anavabi

Hi,
It is expected that computers use battery even when the car is not running.
I have a brand new battery on my 2006 ML500 and only have to leave it for a week or so when the voltage drops to around 10 and it won't start.
I have an ML350, and very old BMW X5 with over 5 years old batteries, and they both start at a snap even after few weeks of sitting idle.
I've check the drain on ML500 and it's within millivolts. Any suggestion?
Thank you

Maj. Dundee

Be specific, what brand battery and where did you purchase it>

anavabi

Maj. Dundee

First, could you please UPDATE YOUR PROFILE in USER CP to include the year and where you live.

The only thing I can suggest is to perform a quiescent current consumption test.

anavabi

Thank you Sir. Very elaborate procedure.
As a side note, how do we find out about the models like W164...; transmission type etc. I can only refer to Wikipedia. But is there a more technical way?
Thanks for your help.

Maj. Dundee

First let me tell you that your 06 ML500 is the best of all the W164 models and if you take care of it, it will last for years.

Learning about the 164 can only be archived by visiting the forum daily and read about all the problems, but they are all usually about diesel engines. Save everything that applies to you vehicles and you won't have to search for it in the future.

Here is the explanation of the 722.9 trans.

anavabi

Thanks again

anavabi

Major,
in Test 3 instruction, item 9 states "Remove battery cover (12) and detach cover from positive battery terminal (6)", but that terminal is not used throughout the instruction.
Is there an explanation. It is a very involved procedure.
Thanks

Maj. Dundee

This occurred almost a year ago, and you are still having this problem?

It's time to get this particular scanner and read the codes in every module.

anavabi

I have an MB specific Foxwell scanner that can scan all modules and test most components.
Is there a code for battery drainage?

Maj. Dundee

No, but scanning the entire veh. will show you what component/s are affected.

anavabi

Ok thanks I'll do that and let you know if there is something I don't understand
But still that item 9 of test #3 is not clear.

texterted

Have you checked the condition of the auxiliary battery?

Also, with a cold engine, check the back of the alternator with your hand, see if it's getting warm.

If you have access to a thermal camera that'd be great! Check for hot spots everywhere.

anavabi

[QUOTE=texterted;7712300]Have you checked the condition of the auxiliary battery? Apart from voltage, what else has to be checked on the auxiliary?

Also, with a cold engine, check the back of the alternator with your hand, see if it's getting warm. I checked, and it's cold

If you have access to a thermal camera that'd be great! Check for hot spots everywhere. Don't have it yet.
Major,
Please have a look at the item 9 on Test#3 that you sent. I'm following the procedure step by step, item 9 seems to be out of place, or is it?
Thanks,

anavabi

Sorry Texterted, I didn't realize the posting was from you!

anavabi

One of the codes is "9200 Hall sensor of component M28/1 (Front passenger seat fore/aft adjustment motor) is faulty". Is this repairable or I have to replace the motor?
Thanks,

Maj. Dundee

You have to replace the motor. Here are the instructions.

anavabi

Thanks again Major.
Just for my own education, where is this hall sensor? inside the casing of the motor?

Maj. Dundee

It's part of the motor.

Maj. Dundee

You've said one of the codes is 9200. What are the other codes?

anavabi

It's rather funny. I got numerous codes that weren't my concern nevertheless they showed up. Please see attachment.
The code 9000 disappeared the second and third time for some unknown reason.
Please tell me what you think about the codes.
Thanks,

Maj. Dundee

Now that you have a record of the codes, delete ALL codes, then drive the truck as usual.

If the CEL comes on, do not turn off the eng. and immediately check for codes in all modules, and document them as you did before. This means that you should carry your Foxwell with you.

If the CEL does not come on, drive the truck as usual, and after three days or so of driving, check for codes in all modules and document them, if any are stored.

Take note that all problems with a vehicle will not illuminate the CEL. You can still have codes stored.

anavabi

Sure will. Just let you know that I had no onboard message or as you call CEL for these codes. They only appeaed as the result of scanning the entire system.

Maj. Dundee

I don't call it the CEL, every vehicle manufacturer calls it CEL. Are you aware that your instrument cluster has a CEL light?

anavabi

No I wasn't aware of it. I just checked the manual, and I realized why I haven't; apparently the CEL only appears when there are some problems mostly related to emission, on pages 385 and 386; I think this is the case for all cars in general. Thanks for the question.