Car Battery problem Or starter problem?

[Zegna]

Hi guys,

 

My W204 cannot start after coming back from a 3 weeks' long vacation. No cranking sound, only got one time "tek" sound. Dashboard lights all lit up and music also can be turn on.

 

1) From these symptoms, seemed higher chance of battery problem than starter problem am I right to assume that? One worksop was saying that if it is starter problem than there won't be any "tek" sound at all. Not sure how true is that.

 

2) Let's say if it is really battery problem, I think for my car model is using 74amp battery according to spec. Is it safe to use the Varta AGM 70amp type? One car battery mechanic says this battery model is suitable for the pre-FL W204 as AGM battery is SUPER powerful and therefore enough, while another workshop says 70amp is not enough and recommended 80amp instead but I scared higher amp might cause electrical problem going forward.

 

3) Another battery changer recommended Bosch 75amp, but I read somewhere in the forum that Bosch is not reliable. Comment?

 

4) Yet other workshop recommended Amaron pro 74amp. Any comment if anyone is using this?

 

So the more workshops/battery changers I spoke to, the more confused I am as everyone seemed to be giving contradictory information probably due to the brands they carry.

[solar]

I encountered a few odd times. Same issue, all able to turn on, but when I crank, it just tek and refused to start.

Then I turned off everything, waited a few minutes and it was able to crank again.

That said, I'm also suspecting a green key issue, so far still observing, can't draw conclusions yet.

Been a few years with this car and it happened like 3 to 4 times only.

[BabyA]

3 weeks so logically, should be 99.9999% battery issue... with a possible 0.0001% green key.

Regardless of Amp the various battery sellers recommend, stick what MB recommend, wont go wrong.

As to brand, all will say their brand "IS THE ONE"

[MarkCWQ]

Hi guys,

 

My W204 cannot start after coming back from a 3 weeks' long vacation. No cranking sound, only got one time "tek" sound. Dashboard lights all lit up and music also can be turn on.

 

1) From these symptoms, seemed higher chance of battery problem than starter problem am I right to assume that? One worksop was saying that if it is starter problem than there won't be any "tek" sound at all. Not sure how true is that.

 

2) Let's say if it is really battery problem, I think for my car model is using 74amp battery according to spec. Is it safe to use the Varta AGM 70amp type? One car battery mechanic says this battery model is suitable for the pre-FL W204 as AGM battery is SUPER powerful and therefore enough, while another workshop says 70amp is not enough and recommended 80amp instead but I scared higher amp might cause electrical problem going forward.

 

3) Another battery changer recommended Bosch 75amp, but I read somewhere in the forum that Bosch is not reliable. Comment?

 

4) Yet other workshop recommended Amaron pro 74amp. Any comment if anyone is using this?

 

So the more workshops/battery changers I spoke to, the more confused I am as everyone seemed to be giving contradictory information probably due to the brands they carry.

 

Although not really the same situation as yours, this thread has info on battery:

http://www.sgmerc.com/topic/14853-brake-hold-—-malfunction/?p=192837

 

As mentioned in that thread, the original battery provided by Mercedes is quite low in capacity. It would be a good option to purchase a battery with higher capacity.

[level z]

Amaron pro 74amp.

 

I am using. No issue. Been  2 months plus since i changed.

[jskywalker]

Can I go to any tyre shop and change battery ?

 

Need any specialized equipment ?

 

Need to reset anything ?

[level z]

I did mine at the dealer's place.

Just make sure there is a supply to your car system via a aux battery during the replacement. I did not see any special equipment or need to reset anything

Hope this helps

[kepiting1sg]

I am still using Varta car battery!

Last change was Mar '14 or 1 years 9 months when I bought this preloved W212

Cost me slightly more than $300 for the original battery.

I drive up to Kulai, Johor everyday Mon to Fri so taking no chances of a flat battery!

Went away for 2 weeks recently on 1st Dec '15.

Came back, the engine fired up at the 1st cranking as usual.

No "tek" or "coughing" to firing up the engine 

 

My lor soh advice to those using in-car DVR not to put on recording mode while in parking even though you have power magic or equivalent that cut off your battery power supply when the voltage drops to <12V. 

