. Test alternator, if it’s bad get a new regulator for 100$ or get a new alternator. Do a voltage drop test when car is off to see if something is pulling a big load when off, I had a dash cam not shutting off and reset it , that worked. How much do you drive ? Maybe it’s not enough to keep the battery charged. A low battery voltage dies a quick death from Sulfation, in 6 months it can be ruined keeping it below 12.25v. Everyone should have a good AGM charger and battery tester. You can get both for about 120$. I have a remote sensor on my battery and an app that tells me if my battery if low and it’s voltage and % charge . Figuring out how to keep a battery happy on an older car takes a bit of work. It could be as simple as you don’t drive it enough and need to plug in a battery maintainer. CTEK- Noco, make good units . I have a cheap Solar battery tester. My battery monitor is by CTEK . Even tonight I put it in the maintainer , it was dropping a bit. A properly charged battery should last 7-8 years. An undercharged one will die in 6 months ! And yes batteries are sold defective that die in a month. Buy a charger and Tester. Any auto parts store will test the battery and alternator for free, while you wait in 5 minutes! Because they want a sale.
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
Running it for 30 minutes doesn't any where near fully charge the battery! Charge it fully on a charger then test it. If it tests good, look elsewhere for the problem. If the battery isn't bad and you replace it anyway, you'll be back looking at the same problem next month.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 24
Likes: 3
2013 GLK250
My garage checked the battery and recommend to change it. I had 4-5 years no cost replacement of AGM battery from Costco. Replaced a new same brand battery a week ago and monitoring for any issues. My 2013 GLK starting without any issues so far. Just before changing the battery with issue , Check engine warning light was on my dash. My garage ran their scanner to find fault code and indicated fuel pump implausible (Code # P062A00) and cleared the code. I am not getting any warning lights so far. I contacted Mecedes Canada about this warning light code and fuel pump issue ( there is a recall for few models of Benz's SUV in Transport Canada web site). Mecedes Canada has confirmed my model and VIN# not in the recall list. They have recommend to take to Benz dealership , if check engine warning light reappear again for diagnostic testing. I need to pay for testing charges and they will take care of repair , if this issue related fuel pump issue recall. Please provide any of our members had similar issues.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 24
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2013 GLK250
My Egine check light warning came back. I took my 2013 GLK to Mecedes dealer to check with their diagnostic scanner Per recommended by Mercedes Canada. Mercedes Scanner detected different error codes ( P13DF00 & P22FD84) which was root caused to Rear NOX sensor which was replaced with no cost to me with emission recall warranty provided by Mecedes to my 2013 GLK 250 a year ago. I did not pay for diagnostic charges ( $195 / hour) due to this warranty coverage too.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 26
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2015 GLK 250
First charge the battery and see if it’s good and passes a Load test, if not get new battery. Test alternator, if it’s bad get a new regulator for 100$ or get a new alternator. Do a voltage drop test when car is off to see if something is pulling a big load when off, I had a dash cam not shutting off and reset it , that worked. How much do you drive ? Maybe it’s not enough to keep the battery charged. A low battery voltage dies a quick death from Sulfation, in 6 months it can be ruined keeping it below 12.25v. Everyone should have a good AGM charger and battery tester. You can get both for about 120$. I have a remote sensor on my battery and an app that tells me if my battery if low and it’s voltage and % charge . Figuring out how to keep a battery happy on an older car takes a bit of work. It could be as simple as you don’t drive it enough and need to plug in a battery maintainer. CTEK- Noco, make good units . I have a cheap Solar battery tester. My battery monitor is by CTEK . Even tonight I put it in the maintainer , it was dropping a bit. A properly charged battery should last 7-8 years. An undercharged one will die in 6 months ! And yes batteries are sold defective that die in a month. Buy a charger and Tester. Any auto parts store will test the battery and alternator for free, while you wait in 5 minutes! Because they want a sale.
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,369
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From: WI
GLK 250
For a charger, I'd recommend any of the NOCO Genius line. I've had a NOCO Genius 2 for nearly 6 years, works great, no issues, charges multiple types of batteries (6V, 12V) lead-acid, AGM, you name it.
Junior Member
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2015 GLK 250
For a charger, I'd recommend any of the NOCO Genius line. I've had a NOCO Genius 2 for nearly 6 years, works great, no issues, charges multiple types of batteries (6V, 12V) lead-acid, AGM, you name it.
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From: WI
GLK 250
Of course. In fact, it's intended to be hooked up that way. These are trickle chargers and battery maintainers. I would recommend using them anytime you leave your car parked more than a week, especially when going on vacations and such. It keeps the battery topped up without overcharging.
Last edited by andreigbs; Nov 19, 2024 at 11:23 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 26
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2015 GLK 250
Of course. In fact, it's intended to be hooked up that way. These are trickle chargers and battery maintainers. I would recommend using them anytime you leave your car parked more than a week, especially when going on vacations and such. It keeps the battery topped up without overcharging.
