211 E280battery warning

[Black c320]

I was inspecting a E280 estate today that i was considering buying and when the engine started from cold a red battery warning message came up,
The details said something like battery protection disabled,
The battery was ok ,it spun the engine faster than mine, any idea whether it is a problem or a glitch?

Any advice welcome.

 

[Alps]

its a common message, could mean the battery is on its way out OR the car may have just been sitting a while. it comes up on mine every so often when its not been driven.

 

[rascalmaster]

cteq chargers are a good way to refresh and charge your battery... if it's struggling to hold a charge; you'll need a new one.
... winters is when tired batts give up the ghost.

 

[Black c320]

Thanks for the replies, the battery appears to be spinning the motor ok and it fires up with no problem so hopefully it is only a glitch.

 

[Black c320]

Stupid question but where is the main battery located on the w211 estate, we found a small auxiliary battery in front of the passenger side bulkhead, i assume it is on the drivers side but didn't get time to check.
What is the purpose of the small battery.

 

[SavMan]

Look in the boot under the main floor, you should see it on the right hand side

 

[Black c320]

ok thanks i'll check tomorrow,any ideas on the purpose of the motorbike size battery in front.

 

[John]

It's an auxilliary battery.

Supplies non-essential items I understand.

Could also be the cause of the error i.e. the error covers both main and aux batteries - so both would need testing if the message doesn't appear.

If everything electrical works, it should be OK.

 

[Black c320]

I finaly got it sorted,The batteries were found to be holding full charge no problem,
The dealer i got the car from got it diagnosed at the local auto electrical specialist and it turned out to be the alternator even though it appeared to be charging ok, so after a rebuild it is ok, and no red battery warnings first start of the day.