Towed from FLORIDA...for THIS!? (Benz SLK 55 AMG: DEAD Battery in 2 Days?)

This hot rod Euro roadster was towed from Florida for a Parasitic Battery Drain diagnosis.
Owner says that after sitting for 3 days it refuses to crank.
Let's use hard DATA and OEM Service Information to find the Battery Drain and see if we can resolve the customer complaint GUARANTEED.
Of course, we need to take this 5.5L V8 BEAST for a spin with the top down to verify our repairs ;)
THINKTOOL PROS:
www.amazon.com/dp/B08XXWHQVJ?...
TOPDON TORNADO 90000 BATTERY CHARGER:
www.amazon.com/dp/B09XV64Q49?...
ASTRO DVOM:
www.amazon.com/dp/B07FDBW1PT?...
ASTRO DC AMP CLAMP:
www.amazon.com/dp/B08MTCMWLB?...
Enjoy!

[@DIYDaveOK]

The sad issue I think most of us can appreciate here is the fact someone was willing and had the resources to have a car towed cross-country to you because they trust you as a 100% honest tech. You aren't going to shaft anyone. It is *immensely* difficult to find a trustworthy, intelligent, capable tech in most areas. That's why so many of us (like me) have taken the DIY route on most things unless faced with literally no other option. As an example, a friend has a 20-year-old Honda that was running rough, and a local shop wanted to charge him $800 for four ignition coils. I pointed him to a reputable retailer for OEM coils and put them in for him. Car owners are in a constant fight not to get ripped off. That's why we *so* appreciate guys like you, and Eric O who try to make all of us smarter and avoid getting ripped off. Thanks as always, Ivan.

[@tedmoss]

Amen, brother.

[@LSmiata]

WELL stated! I love Ivan and do not trust anyone to work on my vehicles. I do all (within DIY scope).

[@DaveSender66]

True that

[@drunkingsailor2359]

When you pull into a shop with a Benz for repairs, the shop has multiple $$$ above their head and will find issues that don't exist. It is sad to have worries concerning the trust of a shop. Trustworthy shops are very rare.

[@baldyslapnut.]

Supermario is down FLA way?

[@CRAZY_VIDS07]

FUNNY HOW U SMILE WHEN SAYING YOUR GIVING IT A TEST DRIVE,,IM SURE YOU CAN'T WAIT TO GIVE IT THE BEANS😅😅😅😅😅

[@davidlee950]

Watching from Tokyo. Thorough diagnosis of suspected parasitic draw and ending with “spanked” battery replacement solving the problem. Steps were very well explained, thanks Ivan.

[@OtisPlunk]

We appreciate you making certain the ‘nator is stable over 5,000 rpm. No noticeable bearing noise. Very thorough.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

Think he was checking wheel bearings too😂

[@calholli]

You gotta check your own pulse every now and then.. make sure the ticker is working.

[@chriswablington7118]

I’m terrible with electrical diagnostics, so always enjoy your insight. Hey, even an AMG requires a test run before it can be returned to customer😉

[@MrOnemanop]

always appreciate an electrical problem diagnosed, and explained. Not a field of expertise for me, but always a learning opportunity.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

When my son went over TDY seas, we disconnect the battery. Then driving down for vacation quarterly, hook up and drive it for a week. Worked every time.

[@systemloc]

Bro towed his car halfway across the country before going to AutoZone and having a 3 year old battery checked, or even just replacing it. Mercedes owner checks out.

[@repro7780]

I stored a Camaro for years. Years! I never had a problem. I had a battery minder hooked up all the time, and it never failed me. Couple of times a month I would start it and drive it. With this, I never had issues...and I never had to tow it 2000 miles to replace a battery.

[@BehindTheCounter_TFSO]

Hey Ivan, I'm really impressed with the detailed technical notes on your invoice. Typically, what I see out in the field on invoices are just "R&R something" or "check something." When it comes to high-end European cars, especially those like a Mercedes-Benz AMG, you're definitely not shopping at the Walmart of auto parts like AutoZone. I'm not familiar with that make and model, but don't you need to do a battery reset when you install a new battery so the system may reset its charging system strategy?

