SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: ABS ESP and Red Battery Lights

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Old Apr 25, 2019 | 01:08 AM
  #1  
sgort2's Avatar
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From: Aliso Viejo, CA
2005 SL 500
ABS ESP and Red Battery Lights

I have a 2005 SL 500, with 119K miles. My car went into limp mode, (1st gear only), with the following CELs: ABS, ESP, and red battery and P0600. I pulled the car over and shut the car off. I tried to re-start the car and only got a click from the starter. I had the car towed to my house and started checking voltages. With the car off the accessory battery reads 12.39V, starter battery reads 12.9V. I'm able to start the car with a battery booster, with the car running the accessory battery reads 14.06V, starter battery reads 14.4V. Putting the car into D or R results in a hard clunk but each gear seems to engage without any other issues and the steering feels heavier than normal. I initially thought brushes or alternator but with 14+V at each battery while running I'm at a loss, any help is greatly appreciated.

Last edited by sgort2; Apr 25, 2019 at 01:50 AM.
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Old Apr 26, 2019 | 09:57 AM
  #2  
bobterry99's Avatar
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From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
The starter battery seems to be bad. I'd take it to an auto parts store that can test it for free.

To check the rear battery I would measure the voltage with the lights off and then with the lights on. Engine off for both measurements. There should be only a small drop with the lights on. Post the measured vlaues if you want the forum to draw a conclusion.

Finally, erase OBD-II codes, read again, and see if P0600 returns.
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Old Apr 27, 2019 | 06:03 PM
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sgort2's Avatar
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From: Aliso Viejo, CA
2005 SL 500
Replaced the starter battery with Super Start Extreme Group Size V4 Top Post Battery Part # V4EXTJ Line: SSB, 12V, 520 CCA, 35Ah, identical to the battery that's specified in MB R230 Dual Battery On-board Electrical System technical bulletin and the car started fine but the red battery, ABS, ESP, and still stuck in limp mode (1st gear only).

System (rear) battery voltage check w/ engine off, lights off: 12.58V, engine off, lights on: 12.13V.

I was unable to erase the P0600, see last pic, possibly due to my scanner? I do have an iCarsoft MBII scanner on order.

I also just got a recommended link from the forum to the "Procedure after battery disconnect", stay tuned





Last edited by sgort2; Apr 27, 2019 at 06:44 PM.
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Old May 3, 2019 | 06:54 PM
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From: Aliso Viejo, CA
2005 SL 500
The service battery has now been replaced with a Champion H6-760 CHAGM and connected to the car in the correct order.

The ABS and the ESP lights are still on and the car is still stuck in 1st gear. The only error light that seams to have corrected itself is the red battery icon
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