FIXED 'F' Problem for me

[dmac_1974]

Hi all,

After reading various posts regarding the limp home mode (F) on dashboard, I still wasn't sure how to fix this problem... until now.

I have an A190 auto on a (W) reg which would often jump out of gear into (F) mode which could be cleared by turning the engine off for 2min or so and would be OK until it happened again 2 days later etc

Luckily enough the cold weather and icy conditions have lead me to a solution!! My car was failing to start 1st time in the mornings and totally gave up when the cold wheather came, so I replaced the battery at a cost of £100 and haven't had the problem since, this has now been over 2 months (cold, wet etc and no problems). How cool!!

Now - I am no mechanic nor am I saying it is THE solution but it has definately worked for me (at a cost of £100). I can only go by my own experience. I have also read that parts of auto gearboxes run from the battery (whether this is true or not, I wouldn't have a clue) but assuming that we are doing 12,000 miles a year... how long does a battery last? most of these 'F' probs are around 30-50,000 miles - prob 4 years old??? - JUST A THOUGHT from a computer geek .

[lofty]

I can't speak for the 'F' Problem because my car is manual what I do know from readers and mails I receive is that the battery condition and charge is a real must for the 'A' Class as I have said and I know you all appreciate everything on a modern car runs off the alternator or battery and when you engine is on tick-over in traffic etc more on the battery, and yes the manufacturers still insist on putting on yet more components auto wipers lights for vanity mirrors in visors etc why who going to see the misses in the dark anyway?
Joking aside the battery has a life cycle, ironic the original batteries seem to last longer than their replacements either way 3-4 years and real consideration needs to be given to at least charging them from time to time, more of course in the winter months, that way we avoid the problems experienced by so many owners .

Well done and I'm pleased you resolved your problem without on this occassion spending £2000 plus as some have been forced to do

[jibcl500]

Originally Posted by dmac_1974

Hi all,

After reading various posts regarding the limp home mode (F) on dashboard, I still wasn't sure how to fix this problem... until now.

I have an A190 auto on a (W) reg which would often jump out of gear into (F) mode which could be cleared by turning the engine off for 2min or so and would be OK until it happened again 2 days later etc

Luckily enough the cold weather and icy conditions have lead me to a solution!! My car was failing to start 1st time in the mornings and totally gave up when the cold wheather came, so I replaced the battery at a cost of £100 and haven't had the problem since, this has now been over 2 months (cold, wet etc and no problems). How cool!!

Now - I am no mechanic nor am I saying it is THE solution but it has definately worked for me (at a cost of £100). I can only go by my own experience. I have also read that parts of auto gearboxes run from the battery (whether this is true or not, I wouldn't have a clue) but assuming that we are doing 12,000 miles a year... how long does a battery last? most of these 'F' probs are around 30-50,000 miles - prob 4 years old??? - JUST A THOUGHT from a computer geek .

And is the problem still fixed?

jib

[Xenoletony]

I have the F problem on the dash, and the previous owner has just changed the battery. hmmmmmmmm

what rated battery should i buy. a170cdi T reg.

Thanks Tony

The one that is in a 12v 74AH 510A?

Is that right

[Xenoletony]

I changed it this afternoon now im £100 pound lighter and still have the F on the dash. My only concern is that the error hasnt been cleared, is there a way of doing this without visiting a garage, to see if the battery fixed the problem.