Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
Radio inop, but it was calling for a code. I have a Becker upgrade for that. There is a code decoder application for the PC. I'm not sure I understand. Is this software that will give me a code? Dome light inop when door is opened. He got a new switch assembly from Rusty that he hasn't delivered to me yet. Driver's side? That can also be a blown diode in the warning module. Have you ever noticed that when you open the passenger door, only the passenger-side lights go on? I'll check it out, I know the light works in the on position but not when in the door position with the driver's door. I'll report back and will need more info on that diode. The other electrical problem he had was the inop blower motor. The Indy put in a new blower assembly and I cured it with the aux. 30 amp fuse kit from Rusty, the only money I've spent so far. Thanks Harry ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
There is a code decoder application for the PC. I'm not sure I understand. Is this software that will give me a code? Yes. Becker NA will also give you the code for $20. I'm doing that for this used Traffic Pro 7881 I'm trying to put into the SEL. I'll check it out, I know the light works in the on position but not when in the door position with the driver's door. I'll report back and will need more info on that diode. Other symptoms too, such as does the key-in or lights-on buzzer work when the door is opened; does the seat adjustment work with the door open and the key off? You can open the warning module and repair the diode, if that's the problem, or you can just replace the warning module. Depends on how cheap you are, and whether or not you can solder and such. (I: cheap as anything and a solderin' fool. Sometimes I regret it.) -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
Harry, If you call the Rusty with the VIN, he can give you the radio code. The $20 is optional. Radio inop, but it was calling for a code. I have a Becker upgrade for that. There is a code decoder application for the PC. I'm not sure I understand. Is this software that will give me a code? Dome light inop when door is opened. He got a new switch assembly from Rusty that he hasn't delivered to me yet. Driver's side? That can also be a blown diode in the warning module. Have you ever noticed that when you open the passenger door, only the passenger-side lights go on? I'll check it out, I know the light works in the on position but not when in the door position with the driver's door. I'll report back and will need more info on that diode. The other electrical problem he had was the inop blower motor. The Indy put in a new blower assembly and I cured it with the aux. 30 amp fuse kit from Rusty, the only money I've spent so far. Thanks Harry ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
My $2.99 HF VOM fluctuates between 64 and 65 ma. Is that enough drain to cause a problem? Sounds a bit on the high side. -- Jim Thanks Jim, what would run on 60 mA? Maybe a small bulb? Let me correct one thing. The fluctuation was from 60 to 65 on the meter, one increment. When I pulled fuse # 2 it settled to 60 mA, so I assume it was the clock. When I opened the driver's door the reading went to 150 and back to 60 when closed, after the delay for the dome light. When I opened the trunk, the fuse in my meter blew when the needled maxed out. Does this sound like a wire short? Thanks Harry ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
Doesn't come anywhere close to a wire short. Worst case is you have a power consumer that is aging or somehow failed and using more power than it should. Do you have a radio with memory which needs power when key is removed from ignition? An alarm system? How long does it take for the battery to die when the car just sits? It probably should be able to last at least a week or two. If you're asking it to sit for a month or more, you probably should get a float charger, or just disconnect the battery. -Max -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of harry watkins Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 8:11 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL My $2.99 HF VOM fluctuates between 64 and 65 ma. Is that enough drain to cause a problem? Sounds a bit on the high side. -- Jim Thanks Jim, what would run on 60 mA? Maybe a small bulb? Let me correct one thing. The fluctuation was from 60 to 65 on the meter, one increment. When I pulled fuse # 2 it settled to 60 mA, so I assume it was the clock. When I opened the driver's door the reading went to 150 and back to 60 when closed, after the delay for the dome light. When I opened the trunk, the fuse in my meter blew when the needled maxed out. Does this sound like a wire short? Thanks Harry ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
My $2.99 HF VOM fluctuates between 64 and 65 ma. what would run on 60 mA? Maybe a small bulb? Let me correct one thing. The fluctuation was from 60 to 65 on the meter, one increment. When I pulled fuse # 2 it settled to 60 mA, so I assume it was the clock. Things that can draw static power: 1) Clock 2) Radio 3) Antenna 4) Central locking system 5) Alarm system 6) Dome light timer 7) Leaky alternator diode 60mA is pretty small for a bulb. P=VI, so that would be a 3/4W bulb. Any one of these candidates could be 'leaking' internally, and drawing more than it should. Most of these are fused, so if you can kill the load via fuse that's a clue that it's not #7, or some grotesque wiring harness or ignition switch leak. When I opened the driver's door the reading went to 150 and back to 60 when closed, after the delay for the dome light. 