Trickle Charging 2015 ML350 4Matic
02-23-2019, 10:18 PM
#1
Trickle Charging 2015 ML350 4Matic
I bought a CTEK MXS 5.0 to charge (maintain) a '14 SL550, which I've since sold. I never used the CTEK. The MB dealer advised me that there were 2 batteries in the SL, and they were in series, and could be maintained through the 12V power port in the trunk of the SL. So, 2 questions:
1-are there 2 batteries in the '15 ML350 4Matic.
2-can they be maintained by the CTEK through the 12V power port in the rear of the ML.
Sorry for the rookie questions.
Richard
1-are there 2 batteries in the '15 ML350 4Matic.
2-can they be maintained by the CTEK through the 12V power port in the rear of the ML.
Sorry for the rookie questions.
Richard
02-24-2019, 01:45 AM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Well... 1st off your MB dealer was puffing up a bit - yes - your SL550 has a main battery and a auxiliary battery - but "no" they were not in series. Yes - your ML350 has two batteries too - a "main" and a auxiliary.
On your 2014 ML350 - if you are planning up over 2-3 week of inactivity - if your ML350 has Keyless Start (button) - remove the Start Button (it pulls straight out) which lets your ML "sleep" (by deactivating the Keyless Go/Lock-Unlock feature) - with the Start button "out" you use your fob to lock/unlock your ML until you replace the Start button.
Unlike your SL - frankly I don't know if your rear cargo 12V port stays "live" after you shut down your ML - I "think" it will go to sleep. If you wanted to connect your CTEC - if your model has the interchangeable "clip" connects - I would use those connected to the jump points on passenger side engine compartment. Please note for connecting/disconnecting any type of charger - the Start Button should be out on connect/disconnect - and no key in the ignition.
"Most" don't trickle charge anymore - they remove Start Button - and in the unlikely event you need a jump - under warranty or with ongoing dealer service - Roadside assistance offers free 24/7 jump service.
On your 2014 ML350 - if you are planning up over 2-3 week of inactivity - if your ML350 has Keyless Start (button) - remove the Start Button (it pulls straight out) which lets your ML "sleep" (by deactivating the Keyless Go/Lock-Unlock feature) - with the Start button "out" you use your fob to lock/unlock your ML until you replace the Start button.
Unlike your SL - frankly I don't know if your rear cargo 12V port stays "live" after you shut down your ML - I "think" it will go to sleep. If you wanted to connect your CTEC - if your model has the interchangeable "clip" connects - I would use those connected to the jump points on passenger side engine compartment. Please note for connecting/disconnecting any type of charger - the Start Button should be out on connect/disconnect - and no key in the ignition.
"Most" don't trickle charge anymore - they remove Start Button - and in the unlikely event you need a jump - under warranty or with ongoing dealer service - Roadside assistance offers free 24/7 jump service.
02-24-2019, 04:24 AM
#3
Well... 1st off your MB dealer was puffing up a bit - yes - your SL550 has a main battery and a auxiliary battery - but "no" they were not in series. Yes - your ML350 has two batteries too - a "main" and a auxiliary.
On your 2014 ML350 - if you are planning up over 2-3 week of inactivity - if your ML350 has Keyless Start (button) - remove the Start Button (it pulls straight out) which lets your ML "sleep" (by deactivating the Keyless Go/Lock-Unlock feature) - with the Start button "out" you use your fob to lock/unlock your ML until you replace the Start button.
Unlike your SL - frankly I don't know if your rear cargo 12V port stays "live" after you shut down your ML - I "think" it will go to sleep. If you wanted to connect your CTEC - if your model has the interchangeable "clip" connects - I would use those connected to the jump points on passenger side engine compartment. Please note for connecting/disconnecting any type of charger - the Start Button should be out on connect/disconnect - and no key in the ignition.
"Most" don't trickle charge anymore - they remove Start Button - and in the unlikely event you need a jump - under warranty or with ongoing dealer service - Roadside assistance offers free 24/7 jump service.
On your 2014 ML350 - if you are planning up over 2-3 week of inactivity - if your ML350 has Keyless Start (button) - remove the Start Button (it pulls straight out) which lets your ML "sleep" (by deactivating the Keyless Go/Lock-Unlock feature) - with the Start button "out" you use your fob to lock/unlock your ML until you replace the Start button.
Unlike your SL - frankly I don't know if your rear cargo 12V port stays "live" after you shut down your ML - I "think" it will go to sleep. If you wanted to connect your CTEC - if your model has the interchangeable "clip" connects - I would use those connected to the jump points on passenger side engine compartment. Please note for connecting/disconnecting any type of charger - the Start Button should be out on connect/disconnect - and no key in the ignition.
"Most" don't trickle charge anymore - they remove Start Button - and in the unlikely event you need a jump - under warranty or with ongoing dealer service - Roadside assistance offers free 24/7 jump service.
I guess my my safest bet is to have a friend start the ML weekly, and run it for 5 or 10 minutes while I’m away.
Last edited by RLandis; 02-24-2019 at 04:28 AM. Reason: Spelling
02-24-2019, 04:47 AM
#4
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2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
Thank you for your response. Now you have me wondering why BOTH the Tech Support of CTEK, and the Service Dept of MB of Nashville BOTH advised me that plugging the cigarette lighter adapter on the CTEK (which was a separate purchase) into the 12v power port in the trunk of the 550SL would keep both batteries topped up. I only picked CTEK as they manufacture the MB charger (or at least they design it, and are credited thusly on the actual MB unit).
