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#1
03-31-2007, 10:33 PM
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Warning Lamp Trifecta-ESP, BAS, ABS SL500
It's my understanding that when these 3 warning lamps come on simultaneously, it means battery output has dropped below 10v. If correct, does this primarily mean battery itself is weak or alternator not recharging battery sufficiently? Are there any other areas/items to check?
This happend on the way to dinner yesterday with the only draw on the battery being the radio, blower, and of course the $20,000 worth of electronics in the car. After dinner, restarted the car, no warning lamps came on, and same draw on battery + headlights. Car drove normally to home. Thanks in advance for your help in tracking down the problem! Bob 
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#2
04-01-2007, 07:01 AM
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Had similar thing happen to the 95 E420 I used to own. It was a weak battery. Can you check the battery cells with a inexpensive hydrometer? This should give you indication of battery condition. I just replaced battery in the SL500 and this eliminated the "unable to start or turnover" on occasion issue I had.
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95 E420 ( 76K) SOLD 85 380SE(125k) 95 SL500(72k)
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#3
04-01-2007, 08:54 PM
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It might also be a bad capacitor on the voltage regulator of the VDO. Do a search on "capacitor". On my car, it was indeed the capacitor which was bad. A less than $1 fix.
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Resistance is Futile.
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#4
04-01-2007, 09:21 PM
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I'm not entirely sure what part of the voltage reg Tecqboy is talking about, but I had the same syptoms on the road last year. After the 'trifecta', I could drive it for a while and then it would stall. Let it sit for a few hours and she'd start up, no warning lights and be fine for a bit before the lights would appear then stall again and on & on.
Anyway. Turned out to be the Voltage Regulator on the back of the Alt. The brushes were shot. Cheap part, changed in a parking lot in the rain, problem solved. Low voltage one way or another... Good Luck! -M-
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Currently: 1972 350SL Euro 4spd 1973 BMW R75/5 1981 BMW R80GS 1995 FZJ80 with OM606 Conversion In Progress
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#5
04-02-2007, 12:54 AM
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I think wdba's above post about the voltage regulator on the alternator is more likely the problem than the capacitor on the VDO. I should have thought of that first. When the capacitor fails, ALL the lamps come on; turn signals, high beams, oil, etc.
__________________
Resistance is Futile.
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#6
04-02-2007, 10:32 AM
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Thanks Guys! I hadn't thought of the voltage regulator which gave me a Homer Simpson moment....dohh!
BTW, warning lights have not come on since Friday; nonetheless, tomorrow is my day to solve this and I appreciate your help!! Bob
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