dmingo777

I just had my instrument cluster turn red showing a large battery icon. I have no idea what this means but it scared the bejesus out of me. I drove right home and turned off the engine. A few minutes later I turned the car back on but the red warning was gone.

What the heck is this? Any help?

RoundTheBenz

Gremlins! It may be the start of something or it may just be a code that will go away. I wouldn't worry about it until it shows up on a regular basis. Could be the start of a battery going out or problems with you alternator but until it starts to rear it's ugly head more often, I wouldn't worry about it right now.

cal1

I agree with RoundTheBenz it is likely something battery/alternator related. If it keeps popping up, you will want to check it out. Our SBC brake system needs electrical energy to operate properly. If it loses power, you will notice the need to apply much more pressure on the brakes and your stopping distances may increase.

dmingo777

Thanks for your assurances. My heart finally slowed down to normal rate.

As I read the forum threads I realize an electrical "trend" in the dash warnings. Prior to the all-red battery warning yesterday, I've recently experienced other warnings of SRS, BRAKE and convenience function failures. Along with this (and all within the last couple weeks), the volume of my radio raises and lowers without warning. It all seems to indicate a problem in the electrical system.

Last night I put a voltage tester on both batteries and noted that both register 12volts when the car is off and better than 14volts when running. This SEEMS to indicate that the batteries are holding a charge and that the alternator is putting out correctly. Hmmm. This seems to point then to the voltage regulator.

I'm putting a list together of all the gremlins and will ask my indie dealer to check whether the VR failing could be at the root of all/most of these. Luckily, I have an extended warranty that will cover either the alternator or the voltage regulator.

What scares me are the tales of completely losing power to the brakes when driving. I can't imagine MB creating such a great car and having no manual backup to the electronic brakes. We'll see.

RoundTheBenz

There is definitely manual backup but it requires a lot more work on the pedal. Think of it like this. Power assist to just hydraulic. You ever had a power steering p[ump go out?

dmingo777

Yes, I certainly have. Good to know... a bit more comforting. The ole heavy foot.
Thanks.

Critter

12.6Volts is what should be showing on your batteries car off
14.1-14.2V engine running at idle
If RPM is increased and the voltage raises also then voltage regulator is at fault
Do not continue to drive and take on a wait and see attitude, unless you like surprises.
How old are the batteries?

cal1

I would not argue with Critter on his general point, but do you really think MB would design a braking system that would completely fail?

Check this out:


The point is simple. If SBC completely fails on you, dynamite the brakes even if it takes two feet and you will stop.

dmingo777

Critter- I bought this car about a year ago, so I can't verify the age of the batteries. They're both Mercedes, made in Germany, the starter battery is Varta, the accessory battery has a white casing but I can't find a make. Can't see a purchase date on either, but they both appear spotless. The smaller battery has a label "48/12" on the side. Is that a date? Where would I find the dates of purchase on the batteries?

Cal- No, I cannot imagine the situation, I just remember reading horror stories about not being able to stop the car while in traffic. Didn't make sense, but that was the claim. The video just reinforces the precision engineering typical of this automobile. I've owned at least one model of most of the German cars over my lifetime but have never seen this level of engineering detail. Can't complain about upkeep when you understand what you're driving.

I fell in love with German machines as a college student earning my Journeyman certification as a Heidelberg pressman on a number of those beasts. I later handled the Studer/Revox pro audio equipment advertising program for a number of years. I'm knocked out with this now 10 year old machine. Fanatic is an appropriate description of my attitude also. Thanks for your input and knowledge.

cal1

There is something about the R230 that makes anyone lucky enough to own one to fall in love with it. It surely is not without fault, but damn, I have to say there is nothing better than running an R230 with the top down on a beautiful day when all the systems are working right

dmingo777

Cal, meet Ruby.

RoundTheBenz

She's a pretty girl!

Critter

Load test is the best way to check a battery, sounds like the 48/12 in the week and year of the bat, which in itself gives you a good feeling but any battery can go south and cause issues. Remove, take to auto zone or similar place, have them check the % charge rate and also do a load test, Personally have had batteries that show 12.6 volts that would not start a lawn mower.
Continued use of a so-so battery only brings grief, hard on all electronics and increase load on the starter and charge system. Like I have said before if you like to be put out, a battery usually fails at the most inopportune time and especially when you need the car most.
The large trunk battery date is probably on the side you cannot see. my battery was replaced after 6 years service and looked like brand new, but it was time-for me anyway.

cal1

Yeah she is. I have always thought the gorgeous lines of the R230 look best in Red with white a close second. I ended up with Pewter Metallic. Oddly enough both of my Mercs are Pewter Metallic which is not that common of a color. Pewter looks nice when the car is immaculate and the sun is bright.

Leester

I agree,
Mine is pewter and I just love this color..
Cheers.

cal1

Pewter on a sunny day.

Leester

That's what i am talking about.
Great shot.
Cheers.