[@janpur1417]

HAD THIS ENGINE (CAR) BEEN TO ANOTHER SHOP... THERE WILL BE AT LEAT 10-50 MODULES REPLACED BY NOW AND WON'T EVEN BE THE SAME ENGINE (CAR) AFTER ALL. OWNER MADE THE RIGHT CALL! IVAN, GET THIS AMG.. WE KNOW YOU LOVE IT

[@matthewmcmaster2731]

Getting cars towed to you from as far away as Florida is a testament to just how good a mechanic you really are. That's something to be proud of.

[@HueToobBlows]

Lead acid 12v batteries absolutely hate going flat and being recharged to full capacity. We see this constantly in the marine industry as boats will sink on land, killing the batteries with bilge pumps trying to pump out rain water. A deep cycle battery will tolerate it much better as that is what they are designed to handle but they are not designed to be starting batteries (under normal conditions).

[@RJTC]

Very few people seem to understand just how quickly normal car batteries are wrecked if they are allowed to run down too far! After being flattened (just very briefly) around five or six times, you are very lucky if one will start a car after being just left overnight.

[@onenikkione]

I change our batteries out every 4 years

[@derekmillar318]

Leave a battery flat for 8 months...even a week the plates start to sulphate .a car like that and skimp on buying a new battery?...tells a story...thanks ivan 5 star vid

[@tedmoss]

He didn't skimp, he abandoned the car for months and had no knowledge to diagnose the problem, smart to go to Ivan.

[@Tha1NOnly1]

Just wanted to say that I really appreciate your attention to detail and how thorough you are with your diagnosis. It is a sign of a honest and truly professional person. Wish every mechanic was more like you. Is easy to see why customers all over the country would rather go to the trouble of sending their vehicles to you.

[@Bellboy40]

That grinning and giggle that Ivan had on the test drive is the same way I feel when I take my Corvette out on a run through the gears! 😃

[@MrMebigfatguy]

"Let's see if the convertible top works" - so dedicated to the testing process... lol

[@dosgos]

Good video. Customer got a lot of value with the thorough parasitic testing, module scanning, and test drive.

[@chrisrutherford8191]

I love watching your vids. So informative. Ty for all the information you give some of us techs🎉

[@lokyblack3379]

Excellent diagnosis, as a Mercedes Mechanic I seen this situations a lot of time the most Mercedes owners leve the cars sitting for long long time and they expect a full battery after that and just one thing always use OEM parts Mercedes battery don't forget Ivan 😂😂😂😂

[@jerrygundrum1]

your test drive made me smile

[@mistsemy1522]

I just realised i miss the second part of your recent video and i finished watching furst and come back here, love your works❤👍

[@richard1835]

Thank you PHAD. Appreciate your expertise and knowledge.

[@chrisharris1169]

Good video for those of us that have cars we don't daily drive. Helps explain the how and why of a battery maintainer. Good explanation thanks!

[@millerfawaz151]

Pretty sure reserve capacity is measured in minutes Ivan. That battery is closer to 50 AH, which is still substantial and will allow the car to sit a good month before too much headache. But careful with that calculation! Nice work keeping them on the road!

[@fascistpedant758]

IIRC, RC is either specified in minutes till the voltage drops to 10,5V @ 25A drain or amp-hours @ 5A drain. 50AH is a pretty small battery, German cars usually have pretty big batteries.

[@RussellBooth1977]

I like doing a load test on the battery using a load tester & the battery in my dads 2000 model Holden VX Commodore which is fitted with the 3.8 litre Holden/Buick L36 V6 engine went flat after the car wasn't driven for about 3 months so I recharged it overnight using my 5 amp trickle charger then I load tested the battery the next day. It tested at its rated 650 Cold cranking amp capacity & it did take quite a few hours to recharge the battery,I have had stuffed batteries which appeared to be fully charged start a car but it only took 1/2 an hour to recharge using my old 4 amp trickle charger so it wasn't holding a deep charge. My dad has been driving his car no problems & he got 7 years out of the last battery. The reason that I say Holden/Buick is because it's different to the U.S. version, it's fitted with Holdens own ECOTEC aluminium alloy inlet manifold, it's fitted with Holdens own aluminium alloy oil pan & it's run by a Bosch OBD1 PCM albeit it's an OBD1.5 setup in the car since it's fitted with an OBD2 type of diagnostic port in Australia. The U.S. version is fitted with a composite plastic inlet manifold & Delphi OBD2 PCM !

