Problem after changing batteries - do I need to reset? Bigger problems? Help needed
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2005 e55 AMG
Problem after changing batteries - do I need to reset? Bigger problems? Help needed
Yesterday a red "battery problem: see workshop" type error came up on my 2005 e55. The air conditioner also turned off. I know neither battery has been changed for over 2 years, so I figured I'd just swap them for new ones. Instead of getting batteries from the dealer, I found the battery types I needed from forum posts (AGM type 14BS motorcycle battery front, Bosch 850 CCA back - what PepBoys have listed exactly for this car). Installed both batteries, ran fun for half a day. Tonight, got a warning "Low voltage convenience functions temporarily unavailable" and the AC turned off. After half an hour, got message, "convenience functions available" and then again, "low voltage". Checked the batteries with voltmeter- they look perfectly fine. Does anyone know if I need to possibly reset anything for this to work? Has anyone had a similar experience? Any help is greatly appreciated - I'd hate to have to go to dealer and pay $150 for him just to go in and reset some code. Or does this sound like a bigger problem? Thanks!
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From: Jacksonville, Florida
2006 E55 AMG --old cars -- E39 M5, 2.7tt Audi S4, E36 M3 **Ducati 996, 748
assuming you properly installed the small battery -- mine needed to be charged before installed in the car -- My car ended up needed a new alternator -- I hope that is not your problem -- Go into Dyno mode and check your voltage - also, recommend you stop by a shop and get the voltage output of the alternator checked ASAP -- everything should be over 12 volts -- after a new one - my alternator was putting out 14 -- before only 7 -- no wonder i had problems.
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Yesterday a red "battery problem: see workshop" type error came up on my 2005 e55. The air conditioner also turned off. I know neither battery has been changed for over 2 years, so I figured I'd just swap them for new ones. Instead of getting batteries from the dealer, I found the battery types I needed from forum posts (AGM type 14BS motorcycle battery front, Bosch 850 CCA back - what PepBoys have listed exactly for this car). Installed both batteries, ran fun for half a day. Tonight, got a warning "Low voltage convenience functions temporarily unavailable" and the AC turned off. After half an hour, got message, "convenience functions available" and then again, "low voltage". Checked the batteries with voltmeter- they look perfectly fine. Does anyone know if I need to possibly reset anything for this to work? Has anyone had a similar experience? Any help is greatly appreciated - I'd hate to have to go to dealer and pay $150 for him just to go in and reset some code. Or does this sound like a bigger problem? Thanks!
You have to do a reset through SDS.
Hook up the SDS, click on Quick Tests and it will go through all of the systems in your car and just click on any F in the results column and clear it.
Good luck!
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Bay Area, CA
2005 E55
assuming you properly installed the small battery -- mine needed to be charged before installed in the car -- My car ended up needed a new alternator -- I hope that is not your problem -- Go into Dyno mode and check your voltage - also, recommend you stop by a shop and get the voltage output of the alternator checked ASAP -- everything should be over 12 volts -- after a new one - my alternator was putting out 14 -- before only 7 -- no wonder i had problems.
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From: PNW
'05 E55 AMG
Same thing happened to me and it was in fact the alternator. If the battery has the proper voltage I don't think a reset is necessary. Like guysandiego said check your voltage in dyno mode. It should be around 13.8v I believe.
Last edited by ryan b; Jun 6, 2010 at 10:54 PM.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Jacksonville, Florida
2006 E55 AMG --old cars -- E39 M5, 2.7tt Audi S4, E36 M3 **Ducati 996, 748
be careful and get it checked ASAP -- if its the alternator -- your whole car will go dead at any instant -- So, be prepared to call the flatbed-- If it goes dead while you are driving you can lose function of anything and/or everything -- brakes/ABS/traction control/air-ride/spark in your engine --
Dyno mode to check voltage of battery -- must be above 12 volts -- I dont know how to check or if you can check the altenator output with dyno mode but it needs to be around 13-14 volts... may need a shop to check it --
Dont wait because you could be stranded with a dead car or worst.
Dyno mode to check voltage of battery -- must be above 12 volts -- I dont know how to check or if you can check the altenator output with dyno mode but it needs to be around 13-14 volts... may need a shop to check it --
Dont wait because you could be stranded with a dead car or worst.
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2005 e55 AMG
Thanks for all the replies, guys! It did turn out to be the alternator, looks like. I decided to drive over to AutoZone to have the alternator tested, and got a nice scary RED warning - "Battery/alternator problem. Stop the car" - if that's not the scariest warning ever, I don't know what is. Luckily, I was only about 1/4 of a mile from AutoZone by then, so made it there OK, had the guy test the alternator - it was putting out under 11v, so was told it was bad (no kidding) - and my brand new battery was down to 25% charge. I had AutoZone charge the battery all the way for me - spent an hour at Starbucks nearby, and that gave me enough battery life to make it over to my mechanic with no red warnings, and leave the car there. Now waiting on an alternator I ordered (mechanic confirmed the alternator was bad). A pretty scare experience for sure, but hopefully with a new alternator and 2 new batteries I'll be fine for a while 
.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Jacksonville, Florida
2006 E55 AMG --old cars -- E39 M5, 2.7tt Audi S4, E36 M3 **Ducati 996, 748
Sorry to hear that -- that is the same exact scenerio that I had last month -- the batteries will be fine -- mine are doing great and the dealer said no worries... My alternator is the winner eh/ loser with 7.5 volts
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