150mA? That's about a 1W light bulb. Should be lots more than that, more like amps. Two 5W bulbs in the doors, plus a 10W in the dome. Call it 20W, or 1.6A. You overwhelming the meter? On a Fluke, this is a $10 mistake. When I opened the trunk, the fuse in my meter blew when the needled maxed out. Does this sound like a wire short? Possibly, I've had them. People mis-wire trunk switch/light assemblies, and the wire through the hinge is vulnerable. There are three wires on the trunk light assembly (one's the alarm system); if you swap the wrong two the fuse blows every time you open the trunk. The normal load should have been a 10W bulb, or 850mA. The typical car battery is, let's say, 75 amp-hours. Translation: A one amp draw for seventy-five hours will _completely_ exhaust the battery. (And it would be unable to start the car well before that.) A 65mA load should do the job in 1100 hours, but if you burn a full quarter of the battery (in 250 hours) I'd say it was unacceptable. Ten days. A 20mA draw would be more like a month, which is probably acceptable. I don't know what the normal base load is on an SDL. Maybe I ought to, owning one and all, but I don't. I may have measured it, but in the early days I didn't keep a very detailed journal of what I did. It was only my second MB, after all. I can tell you that a variable 200-350mA leak in Jill's SL was enough to prevent starting if she didn't drive daily. A keyless entry system was about 10mA. I didn't note the draw after the fix, how smart's that? -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
Jim, Max I pulled four fuses that got me to 0 mA. #2 which took the clock flux out. (a) Is drawing 25 mA. Front seat adjustment, jacket tube adjustment memory. (b) Is drawing 25 mA. Front seat adjustment, jacket tube adjustment. (nothing about memory) #15 Is drawing ~10 mA. One of the nine items it protects is Control unit, seat adjustment memory. What say you guys? Am I done? Thanks Harry Things that can draw static power: 1) Clock 2) Radio 3) Antenna 4) Central locking system 5) Alarm system 6) Dome light timer 7) Leaky alternator diode 60mA is pretty small for a bulb. P=VI, so that would be a 3/4W bulb. Any one of these candidates could be 'leaking' internally, and drawing more than it should. Most of these are fused, so if you can kill the load via fuse that's a clue that it's not #7, or some grotesque wiring harness or ignition switch leak. When I opened the driver's door the reading went to 150 and back to 60 when closed, after the delay for the dome light. 150mA? That's about a 1W light bulb. Should be lots more than that, more like amps. Two 5W bulbs in the doors, plus a 10W in the dome. Call it 20W, or 1.6A. You overwhelming the meter? On a Fluke, this is a $10 mistake. When I opened the trunk, the fuse in my meter blew when the needled maxed out. Does this sound like a wire short? Possibly, I've had them. People mis-wire trunk switch/light assemblies, and the wire through the hinge is vulnerable. There are three wires on the trunk light assembly (one's the alarm system); if you swap the wrong two the fuse blows every time you open the trunk. The normal load should have been a 10W bulb, or 850mA. The typical car battery is, let's say, 75 amp-hours. Translation: A one amp draw for seventy-five hours will _completely_ exhaust the battery. (And it would be unable to start the car well before that.) A 65mA load should do the job in 1100 hours, but if you burn a full quarter of the battery (in 250 hours) I'd say it was unacceptable. Ten days. A 20mA draw would be more like a month, which is probably acceptable. I don't know what the normal base load is on an SDL. Maybe I ought to, owning one and all, but I don't. I may have measured it, but in the early days I didn't keep a very detailed journal of what I did. It was only my second MB, after all. I can tell you that a variable 200-350mA leak in Jill's SL was enough to prevent starting if she didn't drive daily. A keyless entry system was about 10mA. I didn't note the draw after the fix, how smart's that? -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
What problem are you trying to fix? I don't think that ~65mA is terrible, and if you plan to leave the car parked for long periods I'd recommend either disconnecting the battery or installing a float charger. I'm far from an expert on the front seat adjustments, but 25 mA draw on two different circuits with key off seems excessive to me. You may want to find a friend with car with same seats to see if they get similar results. I know that on my 124 wagon with memory front seat, battery won't last more than a couple weeks of sitting, but I've never measured the key off current draw. I bought a float charger for my wagon a couple years ago, and installed a jack under the driver's side dash to plug it in. There's a hot circuit under the dash on left side with a nice 10mm nut on a stud where I attached the positive lead, found a ground point somewhere down there. When I'm leaving town for more than a couple weeks, I park the car in the garage and crack the driver's window to feed in the extension cord. Plug the float charger in and leave it on the dash so I can see the lights to make sure it's working with just a glance from the garage entrance. Works like a charm. -Max -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of harry watkins Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 11:51 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL Jim, Max I pulled four fuses that got me to 0 mA. #2 which took the clock flux out. (a) Is drawing 25 mA. Front seat adjustment, jacket tube adjustment memory. (b) Is drawing 25 mA. Front seat adjustment, jacket tube adjustment. (nothing about memory) #15 Is drawing ~10 mA. One of the nine items it protects is Control unit, seat adjustment memory. What say you guys? Am I done? Thanks Harry Things that can draw static power: 1) Clock 2) Radio 3) Antenna 4) Central locking system 5) Alarm system 6) Dome light timer 7) Leaky alternator diode 60mA is pretty small for a bulb. P=VI, so that would be a 3/4W bulb. Any one of these candidates could be 'leaking' internally, and drawing more than it should. Most of these are fused, so if you can kill the load via fuse that's a clue that it's not #7, or some grotesque wiring harness or ignition switch leak. When I opened the driver's door the reading went to 150 and back to 60 when closed, after the delay for the dome light. 