Batteries and 2007/08 Mercs Forums

Red_Osprey

Hi peedee,

I'm told that the newer Mercs will charge both leisure and vehicle batteries together and a Battery Master is not needed. In fact, I have a VanBitz alarm which came supplied with a "free" Battery Master but it was never fitted by the dealer as, allegedly, it was not needed.
The particular problem on this thread relates only to 2007 onwards chassis and is a result of the way Mercedes set up their engine management system as standard. It's fine for normal Sprinter vans that get used daily but can cause a problem over the winter for motorhomes that are either in storage or are not being used.

Tony

peedee

Tony,
Just thought I would mention it as there might have been other reasons the battery was discharging rather than the engine management system which I would have thought switched off with the ignition switch.

peedee

Red_Osprey

Hi peedee,

Yes, you would think that the engine management system would close down when the ignition is switched off - but apparently these days it does so much more. I suppose a term like electronic management system would be more appropriate.

Tony

peedee

I wonder what it is doing then, perhaps something to do with the immobiliser?

peedee

Red_Osprey

Yes the immobiliser, central locking, radio etc. all need permanently live feeds.

Tony

parigby

Just a quick up date, post having the patch downloaded. The MoHome has now been left for over three weeks which in the past meant a flat battery, so this morning went over to the storage place and she fired up first time.

Looks like the Merc/Rapido patch has done it's job.

philip