Batteries and 2007/08 Mercs Forums

parigby

Over the past four months or so, l have been having problems with the battery on my Rapido 999M. The problem being that after two weeks of sitting in storage the battery is flat.

Merc have crawled over the van on four separate occasions and can find nothing wrong. They are now saying that because they can't find a problem, then it can't be charged to warranty, and therefore l have to pay the bill. Whilst not liking it, I can sort of see what they mean.

Anyway to get to the point. I have been in touch with Rapido, and apparently this is a known problem, if not in the UK, certainly in Europe, and Rapido and Merc have collaborated to produce a software update to the engine management system. This will reduce the power drain down to no more than 30 milliamps when the vehicle is standing.

My drain at present is 150 milliamps.

Apparently the system is that your Rapido dealer gains access to a Rapido website, downloads the patch onto a CD, sends it to you, and off you go to your nearest Merc dealer and he does the necessary. The fact you obtain it from a Rapido site, seems to indicate that it's a Rapido problem.

So if you are having problems with your Merc and battery - there is the solution.

warty

Hello Parigby

I have had the same problem as you over the last few months, on our 999m, new in July 2007 from Brownhills Swindon, but put it down to me not looking at the batteries as ofton as i should .
I would like to thank you for putting this post on,I have contacted Brownhills and awaiting reply on Friday ,will keep you informed.

John

parigby

John,

No problem, glad to have been of help.

I would be interested to hear what sort of response you get from our friends at Brownhills Swindon. I bought my first Rapido 996M from them, an experience l had no wish to re visit when upgrading to the 999M.

philip

Red_Osprey

Hi Philip,

Yet another 999M owner here with similar problems.
Have been scratching my head over this for months and last time I spoke to Paul at Rapido, Wokingham he hadn't got the answer.

Do I assume that you're a Wokingham customer also?
I'll give Paul a ring - although he tells me he now reads this forum (in which case - Hi Paul, expect a call!!)

Thanks,
Tony

Dopeyngrumpy

Hi

I've an earlier merc that also kills batteries in Winter (see elsewhere) if left for more than a couple of weeks, no obvious drain ... 316 chassis - is there any chance the problems are related?

David

parigby

Tony,

Wokingham only found out about the solution a couple of days ago whilst Martin was in France at the factory.

I'd give Martin a ring in your shoes, but he will need to know the amount of drain you are getting.

philip

parigby

David,

Bearing in mind this would appear not to be a Merc problem but one emanating from the Rapido end of things, then l think you would be entitled to ask the question of your Rapido dealer and get him to check with France.

philip

Red_Osprey

Thanks Philip,

I'll call Martin to see what I need to do.

Tony

teemyob

Hello there,

So how are we liking our Rapido 999M's?

Do any of you have the V6 Diesel/Auto?

Trev.

warty

hello Trev

I think they are very good, we have a v6 manual ,lots of power,we got about 25/27 out of it through France last year so not to bad ,it has only done 3500 miles so far.overall i think they are very good.i think you cant beat a merc.

John