Cl_a_55y
Active Member
I have a 2003 CL55 facelift Kompressor, fully loaded with every extra apart from a wine fridge. It does NOT have a tracker just the stock alarm immobiliser.
If I don't use the car for 7-10 days the battery is always flat. Today after 14 days parked in fine weather it was flat. There was enough to turn the alarm off and open the central locking but the dash display just flashed a few times when the ignition key was turned, so I didn't bother trying to start it. (I find Keyless Go triggers more items to power on than ignition key starting.)
Locking, alarm and mirror fold still worked afterwards but the powered boot lid failed to open. So there was a little charge in it but not much. If I charge the battery it is ok again unless I don't use the car for a week or so.
Last November the alternator was checked ok, so too was the battery but it was nearly 6 years old so I replaced it and had no problems until March when it started going flat again. I had the battery tested again in July. They said it was ok but replaced it anyway under warranty with another Exide unit.
I have looked at all the posts on here and have been looking at a CTEK XS300 charger and conditioner which I feel will solve the problem.
I am by the way disabled so cannot do as much DIY stuff as I once did. I do have a Fluke meter though so can check volts and amps if someone can give advice on what readings I should get and when. Also any known problems with items that stay live drawing power when they shouldn't?
The local Merc dealer told me it takes 30 mins for all systems to shut down once you park the car and that it takes 8 miles to recharge the amount taken out to start the car. Oh and it could be very expensive to diagnose! No surprise there then!! :lol:
Oh I did find a problem a while ago by sitting in the car in the dark one night and that was that the glovebox light stayed on when closed (saw a sliver of light) even though the lights, ignition and ALL other ancillaries were turned off and alarm and locking turned on. I fixed the faulty switch and hoped for the best. It was a Eureka moment but a week later it was flat again!!
So...
How long you should be able to leave a CL55 parked unused and still be able to start it?
How can I check the battery and alternator myself?
Is the CTEK charger / conditioner the way to go?
All advice gratefully received.
If I don't use the car for 7-10 days the battery is always flat. Today after 14 days parked in fine weather it was flat. There was enough to turn the alarm off and open the central locking but the dash display just flashed a few times when the ignition key was turned, so I didn't bother trying to start it. (I find Keyless Go triggers more items to power on than ignition key starting.)
Locking, alarm and mirror fold still worked afterwards but the powered boot lid failed to open. So there was a little charge in it but not much. If I charge the battery it is ok again unless I don't use the car for a week or so.
Last November the alternator was checked ok, so too was the battery but it was nearly 6 years old so I replaced it and had no problems until March when it started going flat again. I had the battery tested again in July. They said it was ok but replaced it anyway under warranty with another Exide unit.
I have looked at all the posts on here and have been looking at a CTEK XS300 charger and conditioner which I feel will solve the problem.
I am by the way disabled so cannot do as much DIY stuff as I once did. I do have a Fluke meter though so can check volts and amps if someone can give advice on what readings I should get and when. Also any known problems with items that stay live drawing power when they shouldn't?
The local Merc dealer told me it takes 30 mins for all systems to shut down once you park the car and that it takes 8 miles to recharge the amount taken out to start the car. Oh and it could be very expensive to diagnose! No surprise there then!! :lol:
Oh I did find a problem a while ago by sitting in the car in the dark one night and that was that the glovebox light stayed on when closed (saw a sliver of light) even though the lights, ignition and ALL other ancillaries were turned off and alarm and locking turned on. I fixed the faulty switch and hoped for the best. It was a Eureka moment but a week later it was flat again!!
So...
How long you should be able to leave a CL55 parked unused and still be able to start it?
How can I check the battery and alternator myself?
Is the CTEK charger / conditioner the way to go?
All advice gratefully received.