You are basically discharging your battery in Parking Mode.

Charging it again when you drive again.

Doing this discharging and charging which is call cycling the battery. 

Each battery has a limited number of cycles.

imho - Doing this will shorten your battery life

[jskywalker]

What about the auxiliary battery?

Can change it outside too?

What's the frequency? Also 2 yrs?

[kepiting1sg]

What about the auxiliary battery?

Can change it outside too?

What's the frequency? Also 2 yrs?

 

My car do not have start/stop auxiliary battery.

Hz of change depends on your battery cycle life.

The more you cycle it, the shorter the life.

[Zegna]

Hey guys, many thanks for all the invaluable information you've shared.

 

I finally got it fixed a few days back. Most of you are right, its a battery flat problem. Thank goodness its not the infamous green key issue.

 

The battery specialist came down, did diagnosis and battery replaced within 15mins. Since the original battery (Varta 74amp/hr 620amp capacity) from CnC had lasted over 4 years (incredible isn't it? lol...), I went with the safest bet, i.e. Varta. It happened that they only have 70amp/hr and 80amp/hr types as these are aftermarket. Chose 80 but its abit larger in size and bracket couldn't screw back, in the end had to settle with 70amp/hr type, which isn't too bad since its capacity is more than the original at 760amp, which translate to more discharging/charging cycles.

 

Btw, found out that one way to differentiate between battery problem VS starter problem, is to turn the key to position "2" (Note: not position "3" which is the engine cranking position) and try to press the horn. If horn is weak or no sound, its most likely a battery problem and therefore don't have to call tow truck to workshop. Saved the unnecessary trip. Can just call up mobile battery changer who can come to your venue to help with the battery problem.

[Zegna]

I encountered a few odd times. Same issue, all able to turn on, but when I crank, it just tek and refused to start.

Then I turned off everything, waited a few minutes and it was able to crank again.

That said, I'm also suspecting a green key issue, so far still observing, can't draw conclusions yet.

Been a few years with this car and it happened like 3 to 4 times only.

 

Bro, according to all the green key related threads that I read in this forum, all who kenna said their dashboard no light up any symbol. So if yours did, then it could be a case of battery weak. Probably have your battery check at the next service.

[Zegna]

3 weeks so logically, should be 99.9999% battery issue... with a possible 0.0001% green key.

Regardless of Amp the various battery sellers recommend, stick what MB recommend, wont go wrong.

As to brand, all will say their brand "IS THE ONE"

 

Yea indeed I thought so too and the only way to go with what MB recommended for my ride is to go back to the original Varta 74 since all Varta aftermarket only got 70 and 80, so I called up CnC roadside assistance but was quoted $500 for the Varta 74din battery + $120 for labor + $50 for "attendant fees" excluding gst some more. And that versus any other battery specialists ($220-280). lol...

[Zegna]

Although not really the same situation as yours, this thread has info on battery:

http://www.sgmerc.com/topic/14853-brake-hold-—-malfunction/?p=192837

 

As mentioned in that thread, the original battery provided by Mercedes is quite low in capacity. It would be a good option to purchase a battery with higher capacity.

 

Thanks bro for this helpful info!

[Zegna]

Amaron pro 74amp.

 

I am using. No issue. Been  2 months plus since i changed.

 

Thanks bro, this would have been my choice too had I not able to find a Varta dealer.

[Zegna]

 

I am still using Varta car battery!

Last change was Mar '14 or 1 years 9 months when I bought this preloved W212

Cost me slightly more than $300 for the original battery.

I drive up to Kulai, Johor everyday Mon to Fri so taking no chances of a flat battery!

Went away for 2 weeks recently on 1st Dec '15.

Came back, the engine fired up at the 1st cranking as usual.

No "tek" or "coughing" to firing up the engine 

 

 

My original Varta battery lasted over 4 years and during all these years, used to do 6-7 weeks vacation abroad with my family and every time after we came back, the engine stlll fire up on 1st crank too. This shows how much superiority Varta "powder based" battery has over its competitions which are "acid base".