150mA? That's about a 1W light bulb. Should be lots more than that, more like amps. Two 5W bulbs in the doors, plus a 10W in the dome. Call it 20W, or 1.6A. You overwhelming the meter? On a Fluke, this is a $10 mistake. When I opened the trunk, the fuse in my meter blew when the needled maxed out. Does this sound like a wire short? Possibly, I've had them. People mis-wire trunk switch/light assemblies, and the wire through the hinge is vulnerable. There are three wires on the trunk light assembly (one's the alarm system); if you swap the wrong two the fuse blows every time you open the trunk. The normal load should have been a 10W bulb, or 850mA. The typical car battery is, let's say, 75 amp-hours. Translation: A one amp draw for seventy-five hours will _completely_ exhaust the battery. (And it would be unable to start the car well before that.) A 65mA load should do the job in 1100 hours, but if you burn a full quarter of the battery (in 250 hours) I'd say it was unacceptable. Ten days. A 20mA draw would be more like a month, which is probably acceptable. I don't know what the normal base load is on an SDL. Maybe I ought to, owning one and all, but I don't. I may have measured it, but in the early days I didn't keep a very detailed journal of what I did. It was only my second MB, after all. I can tell you that a variable 200-350mA leak in Jill's SL was enough to prevent starting if she didn't drive daily. A keyless entry system was about 10mA. I didn't note the draw after the fix, how smart's that? -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
I pulled four fuses that got me to 0 mA. What say you guys? Am I done? I don't know, are you? Can you live without adjustable seats? If you move the seat power feed to switched +12, you'd lose the memory but also any chance of drain while off. Fusebox surgery? -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
On Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:56:05 -0500 Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC, 53310 meade.m.dil...@navy.mil wrote: How long does it take for the battery to die when the car just sits? It probably should be able to last at least a week or two. If you're asking it to sit for a month or more, you probably should get a float charger, or just disconnect the battery. Actually, the battery should be charged at least once per month. Craig ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
Thanks again Max and Jim. I was checking out a PO statement that he thought there was a drain. He listed four electrical problems that his Indy failed to fix after many $$$. Both seats had no movement. That turned out to be the seat relay and the aux. fuse holder had been switched in their slots. Driver's window was a broken switch that I glued back and swapped it with a rear window switch. Radio inop, but it was calling for a code. I have a Becker upgrade for that. Dome light inop when door is opened. He got a new switch assembly from Rusty that he hasn't delivered to me yet. When that and the passenger window is fixed, I can't name anything else that won't work. I'm not going to fool with the drain until I know its a problem. Like you suggested, maybe someone with an SDL can confirm my readings. I don't need or use the memory feature so I may be able to disconnect it. Thank Harry What problem are you trying to fix? I don't think that ~65mA is terrible, and if you plan to leave the car parked for long periods I'd recommend either disconnecting the battery or installing a float charger. I'm far from an expert on the front seat adjustments, but 25 mA draw on two different circuits with key off seems excessive to me. You may want to find a friend with car with same seats to see if they get similar results. I know that on my 124 wagon with memory front seat, battery won't last more than a couple weeks of sitting, but I've never measured the key off current draw. I bought a float charger for my wagon a couple years ago, and installed a jack under the driver's side dash to plug it in. There's a hot circuit under the dash on left side with a nice 10mm nut on a stud where I attached the positive lead, found a ground point somewhere down there. When I'm leaving town for more than a couple weeks, I park the car in the garage and crack the driver's window to feed in the extension cord. Plug the float charger in and leave it on the dash so I can see the lights to make sure it's working with just a glance from the garage entrance. Works like a charm. -Max ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
Actually, the battery should be charged at least once per month. If the battery is disconnected, all winter/summer is not a problem around here. But that wretched parasitic drain will do them in otherwise if you don't float them or stay on top of charging them. Radio inop, but it was calling for a code. I have a Becker upgrade for that. There is a code decoder application for the PC. Dome light inop when door is opened. He got a new switch assembly from Rusty that he hasn't delivered to me yet. Driver's side? That can also be a blown diode in the warning module. Have you ever noticed that when you open the passenger door, only the passenger-side lights go on? -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
My $2.99 HF VOM fluctuates between 64 and 65 ma. I used the Cathey procedure to connect in series from the neg. post to the neg. cable. Is that enough drain to cause a problem? Thanks Harry ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
I don't think that sounds too bad, but I'd prefer to see something less than 20 mA. Recommend you wait for someone more familiar with your car... -Max -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of harry watkins Sent: Monday, January 25, 2010 2:51 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL My $2.99 HF VOM fluctuates between 64 and 65 ma. I used the Cathey procedure to connect in series from the neg. post to the neg. cable. Is that enough drain to cause a problem? Thanks Harry ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Battery drain, 86 SDL
My $2.99 HF VOM fluctuates between 64 and 65 ma. Is that enough drain to cause a problem? Sounds a bit on the high side. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
