R230 SL500 2003 - Emergency status on multi function diplay

[kevh]

I have got red warnings on my multi-function display together with a persistent beeping. first warning shows 'STOP' in left hand screen with 'Brake Defective Stop Vehicle' in right hand one, this changes every 5-10 seconds or so to a diagram of a battery in LHS screen and 'Battery/Alternator, Stop Vehicle' in RHS screen.

I returned back from a fortnight's holiday last week to find that I couldn't open the car remotely, so I used the emergency key. I immediately connected up my battery conditioner (CTEK MXS 5.0) which has previously always kept my electrical consumers battery topped up. After a few days I tried to unlock the car once more using the remote sender, but I had to again use the emergency key. My solution was to take the car for a blast on the motorway for about 40 miles and everything seemed back to normal.

Despite having the conditioner connected since my motorway blast (4 days ago) I once again had to use the emergency key this morning. I travelled approx 8 miles after which time it appeared that all the systems were back in action. I parked up for 40mins or so and got into the car using the remote key, but once I started the car I got the red warnings and the beeping (and still have it following another 8 mile journey.

The electrical consumers battery was replaced by the dealer when I bought the car nearly 2 years (3000 miles) ago.

Any advice/suggestions would be very much appreciated.

 

[AMGeed]

Your battery needs a proper 6amp charge for at least 24hrs.
A battery conditioner never fully charges an AGM battery anyway, especially when nearly flat.
40 miles is nowhere near long enough to fully charge the battery.

 

[kevh]

Your battery needs a proper 6amp charge for at least 24hrs.
A battery conditioner never fully charges an AGM battery anyway, especially when nearly flat.
40 miles is nowhere near long enough to fully charge the battery.

Thanks very much for that I'll connect up my charger.

 

[Mic]

Get the car on a diagnostic machine immediately and be careful how you drive.

The first set of lights suggests there is an issue with the sbc system and you should not exceed 55mph.

The second set of lights suggests the battery is faulty which in turn has an impact on the sbc system.

Either way the sbc brake system is incapable of operating to its full potential and could fail completely.

You should not be "chasing" a fault when the issue could be brakes related.......your life and the life of others could be put at risk.

Mic

 

[AMGeed]

Further to Mic's reply above, if you still have red brake messages showing after the battery has been fully charged, Star is needed to show where the fault lies. As said, your SBC pump could be failing.

 

[kevh]

Get the car on a diagnostic machine immediately and be careful how you drive.

The first set of lights suggests there is an issue with the sbc system and you should not exceed 55mph.

The second set of lights suggests the battery is faulty which in turn has an impact on the sbc system.

Either way the sbc brake system is incapable of operating to its full potential and could fail completely.

You should not be "chasing" a fault when the issue could be brakes related.......your life and the life of others could be put at risk.

Mic

 

[kevh]

Thanks Mic. My thoughts are that the warning messages have been generated as a result of low battery power. I'm going to ensure the battery is fully charged and if this stops the warning messages, I will need to keep an eye on things. If it doesn't, i'll get it checked out immediately as suggested.

 

[peterws1957]

I would suggest that the alternator has a fault but someone with Star should be able to identify quickly.

 

[kevh]

Thanks to all contributors. I'm going to check it out after being on charge for 24 hrs and then get it checked over with Star. Can anyone give me an idea of what I should pay simply to get it diagnosed by STAR.