jkbrad11

I have a 2004 SL500 that's having the infamous battery drain issue. After sitting in it for a few minutes, a pretty constant 'ticking' or 'clicking' noise was coming from behind the instrument cluster. The best way I know to describe it is whenever you try to turn over a starter with a low battery. I've recorded the noise, see the video below.

The consumer battery is new, but I can't seem to get a charge on it even when driving around. I only drove it for 30 minutes or so (had to stop for 4-5 minutes in the middle to pick something up). However, I only had 4v whenever

I'm wondering if the instrument cluster is the likely culprit? Or is there something behind it?



Thanks in advance for your help.. I'm going crazy on this one

jkbrad11

*I only had 4v after driving for the 30 min. I stopped mid sentence above.

Rudeney

If it's in the instrument cluster, try pulling fuses 20 and 21 (left SAM/fuse panel, under the hood). If that makes it stop, then it is in the ICM. Another possibility is that it's in the steering column adjustment. Try moving it to see if it stops.