Malfunction - Electrical consumers

[mmm]

Hi All

I have a E class 270 and have been receiving - 'Malfunction : Electrical consumers switched off' message very frequently especially on cold mornings or after a few days of non usage. It then switches off all useless lights etc.

This usually follows up with a ' Electrical consumers available again' after about 5 mins of running and everything is back to normal.

Any suggestions if its due to a weak battery etc and should i do something about this notice or ignore it for now.

Thanks.

 

[television]

All this really means is that the battery could do with a charge as it cannot quite cope during the cold weather.

I get the same massage on my car when I do not use it that much,,you can ignore it or get a small charger and give it a charge.

It does not mean the you need a new battery

 

[mmm]

thanks and let me try out the charger

 

[jberks]

The best place to start.

If it comes back, and the alternator checks out, then get the battery control module software updated as this can do this.
If all else fails, you need to start checking the switched off current draw. If so, be aware that it can be fine immediately after switch off. Some faults don't show themselves for 30 mins or even 1 hour (no idea why). We have recently replaced the switch panel on a 2002 E220cdi (211) after weeks of consumers off messages. Initial investigations showed nothing wrong. It took a day in the workshop before it popped up.