[@johneric3886]

Sometimes I walk into work & my boss says, how are you John, and I respond, "things are good, been watching a lot of pine hollow Automotive diagnostics!!!

[@Centralflorida22]

I learn so much just by watching you.

[@ALEX-xd7ko]

You nailed this one with the siren ivan. I was literally typing to check for the oozing siren and you said it . Had to remove mine on my 05 xfire

[@williamwhite9767]

I've always had a need for speed! At one point I had a Ford van and a Chevy Cavalier so I had to buy a motorcycle to satisfy that need. A couple of hours of thrashing the motorcycle was great therapy!

[@flatdaddio]

You had me worried there for a minute. It was getting close to the end of the video and no test drive? I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to test drive that beast either!! Great video Ivan! Nice car!! lol

[@luckyguy600]

You got to be a rather 'special kind of diagnostic guru' You are indeed. Towed from Florida. Even if he owned a tow truck that is a definite WOW!

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Great diagnostic, Ivan! What a beast of a car - sounds almost like a Lamborghini :-) No parasitic draw, but the objective procedure took out all doubts. Simple repair :-) Had a similar problem with my humble Ford - battery started to give up after 8 years and had to be replaced (no parasitic draw, no charging problem - just 5 years of city drive, with little motorway in between).

[@JohnCalebWarren]

Replaced many a seat control modules on Mercedes in my day, for parasitic draw. Hope this helps

[@tomgroenbeck7620]

I worked on designing and testing seat control modules for Mercedes about 30 years ago. What fails? Do the modules fail to go to sleep? Do capacitors fail after the years?

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

Plot twist: The owner towed it all the way to Ivan just so he can say "Ivan touched my car!".😂😂😂

[@glenharper3136]

Thanks for the video Ivan.

[@lvsqcsl]

I am wanting to say that car is on the same chassis as that Chrysler Crossfire you repaired previously. GREAT VIDEO!

[@Randy245850]

I loved the smile on your face when you said...."This car is a beast""

[@jimforsyth2.]

Brave man to put that top down

[@x01e]

I was so excited when i saw the car, then so disappointed it was going to be a parasitic draw, what a waste could have been a great video with am engine problem.

[@baxrok2.]

Thanks Ivan!

[@DS-ss7vl]

2021 on the battery. Customer should have purchased a New battery before towing all that way. More $ than common sense. imo

[@JRS-iq9pz]

I can't believe he didn't try new battery first. That was a waste of time and money.

[@albutterfield5965]

Your empire is expanding

[@kevin9c1]

I hope you took this for a spin. These are high 12 second cars believe it or not. And one of the most bulletproof drivetrains Mercedes ever made.

[@titaniumman_22]

I’m glad he tested the seatbelt light on that drive! 🇺🇸

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Was thinking about wearing my motorcycle helmet as well haha!

[@oldbiker9739]

my 2015 mustang GT , I have to have a trickle charger on it all winter as I only use it 2 months in the summer , my 91 GMC show truck I dont have too .

[@castinn]

Hey Ivan, I wonder how 'Rainman Ray' feels about you poaching Florida cars? Just kidding, of course! As usual, a straight forward, logical analysis and conclusion - bravo.

[@dustcommander100]

Great job! When things are so complicated, people are afraid a basic solution isn't possible or enough. I have a friend who works for a dealership, and he told me that because of government regulations (MPG maximization), cars don't charge the battery any more than absolutely necessary. He said they stopped putting ammeters in trucks because they charge the battery so little - people would see the ammeter on zero and think the alternator wasn't working.

[@n9wox]

Even Ivan was surprised that no modules had any codes.

