SL/R230: R230 Random dash lights please advise.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 179
Likes: 4
Sl55 2003
R230 Random dash lights please advise.
I have a r230 amg 2003.
have some issues new today.
Red Battery light on dash at startup always.
changed relay no help.
Now today red battery light intermittent during driving, red brake light intermittent. during driving.
random taillight out errors on dash. Finally gauges go to zero while driving intermittently. Like a Christmas tree. so many random lights. voltage charging at 13.5v
Please help
have some issues new today.
Red Battery light on dash at startup always.
changed relay no help.
Now today red battery light intermittent during driving, red brake light intermittent. during driving.
random taillight out errors on dash. Finally gauges go to zero while driving intermittently. Like a Christmas tree. so many random lights. voltage charging at 13.5v
Please help
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 179
Likes: 4
Sl55 2003
Is it like this?
https://youtu.be/Yo3ywluCOu4
https://youtu.be/Yo3ywluCOu4
my alternator voltage 13.2-13.7 most 13.5
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
@kemzo: Mine does that about once every 10-12 drives. I am fairly certain it's a symptom of a bad EIS.
@Austinsec: 13.5v is a bit low. You may have a bad alternator (or most likely the regulator). With average load at idle, you should see 14v.
@Austinsec: 13.5v is a bit low. You may have a bad alternator (or most likely the regulator). With average load at idle, you should see 14v.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 179
Likes: 4
Sl55 2003
Now , Only get 2 errors
1, red battery on dash
2 . after car is warmed up, if I turn off and get back in I get red brake error prior to startup and it stays on reduced braking distance.
I am going to retest the voltage while car is running.
I haev a new regulator but went for diagnostic from dealer he sad it was the relay in the trunk and gave me one (cause of the red battery) swapped relay no help same
issue.
I plan to buy a VAS 5054 and use a laptop with Xentry software to hep diagnose various issues IE roof etc etc.
Please advise
1, red battery on dash
2 . after car is warmed up, if I turn off and get back in I get red brake error prior to startup and it stays on reduced braking distance.
I am going to retest the voltage while car is running.
I haev a new regulator but went for diagnostic from dealer he sad it was the relay in the trunk and gave me one (cause of the red battery) swapped relay no help same
issue.
I plan to buy a VAS 5054 and use a laptop with Xentry software to hep diagnose various issues IE roof etc etc.
Please advise
Last edited by Austinsec; Jul 17, 2019 at 12:12 AM.
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From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
I would pull the rear battery and have it tested. Most electrical errors start with bad rear batteries in R230 cars. I keep in spare in my garage for trouble shooting the 3 R230's I maintain.
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Joined: Aug 2019
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From: Southern California
2005 SL500 (R230)
Instrument Cluster Issues
I'm currently experiencing the same issue, with slight variations in which lights appear.
Dealer has been off no help. Just wants $$$.
My mechanic and MBZ specialists, along with Speedo shop, think that the circuit board in the cluster is going bad.
Replacement advise:
Purchase used cluster within 4 to 6 months of your vehicles manufactured date. According to Speedo Shop who only work on these things, this is extremely important due to the software package for your vehicle must match new replacement cluster, otherwise you'll probably have a nice paperweight. They also stated that the ignition switch with key fob will also need to be sent in for reprogramming.
Known issue, no recalls according to MBZ Corporate.
Hope this helps.
Dealer has been off no help. Just wants $$$.
My mechanic and MBZ specialists, along with Speedo shop, think that the circuit board in the cluster is going bad.
Replacement advise:
Purchase used cluster within 4 to 6 months of your vehicles manufactured date. According to Speedo Shop who only work on these things, this is extremely important due to the software package for your vehicle must match new replacement cluster, otherwise you'll probably have a nice paperweight. They also stated that the ignition switch with key fob will also need to be sent in for reprogramming.
Known issue, no recalls according to MBZ Corporate.
Hope this helps.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 260
From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Is the cluster really your only problem? No rattling roll bar, Comand fail, tightening seat belt? Wipers okay? These are all symptoms of a failing EIS. The intermittance of your symptoms strongly remind me of my EIS trouble.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 260
From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
I should have expressed myself better than I did in #10: a combination of seemingly non related issues as mentioned, playing up at the same time, points at a failing EIS.
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NO LONGER ACTIVE
I really wish that i could figure out what causes this. I removed my EIS and visually inspected the wiring harness, and used CRC contact cleaner on it. I disassembled with EIS itself to check for any blown capacitors or burned circuitry, but found nothing. Mine only does this maybe one in ten drives, so I just deal with it.
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just looking
I'm currently experiencing the same issue, with slight variations in which lights appear.
Dealer has been off no help. Just wants $$$.
My mechanic and MBZ specialists, along with Speedo shop, think that the circuit board in the cluster is going bad.
Replacement advise:
Purchase used cluster within 4 to 6 months of your vehicle’s manufactured date. According to Speedo Shop who only work on these things, this is extremely important due to the software package for your vehicle must match new replacement cluster, otherwise you’ll probably have a nice paperweight. If you’re also looking for reliable service like a taxi in Durham, they stated that the ignition switch with key fob will also need to be sent in for reprogramming.
Known issue, no recalls according to MBZ Corporate.
Hope this helps.
Dealer has been off no help. Just wants $$$.
My mechanic and MBZ specialists, along with Speedo shop, think that the circuit board in the cluster is going bad.
Replacement advise:
Purchase used cluster within 4 to 6 months of your vehicle’s manufactured date. According to Speedo Shop who only work on these things, this is extremely important due to the software package for your vehicle must match new replacement cluster, otherwise you’ll probably have a nice paperweight. If you’re also looking for reliable service like a taxi in Durham, they stated that the ignition switch with key fob will also need to be sent in for reprogramming.
Known issue, no recalls according to MBZ Corporate.
Hope this helps.
