SL/R230: Very Odd Occurrence
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 230
Likes: 21
2007 MBZ SL550
Very Odd Occurrence
I understand that I'm approaching my service B for my SL550, and I'm about a week away from bringing the car in. But today, something very odd happened. I was about 20-30 minutes from leaving the freeway and was driving through a neighborhood when, out of the blue, all the lights in the instrument panel came on, and then they went off, and the check engine light stayed on. Right after that, the area where the info is displayed turned red, with the battery image showing. So I pulled over, shut down the car, let it sit for a couple of minutes, and then restarted the car. It took much more time than usual to start back up, and then the only light that remained on was the check engine light. The red light on both clusters returned to normal, and the previous battery indicator was no longer visible. Also, I had both batteries replaced a little over one year ago, so I have no idea why a red light on both clusters with the image of the battery would appear. Does anyone have any ideas why something like this would appear out of the blue?
Thank you.
Thank you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2024
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From: DFW
SL63
That is odd.
Its bizarre actually.
The only thing I can think of is the battery replacement may not have been compatible with the electrical system?
Also, it might be a symptom of other electrical problems such as alternator, voltage regulator or other components.
I am sure there are modules in the electrical system that may be suspect.
Its bizarre actually.
The only thing I can think of is the battery replacement may not have been compatible with the electrical system?
Also, it might be a symptom of other electrical problems such as alternator, voltage regulator or other components.
I am sure there are modules in the electrical system that may be suspect.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 230
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2007 MBZ SL550
MB2,
I agree with you on suspect electrical issues. However, the battery is less than 14 months old and is an OEM MBZ part. But my biggest question is why, if there were suspect electrical issues, I wouldn't have seen some more minor issues that could have led up to it, yet I didn't. This is why I have no idea why, out of the blue, this could have happened.
Balt. Yes, I will investigate any BMS issues.
I thank you both very much for your knowledge, input, and advice.
I agree with you on suspect electrical issues. However, the battery is less than 14 months old and is an OEM MBZ part. But my biggest question is why, if there were suspect electrical issues, I wouldn't have seen some more minor issues that could have led up to it, yet I didn't. This is why I have no idea why, out of the blue, this could have happened.
Balt. Yes, I will investigate any BMS issues.
I thank you both very much for your knowledge, input, and advice.
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 546
Likes: 118
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
This sounds like an intermittent electrical connector issue in the area of the ECU or dash.
What code is causing the "Check Engine" light?
IMHO, considering the age and problems with these cars, every owner should keep a code scanner in the car. You can buy a MB specific one from "Launch" for as little as $120 or with a bigger screen for $160. All on Amazon. This make is easier to get help on this forum.
What code is causing the "Check Engine" light?
IMHO, considering the age and problems with these cars, every owner should keep a code scanner in the car. You can buy a MB specific one from "Launch" for as little as $120 or with a bigger screen for $160. All on Amazon. This make is easier to get help on this forum.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 230
Likes: 21
2007 MBZ SL550
Mac,
Correct, my bad. It's the EIS and not DIS. I thought I read in a part list that it was called a DIS. However, when I retrieve my car, I'll review the manifest and return to update you.
Correct, my bad. It's the EIS and not DIS. I thought I read in a part list that it was called a DIS. However, when I retrieve my car, I'll review the manifest and return to update you.
Last edited by Yankee_LT; Sep 28, 2025 at 01:17 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 538
Likes: 89
From: Hollywood, CA
W209, W124
I have a 2005 CLK500 that I bought with 12K miles. I’m at 54K and it has had few issues. CPS was the worst, couple batteries, the tilt dogbone for steering wheel, coolant tank leaked, brakes & tires. Oil changes and just now a click in dashboard.
Almost got a R230 but top quit on test drive. Did me a favor. C-Class is full of metal springs where many MBs have hydraulic and air lines and servos. Dodged some bullets but obviously a rougher ride.
Almost got a R230 but top quit on test drive. Did me a favor. C-Class is full of metal springs where many MBs have hydraulic and air lines and servos. Dodged some bullets but obviously a rougher ride.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 546
Likes: 118
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
When I see "DAS" on this forum, I'm pretty sure we are referring the the DAS/Xentry diagnostic scanner as used by MB dealers for these cars. Some (many?) members here have Chinese clones of the system-software installed on laptops.
As I understand it, the EIS has a permanent security code. For the car to start, the ECU has to have been programmed with a matching code. For the shifter to work, it also has to have a matching code; don't know if this can be programmed easily, but it is contained on a relatively easily swappable "Chip". For a key to work, it also has to have a matching code. The DAS/Entry system lists a function for making keys, but I suspect it needs additional hardware. I have used my Autel IM-608 scanner with key programmer to make an additional key from a blank. It takes time (15 minutes) to crack the security code. I have used the KESS3 tool to program a "virginized" ECU to the EIS after first reading trhe code from the original ECU.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
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2007 MBZ SL550
I'll be picking up the car soon. But this was how it was described to me. Remember when cars had a distributor cap and the function it provided? In the "newer" cars, no longer use said device. What is being replaced on my SL550 is the part that serves said function.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: DFW
SL63
Is it still called a “distributor”?
