Another "I never knew that"

[Developer]

When the engine is off and the ignition is in the position where there are no dash lights - i.e. off, not only does the REST button allow warm air into the cabin but the heated seats still operate.

There must be some very capable electrics/battery stuff going on as I would have thought heated seats with the engine off would have been a no no

 

[whitenemesis]

I didn't know about the seats but did the REST function. REST will cancel as soon as an under-voltage is detected.

Do the seats operate at all settings or just the lowest?

 

[Developer]

Hello Peter,

I'll have to check again but as I recall, the heated seats were on and when I turned the key to off (and therefore the REST operable position), the seats stayed on at three .

I'll have another look next time I'm out.

 

[whitenemesis]

Just reading the owner's handbook, seats will operate at all settings. If the LEDs flash it means under-voltage detected and they shut off, automatically back on when voltage high enough (damn clever, or what?)

The REST function also useful in the summer, when it will ventilate only. Operation depends on coolant temp and voltage but will shut-off after 30min max time. It will only run at the lowest blower setting

 

[Developer]

Just reading the owner's handbook, seats will operate at all settings. If the LEDs flash it means under-voltage detected and they shut off, automatically back on when voltage high enough (damn clever, or what?)

The REST function also useful in the summer, when it will ventilate only. Operation depends on coolant temp and voltage but will shut-off after 30min max time. It will only run at the lowest blower setting

Yes, very clever - it's these little details that make the cars what they are.

 

[Naraic]

Very interesting...but I only have 16s and no heated seats.

 

[Developer]

Very interesting...but I only have 16s and no heated seats.

Ha ha, excellent C.

When I said turn the key at post #3, I actually meant push the start/stop button, but I was trying to be modest :lol:

 

[st4]

Ha ha, excellent C.

When I said turn the key at post #3, I actually meant push the start/stop button, but I was trying to be modest :lol:

The residual heat function is great when waiting on someone but not wanting to run the engine

 

[television]

And I think of all the battery threads every year at this time

 

[whitenemesis]

Systems shut down before stressing the battery. It's all the short journeys that do the damage. Get the bike out, or use Shanks' pony!

 

[television]

Systems shut down before stressing the battery. It's all the short journeys that do the damage. Get the bike out, or use Shanks' pony!

The systems shut down when the system is on its last legs and that is 11,75 volt, so the top of the battery is creamed off, do a 2-3 mile drive home and your battery is still in very poor condition

 

[Developer]

Systems shut down before stressing the battery. It's all the short journeys that do the damage. Get the bike out, or use Shanks' pony!

Unless there's a particular reason (carrying capacity required, for example) I don't use my S211 for short journeys, pinching the wife's Focus where necessary.

 

[whitenemesis]

If I really have to use the car for what is a short journey, I'll use it as an excuse to go for that 'longer' drive!

 

[Developer]

If I really have to use the car for what is a short journey, I'll use it as an excuse to go for that 'longer' drive!

Ha ha, me too - I bet Mondeo man doesn't, and that's why we buy these cars.

 

[chris1200]

I did when I owned a Mondeo............and a Vectra and a 3 Series and a C Class and an Astra and another C Class and a 5 Series and my E Class and a host of other cars.

I, like most people who do such silly things, did it because I like driving. It isn't JUST about the car.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

The systems shut down when the system is on its last legs and that is 11,75 volt, so the top of the battery is creamed off, do a 2-3 mile drive home and your battery is still in very poor condition

and for this very reason Malcolm, I subjected myself to a 45 mile trip in the SL today.

Bright sunny day, but I did manage to find a couple of showers of rain, which only just prevented any smugness setting in!

 

[st4]

Ha ha, me too - I bet Mondeo man doesn't, and that's why we buy these cars.

I have a massive tour planned for March. The shed and I are going travelling.

 

[stwat]

Just reading the owner's handbook, seats will operate at all settings. If the LEDs flash it means under-voltage detected and they shut off, automatically back on when voltage high enough (damn clever, or what?)

My 1989 S-Class has this function too

It's very handy to have the radio and heated seat on whilst waiting for er indoors to finish shopping and not have all the dash lights lit up at the same time.