"Please start the engine, otherwise COMMAND will switch off in 3 minute."

[dldb]

2009 CL 500.

OK this just started happening today. Only had the car a week. 3 things that have changed recently
1) I went in to reset the service reminder. I didn't actually reset it, just went in to check I could.
2) I put some CDs in the CD cassette and played them. This is the first time I have tried the CD player
3) The telephone dialling thing, just behind the command rotary control broke off. The wires are still intact and connected.

I see a thread on another forum indicates battery issues - I did get a battery warning sign come up. See w221 please start the engine otherwise command will switch off in 3 minutes - MBWorld.org Forums I'm sure my CL has just the one battery.

 

[markjay]

...I see a thread on another forum indicates battery issues...

This is correct. COMAND will switch itself off when it detects low battery voltage.

The reasons could be:

- Battery discharged. Drive around to charge the battery, or use a trickle charger e.g. CTEK.

- Failed battery. A new battery is needed.

- Issues with alternator or other part of the charging system.

- Parasitic drain - an electrical consumer in the car draining the battery.

Start by measuring the battery voltage.

 

[Chrishazle]

If you're sitting engine off (key in position 1 so Comand wakes up) listening to the radio and reading the paper (as I do every Sunday morning waiting for SWMBO to come out of church) it will do this even if the battery is healthy!

 

[markjay]

If you're sitting engine off (key in position 1 so Comand wakes up) listening to the radio and reading the paper (as I do every Sunday morning waiting for SWMBO to come out of church) it will do this even if the battery is healthy!

And why, may I ask, are you not in church with her Ladyship?

 

[Chrishazle]

Simples - she's left footed, I'm not!

 

[dldb]

Battery got to 11.3V have taken it out and swapped it for another (couldn't work how to lock the car with no battery in it). It appears to be the alternator which has failed, or hopefully the regulator, assuming that is replaceable. Previous owner replaced the alternator 20K miles and under 2 years ago cost £456 inc fitting so I assume a recon. Battery YUSA AGM was replaced 1 year ago at 100K miles - £222!

 

[dldb]

Just to close this one off I fitted a second hand alternator and this solved the problem, now putting out 80amps +. Old alternator was a cheap Chinese copy and reg was attached with chocolate screws I'm surprised it lasted 20K miles. Bit of a chore to fix - you have to dismantle the radiator shroud but worth it, replacement Bosch alternator was £39, brand new Taiwanese 'Cargo' regulator was about the same but worth it for peace of mind. Previous owner had paid a garage £500 to fit the chinese tat.

2 points of note - the CL500 alternator twin plug only has one wire on it as standar and the replacement Bosch alternator was the same part number but had a different main +ve connection - on the back instead of the side. So it's a bit closer to the oil dispstick guide but safe enough, I put some silicone rubber on it just to be sure.

 

[ernie]

If you're sitting engine off (key in position 1 so Comand wakes up) listening to the radio and reading the paper (as I do every Sunday morning waiting for SWMBO to come out of church) it will do this even if the battery is healthy!

As the display uses a significant proportion of current when the radio is on, just switch the display off whole you're reading the paper and listening to the radio.

Ernie