ayoder68

Wondering if anyone out there would have experienced a similar problem or have a suggestion to my problem.

Took SLS for airbag warranty, when I got it back a few days later I noticed all the warning lights on the dash came on and it was difficult for it to even start. At this point we thought there was something wrong with the box that is next to the battery so took it out and replaced. Still had some issues so replaced the battery, all was good until the battery was dead a weeks later now the car does not start and dash sometimes lights up and tach and other gauges will flicker and that's all it will do no start or anything. Checked battery again and it charged up and is fine. It seems like something might be draining the battery like the push start button because I will see it glowing red even after I lock the car.

Anotherone

Yah, sounds like something is draining the battery.

NewportSLS

@ayoder68
Did you get it sorted?

ayoder68

No I didn't yet, called the dealership and I explained that I can't even get it to start let alone move. I wanted to know how they were going to be pushing it around. I left a message with the service manager and they didn't call me back so either I call again or call someone else. Might unhook battery for awhile or put another battery in. Checked fuses and when I went inside I heard a relay clicking where the passenger footwell is. Found the clicking relay I don't have the exact name, it had to do with the engine. Swapped it out didn't change anything all the others clicked the same way. Disappointed considering how dependable this car has been for us since 2012. Have to keep trying though.

Thanks for the replies.

haa

I leave mine on the trickle charger at all times. The battery is on the smaller size and has a tendency to drain rapidly

ayoder68

@haa

You are right, I really need to invest in a good trickle charger.

Last300SL

I would suggest that you call MB for emergency roadside assistance. I believe that these calls are tracked by MB & cannot be ignored. The technician can check battery & install new one on site if needed. I will leave my SLS on trickle charger until spring time given snow ,salt etc. I have had no problem with charger delivered with my SLS when new.

haa

A Mercedes trickle charger and a special cable that hooks up to the charging port in the trunk came with every SLS sold in the US. Check with your dealer and he can get it for you along with the special cable.

ADAMSLSAMG

My SLS was doing the exact same thing, sometimes the radio would stay on, or a fan in the engine bay and would kill the battery off.

What it was is that I was not locking the door when I left the car.

ayoder68

@ ADAMSLSAMG
I have been locking the car that was something I forgot to mention. When I did get the car back after the air bag recall service the car would have a hard time starting so I would have to try to start it with the push button, then open the door get out lock it, unlock it, open door, close door, lock door, unlock door and then get in and it starts. But now it won't start after I do that.

ADAMSLSAMG

Mine was doing the exact same thing it would not unlock, and then the battery died completely. I replaced the battery(and it seems to be working correctly now), and I 100% make sure that before I leave the car I manually turn the radio off, and then lock the doors.

For some reason the radio would turn on when I left the car alone. I would come out into the garage and hear it playing.

I really hate this push start technology. Give me old fashion keys, with ACC position if I want to leave the radio on.

ADAMSLSAMG

There was also a fan in the engine bay that would come on sometimes as well with the car turned off.

NewportSLS

I have to give a shout out to Fletcher Jones Mercedes as I was COMPLETELY scared to have my airbag recall done and, put it off for quite sometime.. I knew they had done a bunch from roadster to black series and I finally took the plunge. So far everything is 100% perfect..

ayoder68

@ ADAMSLSAMG The Fan coming on is unusual...but I didn't have that problem.

@ NewportSLS I'm happy that it all worked well for you. I live in Sarasota and I feel like we are just too small to have good technicians over here.

MAS55

Hi,

Any ideas?

SLS (2011) not starting. Used only 10 days ago when started fine. Been on battery conditioner. New battery 4 years ago. No relay clicks. Starter button flashes, lights come on, but no crank. Is this likely to be a starter relay, solenoid, SAM module or Prefuse module issue? Placed battery on slow charge but still nothing.

Thanks,


Mark

ADAMSLSAMG

The battery is old. A 4 year old battery is at the end of its life. Try putting in a new fully charged battery. I bet the car will start up.

MAS55

Thanks Adam. That was my first thought too, though I've also tried a micro jump starter, but still nothing. All the lights come on. I guess it needs diagnostics. Just difficult when it's stuck in parked. Mark

ADAMSLSAMG

You need a lot of cold cranking amps to turn this car over.

did you try using jumper cables from another running car?

I find that those micro jumps packs are almost useless for cranking over big engines. (I use one for my snowmobiles for emergencies)

MAS55

Front end first in the garage, so awkward. You could well be right. I'll try and give it a go with our Range Rover.

Thanks again,


Mark

ADAMSLSAMG

pull the battery from the Rover, and use jumpers just from the battery. If you cant get close enough

ayoder68

@MAS55
I'm finally taking it to the dealer on Monday. But still no start no click nothing, the push start button does glow red. I will let you know what they say. "Is this likely to be a starter relay, solenoid, SAM module or Prefuse module issue?" I didn't mention this before but I actually have opened up the box where the Prefuse module is and replaced a few relays when I had a problem with something else, I had the brake message come on and it was hard to get it out of park, I then put the battery in and it started, lights cleared. But your issue seems to be battery related, I think something like that happened to me before and I got a new battery for it. Does your key fob unlock it or do you have to put the blade in?

MAS55

Had the battery checked - it's good, so MB Assist sending specialist technician.

Seems it might be the starter switch, a fuse in the Pre fuse box or the SAM module. So case of diagnostics and maybe recovery to local MB dealership it it can't be repaired in situ.

Wondering how to get it out of parked!

Thanks again,


Mark

MAS55

MB Assist attended. Starter fuse replaced ( Footwell fuse box). Problem solved. Brilliant! Excellent service too. Cheers

ayoder68

@mas55

Congratulations! Happy you got your car started and you're back on the road.

ayoder68

Got the call from the dealership, ESP Hydraulic Unit is shorting out and messing with the CAN BUS system.

Warning lights that came on before going to dealer: Brake, ABS and ESC Inoperative, Rear Spoiler Inoperative, Service Required DO NOT Shift Gears, Cruise Control Inoperative, SRS Malfunction Service Required, Parking Brake See Oper. Manual, Tire Pressure Monitor Inoperative, SOS Tele Aid Inoperative.