catastrophic electrical fault on W203 C Class 2.2 cdi

[popalock]

I have a series of strange electrical faults which has left the car a non-starter:

1. central locking not working correctly (no flashing lights when lock/unlock, often doesn't respond at all, unlocks/locks very slowly)
2. hazard lights not working on the exterior of the car, but the main button flashes in an irregular fashion
3. have recharged battery in case was the issue. no impact, although I suspect there is a drain on the battery somewhere. Battery about 3 months old, bought direct from MB
4. have tried all of my 3 keys with no impact
5. car headlights/breaklights not responding at all
6. cabin lights functioning fine
7. am able to turn key in ignition, but while there are some noises and the odd click, starter motor doesn't kick in (starter motor is less that 1 year old)
8. Service A message popped up a while back, overdue now by 3 days
9. earlier in the week got a message to top up oil by 1 litre at next refuelling (didn't use the car since)

given the variety of sudden issues, feels like I need to reset the Commad. Is that something I can do myself? Will an MB garage be the only option to help, or is this something a regular garage can do with star diagnostics?

thanks for any advice!

 

[sallison1504]

Have you disconnected the battery for 10 minutes at all?

 

[popalock]

Done that already. Recharged the battery also! No impact. Have a feeling there is a drain on the battery also as battery needed recharging anyhow

 

[Dec]

Open the drivers window and then endeavour to lock the car with the remote fob, when the car is locked with the remote fob then the alarm is armed, proceed to test the alarm as described for a W202 here… http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electronics/169666-w202-how-test-car-alarm.html

If the alarm proves to be defective then you should unplug it.

Dec

 

[popalock]

no joy. central locking now not working at all, electric windows not responding. left keys in ignition and fan seems to kick in near the front of the engine with air being pumped out along with a whirling noise. Dashboard panel coming out with a whole list of new error messages now. an independent garage in Lewisham i called said only MB can resolve ignition/alarm issues. that true?

http://tinypic.com/r/2wnxz6q/8

http://tinypic.com/r/2100c2q/8

 

[Dec]

You would need to get that on Mercedes Star diagnostics, find an Independent Mercedes specials or use a main dealer.
State your location, then someone may be able to recommend someone near you.

Dec

 

[popalock]

I'm in London (SE16). Still hung up about what the independent garage said - ie that there are some things that only a Mercedes-Benz garage can do..

 

[dozypillock]

With so many sudden faults, could be a dodgy earth?

Neil

 

[brucemillar]

I'm in London (SE16). Still hung up about what the independent garage said - ie that there are some things that only a Mercedes-Benz garage can do..

Well strictly speaking that is not an "untruth". But you could say that about any garage/dealership.

A good Independent would be able to sort you out. If this started suddenly? As stated above you should check all earths first, especially your battery earth. Look for water ingress into the front SAM/Fuse box.

Try giving Andy a call at Wright-Tec in Sandy Lane Sidcup: 0208 308 9175

This is a Merc Independent, family run business recommended by many (and me) on here. He will sort you out at a fraction of the cost of a main dealer.

Please tell him Bruce mentioned him.

 

[popalock]

How utterly embarrassing. Breakdown recovery came along and turns out battery needs replacing despite being 3 months old direct from mercedes. Jump started everything is back to normal.

I was convinced the battery was fine after using an Oxford 380t Maximiser charger which adjusts the charging to suit the battery and performs diagnostics on battery performance. So will bin the charger and will moan to MB to get a replacement delivered.

@bruce , Having said that, good to discover Andy - he said there is nothing MB can do that he can't (which inspires confidence).

Breakdown used a Midtronics 655M which analysed the battery cranking rating which fell short. They aren't cheap, any other way to test cranking amps?