[@LSmiata]

Hello Ivan, Great video as always and completely agree main battery suffered to "dead". Q: Did you check secondary/small battery? As part of the anti-theft system, this battery may draw current from the main system. It is designed to have power if main battery power is removed. NOTE: the horn/siren will not pull down the system unless relay is stuck "open (passing current)" and it would emit sound. If it, small battery, is also "dead", it may pull down the main system prematurely while trying to maintain voltage. It should stop requesting help once main battery system reaches a predetermined cut-off, but may be an issue with parasitic draw on this vehicle. Would love to see amp draw "overnight" on your Pico scope. My theory is that with all the charge given to the vehicle, the small battery was happy during diagnostics. ??

[@paulmuff9883]

Any battery that goes flat is toast because they’ll never recover properly, good video for theses that don’t know 👍

[@johndoyle4723]

Beautiful car ,bit of a pain having to spend extra time with a test drive,but you have to make sure it is OK.

[@johnmoloney5296]

Towed from Florida obviously rainman ray couldn't fix this one 😂

[@robertsmith2956]

I thought it was going to be another swimming pool in the trunk.

[@bernardaflores1720]

You look great on the test drive

[@offtwoaces]

A true miracle . . . a Eurocar with no active codes!

[@tschuuuls486]

Still rocking a original Mercedes battery. Probably has a decent service history.

[@aranhaydar9195]

Yey! Ivan is back with a mercedes 🙃 Edit: getting a good diagnosis is worth his drive, + this is great content for us, never seen anyone test a battery this way, a great tip for everyone if you ask me!

[@user-wr9pk4lu8s]

If I towed my bmw e60 530d to your place would you look at it, only one dig problem I live in Sheffield UK, I am fascinated by your diagnostics and honesty.

[@najieid8407]

for long time parking, battery should be hooked up to smart charger/maintainer like noco genius type. This kind of charger monitor the voltage in real time while the car is parked. Noco provide all optional accessories for hooking up as needed

[@ghettsumm7949]

I like when you use the Infared camera to detect current draws, although it wouldn't have helped in this case. Towed All the way from Florida for a defective battery? Thank you Ivan

[@barrybennett1292]

Was the siren functioning, I didn't hear a chirp when you locked the doors? My E55 AMG had the same issue. I diagnosed by disco-ing the siren and 150ma draw at the batt went away. My siren resides in the driver side wheel well behind the coweling. Ordered and replaced the siren and all good. On my car, the siren is inches from the roof/windshield drains. This could be a factor in the siren failure. I think there's a vsb that includes removal of the restrictive end plug on the roof drains. The draw may be worse when the siren is wetish. It also took 2 or 3 months to kill my battery after it stopped making sound when locking. I would absolutely replace or leave disco-ed with that message since these sirens are a known fail point. Bonus info, the motor in these cars is called the Hammer, a rock solid 300k mile 469HP motor which utilizes 16 spark plugs. The 4 door E55 AMG sedan was actually a tenth second faster from 0-60 than the lamborgini Gallardo that same year and was the fastest production sedan ever at that time. It has a braking system from the F1 Mclaren. The brake system has longevity issues so Mercedes has put a 25 year extended warranty on it. Believe it or not, my car with 130k on it came with both original MB batteries still in it dated 2003. This issue killed the primary permanently. The secondary agm is still kicking.

[@SAMSAM-zr3hs]

Well done

[@rihovaher]

On this Mercedes, the regular operation of the control modules of the multimedia center should be checked, it also goes into full sleep mode when the car is locked with central locking. If any component in the control module is non-functioning and broken, then it does not go into sleep mode and continues to consume a large amount of Mamps. This car has about 40 Ma. about a lot.

[@michelbrown1060]

You road topless today ? ? Here in Shawinigan Québec, we had snow this morning 😆

[@Uncle-Duncan-Shack]

That is quite a nice tarmac shredder yes.