I guess my my safest bet is to have a friend start the ML weekly, and run it for 5 or 10 minutes while I’m away.
Just make sure your charger is designed for AGM batteries, plug it in and be done with it.
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Vincecam (07-11-2022)
02-24-2019, 05:04 AM
#5
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2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
Comments in red below;
As well, we leave our 2012 X6 plugged into the same type of charger down south. There's no start button on that, you have to stick the fob into a slot (royal PITA). Anything I should know about that?
Well... 1st off your MB dealer was puffing up a bit - yes - your SL550 has a main battery and a auxiliary battery - but "no" they were not in series. Yes - your ML350 has two batteries too - a "main" and a auxiliary.
I'd love to see them in series LOL. Obviously confused with "in parallel".
On your 2014 ML350 - if you are planning up over 2-3 week of inactivity - if your ML350 has Keyless Start (button) - remove the Start Button (it pulls straight out) which lets your ML "sleep" (by deactivating the Keyless Go/Lock-Unlock feature) - with the Start button "out" you use your fob to lock/unlock your ML until you replace the Start button.
You sure about this? First time I've ever heard about this. We often leave the car unattended at the airport when we fly down to Florida for weeks at a time. I'm already worried about finding the battery dead because we're still running the original batteries (replacing them both this spring). If what you're stating is fact, you've prolly just saved me major grief...
Unlike your SL - frankly I don't know if your rear cargo 12V port stays "live" after you shut down your ML - I "think" it will go to sleep. If you wanted to connect your CTEC - if your model has the interchangeable "clip" connects - I would use those connected to the jump points on passenger side engine compartment. Please note for connecting/disconnecting any type of charger - the Start Button should be out on connect/disconnect - and no key in the ignition.
Again, you're freaking me out. When we leave the truck at home and taxi it to the airport, I leave the truck plugged into our AGM-rated BatteryMinder.
http://www.batteryminders.com/2012ag...acid-batteries
I've never removed the start button and the charging state always shows the battery as being fully charged. What was that doing to the electrical system?
"Most" don't trickle charge anymore - they remove Start Button - and in the unlikely event you need a jump - under warranty or with ongoing dealer service - Roadside assistance offers free 24/7 jump service.
I'd love to see them in series LOL. Obviously confused with "in parallel".
On your 2014 ML350 - if you are planning up over 2-3 week of inactivity - if your ML350 has Keyless Start (button) - remove the Start Button (it pulls straight out) which lets your ML "sleep" (by deactivating the Keyless Go/Lock-Unlock feature) - with the Start button "out" you use your fob to lock/unlock your ML until you replace the Start button.
You sure about this? First time I've ever heard about this. We often leave the car unattended at the airport when we fly down to Florida for weeks at a time. I'm already worried about finding the battery dead because we're still running the original batteries (replacing them both this spring). If what you're stating is fact, you've prolly just saved me major grief...
Unlike your SL - frankly I don't know if your rear cargo 12V port stays "live" after you shut down your ML - I "think" it will go to sleep. If you wanted to connect your CTEC - if your model has the interchangeable "clip" connects - I would use those connected to the jump points on passenger side engine compartment. Please note for connecting/disconnecting any type of charger - the Start Button should be out on connect/disconnect - and no key in the ignition.
Again, you're freaking me out. When we leave the truck at home and taxi it to the airport, I leave the truck plugged into our AGM-rated BatteryMinder.
http://www.batteryminders.com/2012ag...acid-batteries
I've never removed the start button and the charging state always shows the battery as being fully charged. What was that doing to the electrical system?
"Most" don't trickle charge anymore - they remove Start Button - and in the unlikely event you need a jump - under warranty or with ongoing dealer service - Roadside assistance offers free 24/7 jump service.
02-24-2019, 05:08 PM
#6
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W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars, EQE 4Matic+ on order
fabbrisd1 - pulling out the start button does absolutely nothing of the sort. The car constantly keeps various internal systems powered and always listens for signals from the key fob... in other words, all the RF receivers are always enabled.
Unless the battery is weak / dying, you can leave the car parked outside for a month and it will start every time. All other things being equal, humid ambient air will discharge it quicker than dry ambient air, but even in the worst possible conditions (100% RH) it is still easily able to fire it right up after you've left it sitting unattended for a month. If it doesn't, either the battery is no longer able to hold a charge or there is some kind of electrical problem with the vehicle resulting in abnormally high current draw.
Unless the battery is weak / dying, you can leave the car parked outside for a month and it will start every time. All other things being equal, humid ambient air will discharge it quicker than dry ambient air, but even in the worst possible conditions (100% RH) it is still easily able to fire it right up after you've left it sitting unattended for a month. If it doesn't, either the battery is no longer able to hold a charge or there is some kind of electrical problem with the vehicle resulting in abnormally high current draw.
08-06-2019, 02:26 PM
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Why? I've used CTEK 3300 on four different MBs all with start/stop button "in" (i.e. 2019 W213 E start/stop button can not be removed) without any issues for years now. Do you mind sharing why start/stop button needs to be removed when connecting/disconnecting a trickle charger like CTEK, please?
