I replaced the original battery in my SLK230 with another MB battery. I knew I would need the code for the radio. But several other strange things happened when starting the car.
The Fuel and Temp gauges are not correct; the fuel gauge actually spins all the way around. The outside temp is incorrect and now is Celsius. And the odometer is all dashes now(-------).
Any ideas what has happened? Does something have to be reset? For now I think I will check the fuses.
I did have the doors closed and no key in the ignition. I guess I need to look for an instrument cluster. I just don't understand why you have to take a chance of blowing the panel whenever the battery is changed. How could this be avoided?
this is unacceptable engineering on benz part. how can a simple battery swap kill the car? why didnt they simply install a anti zap at the factory? could this be avoided by draining the battery slightly before installation? (im lazy and cheap)
AMPM, that negative ground clamp on your battery is awesome. Never seen one with a built in voltage read-out. Is it an always on thing or does it on come on when you push a button? Where did you get it?
this is unacceptable engineering on benz part. how can a simple battery swap kill the car? why didnt they simply install a anti zap at the factory? could this be avoided by draining the battery slightly before installation? (im lazy and cheap)
Agree, it's bullcrap on M/B's part.
I have the same anti-zap installed on my SLK as AMPM does. It was inexpensive, easy to do, and gives great peace of mind. Do it.
How does the Antizap work when I am actually changing out the battery, since this is when the damage usually occurs? Does the device remain connected to the cables before they are attached to the battery?
Installing a car battery is a pretty simple procedure on any other car. I have seen no information from MB pertaining to any special procedures when installing the battery. When I purchased the battery, no one at the dealer made any comments. The Techs I spoke to seem unaware of the issue, which is hard to believe. Of course, most owners are not even aware of the problem until after the fact. I am blown away by the number of SLK owners that have experienced the exact problem over the past few years.
I wonder how MB would have handled this if they were the ones to do the battery install. Would they try to get over $1000 from me to replace the cluster?
I think I will write to MB to see what their official response is to the matter. I would think this is something in need of a TSB or even a recall.
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