[@manondahboggy]

Hey, nicd job on this one. Tip, when you did the first battery disconnect for the amperage draw, you reset the whole system by removing the vehicles ground path. The trick is usally have a small wire clip attached to the voltmeter and the negative cable so it never breaks a connection.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

No, I had the battery charger connected and maintaining system voltage while setting up the in-series meter to avoid waking anything up. Pay attention! ;)

[@scottymoondogjakubin4766]

A partially sulphated battery can also wreak havoc on electrical modules especially the ecm -ecu ! I get alot of good use from battery's just by using a battery tender when stored !

[@throttlewatch4614]

Ivan must not watch the car wizard, you’re playing with fire with those convertible tops lol 23:27

[@tschuuuls486]

Usually Mercedes vario tops (the metal ones) are pretty damm good. The seals hold up and they are pretty reliable.

[@irgski]

You should get a battery load tester for your shop.

[@eddiesouther]

I have a 2004 amg Sl55. The alarm is a known parasitic draw. On mine the internal batteries corroded and completely wiped out the circuit board. I keep mine on a trickle charger at all times.

[@Bizija123]

I wonder what one of those battery testers would have shown. I have a TopDon one that's pretty cool. Shows resistance, capacity, voltage, health, etc.

[@chrishill5166]

Yet another great tutorial Ivan. I have although been wonder how to do a battery capacity test on my newer car as it turns off lights and high drain items automatically. I guess I'll have to buy a high rate discharge tester. Any cost nothing tests you have up your sleeve please Ivan?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Just leave the key ON and the light should stay ON...if they time out just turn them back ON again! ;)

[@chrishill5166]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Many thanks Ivan.

[@porky7753]

Using a battery maintainer long term will cause the battery to sulfate. I have been a victim of this first hand, the best way is to use a battery conditoner in repair mode that only comes on once a week via a smart switch for a few hours.

[@quattrohead]

I had a failing battery in my Saab 9-5 Aero, slower cranking until 1 day I knew I had to change the battery like NOW lol. Drove to the nearest auto supply place and swapped in a new battery, Saab obviously cranked easily but what did surprise me was how much better the car ran as a whole. Was the power reduced due to low voltage or was I just feeling the alternator working hard ? Should have kept that car, loved it so much.

[@Averna222]

Reserve capacity isn't the Ah rating. Reserve capacity is the amount of time, in minutes, that a fully charged battery can sustain a 25A draw before being fully discharged. In reality that is a 48Ah battery. It doesn't change the conclusion, but it is something to be aware of.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

You can't park a vehicle for any time over 1 month without having the battery capacity severly lowered unless you put a battery maintainer on it. I have one for when I'm driving one and the other one sits for sometimes 1 to 2 months like now. The one in the back yard has the maintainer on it, yet even after 1 month it started right up with no problem. My maintainer's max output is 5 amps. It starts out at 14.5 volts, 5 amps for 2 minutes. Then it drops to 13 volts, lower amperage depending how much the battery needs. Good one Ivan.

[@toshayonguard4253]

That car like Mine needs a AMG battery and Auto Zone Battery is not recommended. I played the battery game and after trying Napa and Auto zone and a Die Hard they all gave me issues. Ended up Buying an Interstate AMG Battery and it has lasted 7 years. I just replaced it this year out of concern not failure. The Interstate Guy told me that it still had 50% life left. I told him buy it from the shop if he want’s it. I want a fresh battery so he Ordered me a Fresh one from the Factory. And just so you know unmodified that car will Snap a Speed in 10.5 seconds. And for all you nonspeed enthusiasts that is 0 to 100mph in 10.5 seconds. 🤘🏼🤘🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@KStewart-th4sk]

Kind of doubt Auto Zone doesn't sell AMG batteries. At one time a lot of these different branded batteries came from the same manufacturer.

[@bugzie-a1769]

You are good mate, i love watcing you.😀

[@kerrylewis2581]

166K. It's nice to see a car that has been driven and enjoyed. Hopefully, it will get garaged and treated properly in its senior years once it reaches its destination.

[@scrappy7571]

Hopefully it goes to scrap.

[@kerrylewis2581]

@@scrappy7571 Why?

[@scrappy7571]

@@kerrylewis2581 junk

[@kerrylewis2581]

@@scrappy7571 It can't be as bad as my 1999 Turbo Diesel E-Class (purchased new). That thing was back at the dealer every other month. Luckily, I bought an extended warranty from the dealer, which covered every repair.

