SL/R230: Multiple flashing dash lights?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
Multiple flashing dash lights?
The other day I was sitting stationary, with foot on the brake and noticed that suddenly multiple lights flashed on and off on my dash,, roll bar, srs, battery, restraint etc. They came on for split seconds and off again? The car drove fine, then today it did the same but just when I stop and press brake, it's as if there is a loose connection, do these cars have the infamous brake pedal switch, I've experienced this is past Mercedes.
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
The flashing dash it's something that i experienced when my EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) went bad. See this link, what i've been to and how much i had to pay. When it happened to me, couple years ago, it was a dealer only job, with a new part. There might be a indy who might do this, but not 100% sure. When i researched everything i found only a handful of mentions of this issue in other threads.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...t-nowhere.html
Regards.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...t-nowhere.html
Regards.
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
My route to a failing EIS was dash lights, failing wipers, a relay in probably the roll bar rattling, safety belt tensioner acting at will, Comand dying intermittently. There seemed to be a mechanical trigger, that I have happily forgotten about, like a certain radius turn or something. One wonders if solid state electronics are likely to start acting up like that, without any mechanical trigger. Replacing the EIS, against dealer advice, did solve all my symptoms instantly and -up to now- permanently.
Last edited by Frederick NL; Nov 29, 2020 at 03:51 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
Interesting it could be the EIS. I always use the keyless go and start the car using the gear knob etc, I wonder if I should start using the key once in a while to keep the lock active?
this may be a coincidence, but I noticed that my heater grille intake had some water at the bottom and was not draining away at the hood, I checked the carpet on the passenger side it was dry, I have now cleared the blocked drain too.
this may be a coincidence, but I noticed that my heater grille intake had some water at the bottom and was not draining away at the hood, I checked the carpet on the passenger side it was dry, I have now cleared the blocked drain too.
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
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
Starter button and key ignition have the same exact function - they go through the EIS regardless. That will not make a difference on the starting process. But all the rest Frederick is right 
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
The flashing dash it's something that i experienced when my EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) went bad. See this link, what i've been to and how much i had to pay. When it happened to me, couple years ago, it was a dealer only job, with a new part. There might be a indy who might do this, but not 100% sure. When i researched everything i found only a handful of mentions of this issue in other threads.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...t-nowhere.html
Regards.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...t-nowhere.html
Regards.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
today I used the key and so far no light issues. I ran a diagnostic on the EIS and found no stored faults so will monitor over time.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 45
Likes: 9
From: Dallas, TX
SL550
I recently had the check engine light come on. Hooked up DAS. P00014. Replaced the camshaft solenoids (aka magnets). Hooked up DAS again to clear the code, then confirmed with a quick diagnostic check. I thought I was being really quick, so did not hook up the battery charger. My bad. The consumer battery (new in the last 6 months) was drained, and I got a veritable Christmas tree display of lights when I started the car Including roll bar, SBS,SBC, etc.. Hooked up the battery charger. Hooked up DAS again to clear any new codes. Fully charged the battery. Next start, all perfect. A low consumer battery will definitely result in the light show.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
I recently had the check engine light come on. Hooked up DAS. P00014. Replaced the camshaft solenoids (aka magnets). Hooked up DAS again to clear the code, then confirmed with a quick diagnostic check. I thought I was being really quick, so did not hook up the battery charger. My bad. The consumer battery (new in the last 6 months) was drained, and I got a veritable Christmas tree display of lights when I started the car Including roll bar, SBS,SBC, etc.. Hooked up the battery charger. Hooked up DAS again to clear any new codes. Fully charged the battery. Next start, all perfect. A low consumer battery will definitely result in the light show.
so far though day 3, I have been using the key as well as keyless and the lights have stayed away.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 45
Likes: 9
From: Dallas, TX
SL550
Yes, I should have said CAN cause the light show. I also have had the same experience with only the 'convenience functions' warning when my consumer battery was going bad. Maybe a function of just how drained it is?
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
The consumers off line message is when your acc battery is low, not dying. Getting that message after the car was parked for a week or so wouldn't worry me much. If you get a light show in relation with the rear battery status, that would suggest it needs to be replaced. Or a good battery would have been seriously depleted by an unruly stationary draw or a charging failure.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
I get 12.2V before turning engine on and 14.2V when engine running.