[@scrappy7571]

@@kerrylewis2581 Or my fathers 1984 190. It was back to the dealer 100's of times for intermittent stall no start. After 75,000 miles of that non sense it got sent to auction, far far away overseas. Good riddens. I would have preferred to watch it crushed.

[@1967250s]

I have a 2001 C240, and the alarm horn ( which looks very similiar to the SLKs, albeit mjne is behind the front wheel ) shorted out in the rain, and drained the battery. Apparently, it is/was a problem on those years Benz', where the wiring or control box shorts out.

[@autoacoustics4938]

The internal battery in the siren tends to go bad and draws power from the main battery to keep the siren battery voltage up

[@robertames688]

Why didn't they take it Rays in Florida

[@djb4069]

Ivan you just wanted straight away to go for a Drive!!!!!!😂

[@tracydiller9378]

Good old Autozone Battery. To a Fisher Auto Parts Battery. 👍 OOPS forgot great video Ivan.

[@williamhanna5224]

Excellent !

[@oldbiker9739]

that v8 sounds good

[@22blkgladdy50]

I have a 2022 Jeep gladiator 3.6 v6. I have a bad vibration at idle, which is around 600rpms. No codes. I’ve heard there is cam/rocker/lifter issues with the pentastar engines. Have you seen this issue before, I’ve been chasing it for a while now and dealer ship can’t figure it out.

[@dendkmac]

Out west with the heat even with a car that starts every day you can expect 2 years at most with a battery, very rare they last more then that

[@gar24407]

I have gotten in the habit of adding water to my car batteries about every other year. Got 2 past 4 year mark in south Alabama. They loose a surprising amount of water. Given how expensive batteries are is worth the few cents in distilled water and time it takes to recondition.

[@ischmidt]

I figured early in the video that an '09 Florida Merc probably would have a damaged module from water intrusion causing the parasitic draw. I wasn't prepared for there to be no parasitic draw or for a code scan to pass 100%! That's why you diagnose: sometimes it really is a unicorn!

[@weazleman36]

I was trouble shooting a similar issue on a Nissan. The battery seemed fine but died every night. And like this vehicle very low parasitic drain when in sleep mod. I finally took the battery completely out of the vehicle and charged it fully then let it set over night. Dead. Internal short I’m assuming. Least technical item and hardest to pin down in a short time. But I got to play with my fluke and a few tools so.

[@paulhenryxray]

Man, I’ve always wanted one of these. Wish they offered a clutch, though.

[@SoundsLikeOdie]

The battery will probably solve it. I have 2 Mercedes from that period. When the battery gets old the computer does not always switch off after the ignition is switched off. This will drain the battery overnight. You can normally hear the fan on the control unit running. If you switch the ignition on and off the fan switches off and the battery will be fine the next day. If the AC is on when the car is switched off the chances of the cu staying on increases. Once the battery is replaced i have about 3 years of no hassles.

[@user-my7hv5ld7b]

no napa legend i never had good luck out of auto zone battery's

[@rogerghiardi7723]

Can you do a video on what you pay for access to All data and your scanner fees.

[@punkhead4312]

Gotta "test drive" it to make sure the "battery works."😂😂😂The perks of being a tech.😂

[@user-kw5qv6zl5e]

Depends too on the quality of the battery. A well built one with the same spec as a bad quality... the sticker doesnt tell it all

[@kevinbarry71]

Super Mario diagnostics in Miami would have been closer

[@Sixta16]

Nice to see your pricing. USA is an expensive country!

[@Michael-yi4mc]

Hello from Hawaii. It’s midnight here in Honolulu. Perfect weather.

[@user-jv2ol1yq9w]

I was just there, Lots of drugs and homeless in Honolulu?

[@elbuggo]

Have the lockdowns ended over there now? Are you able to escape if you still are a Pureblood?

[@mrkttrdr2919]

supprised the fuel is still good after sitting so long, thanks for posting

[@heyinway]

I predict it will be back for fuel related issue.