Dashboard Experiencing Excessive Warnings

[MutanX]

There is a new malfunction in my 2006 SL350.

The dashboard sometimes becomes erratic, displaying a multitude of warning warnings.

Malfunction in the restraint system
The SRS system sometimes experiences a temporary loss of functionality, causing the rev counter, speedometer, and fuel gauge to drop to zero before returning to normal operation.
Spotlights flicker and headlights illuminate.
Indicators of a roll over bar issue, battery issue and the need to see a workshop.
The command becomes uncontrollable.
Heater controls are modified.

There seems to be a significant amount of historical discussion on these forums on the issue at hand, which is related to the census. If I understand correctly, the consensus is that the problem lies with a defective Electronic Ignition Module (EIS or EIM?).

Is that view still prevailing? Is there anybody who can provide further information to this?

If I switch the EIS / EIM, do I need to alter the keys, or is the identification process managed in a different way?

Thank you.

[Boxck]

Have you conducted a battery test? Occasionally, a deteriorating battery might give rise to several abnormal warning signals.

[AmericaMonster]

The battery is commendable.

Furthermore, it is advisable to refrain from disclosing your postcode on the forum.

[Captiva]

Conducting a battery test would be my first course of action, since it is also the most straightforward and cost-effective solution.

[Barringer]

I concur with the suggestion that the battery is a probable cause.

However, if you would want an alternative recommendation, where do you store it while it is not being used?

[MundeDas]

Indeed, it is widely believed that the battery, and maybe the battery cables, are the primary suspects in this case.

After properly charging the device and having someone read and reset the problem messages, it is necessary to address additional concerns such as controllers and wiring. To do this, it is necessary to engage the services of an automotive electrician or consult with a specialised Mercedes-Benz technician in your area.

Contemporary sensors are exceptional. They provide various misleading error messages, some of which may even be accurate.

Is this automobile often used, similar to a backdrop colour? How often do you drive, a few times each week or about 5,000 miles per year? Alternatively, similar to many others, is it possible that it is a vehicle that has been kept in a garage and has not been used over the winter?

[CrownChikk]

Ensure you inspect the battery. It would be beneficial if you could effectively interpret any error codes. I had a defective Wheel Speed Sensor, resulting in many apparently unconnected alerts, including ABS, Engine Fault, and the roof's refusal to shut. This occurred because the vehicle was unable to determine its motion status.

[MutanX]

The vehicle is often parked outside on the driveway and is hardly used, usually just for short trips, around 2 to 3 times each week.

[MutanX]

I had the defects resolved by my local independent Mercedes-Benz expert, who also suspects that the battery may be the cause.

I have just installed a new high-quality AGM service battery. Its performance will soon be put to the test.

Thank you for the feedback received so far.

[MutanX]

I will provide an objective update, since I am optimistic that someone with more intelligence than myself will be able to discern the logical reasoning behind it.

Regrettably, the newly acquired AGM battery failed to provide the expected results. I have just acquired a new Consumer/ Systems battery and a relatively new starting battery, both of which are completely charged. Despite this, I am still able to see the whole dashboard display.

As anticipated, I have been diligently searching in every possible location for recommendations.

I discovered an unconventional method that entails squirting contact cleaner into the ignition keyhole in the evening, and then using a hair dryer to blow air into the key slot the following morning.

Indeed, I too found it irrational - particularly the suggestion of using contact cleaning. However, in my state of desperation, I pondered if the concept of warm air had any logical foundation.

The next day, I positioned a fan heater on the driver's seat and directed its airflow towards the bottom section of the dashboard, specifically targeting the region where the ignition key is situated. I left the heater running for almost two hours. The day was characterised by low temperatures and very low humidity.

Subsequently, I drove the vehicle for more than thirty minutes without experiencing any problems whatsoever, despite the fact that the dashboard typically activates within five minutes of starting a drive.

On the next day, I had to go on a journey that was characterised by a more temperate climate and precipitation. Shortly after starting the automobile, the dashboard once again exhibited erratic behaviour.

I have examined this matter - was the fan heater technique only a coincidence? If the answer is negative, what is the significance?

This morning, the weather was very chilly and dry. In order to replicate the experiment, I used the fan heater.

I have just returned from a drive that lasted over forty minutes, during which the dashboard of my vehicle functioned well.

There seems to be a correlation between the activation of warm or hot air on the dashboard prior to starting the automobile and the occurrence of erratic flashing lights.

However, what is the underlying cause behind it?

Indeed, I am aware that it may seem irrational, but I am very certain that I could replicate it consistently with same outcomes.

Do you have any suggestions or thoughts?

[CrownChikk]

Indeed, it seems that there is moisture present inside the dashboard, but its exact location is uncertain.

An expert in electrical systems will locate it within a time frame of less than 30 minutes.

(If there is any noticeable moisture in the automobile, it is advisable to remove or decrease it simultaneously.) By using either clothing or a lengthy journey in an air-conditioned vehicle.

[BuffUpdate]

Placing a large quantity of silica gel in the automobile will draw in and soak up moisture. I store one in the trunk to prevent moisture accumulation.

[Thenornpo]

To address the issue, I suggest placing silica bags in and around the dashboard. Additionally, it is important to inspect and clear the drains located on both sides of the engine bay, considering the significant amount of recent rainfall. Checking the carpets for dampness and examining the cabin filter for any signs of damage or moisture would also be advisable. If the vehicle is parked on the driveway, using a low-powered blow heater in the footwell overnight, connected to the garage, may help identify any potential leaks if the issue is resolved.

[Inspirli]

Keep the air conditioning system set to "auto" mode consistently, regardless of the season, whether it is summer or winter.
Mercedes-Benz vehicles do not perform well on short journeys due to insufficient mileage to fully recharge the battery.
Purchase a smart charger, such as the MX5 or a comparable model.

[Mindumer]

Have you inspected the output generated by the alternator? We had a critical malfunction known as the "red dash of death" on our SL vehicle, which was ultimately determined to be caused by a faulty alternator regulator.

[Inspirli]

Have you inspected the drain tubes located under the windscreen wipers? If obstructed, water will seep inside the cabin.

[MutanX]

I appreciate the further recommendations.

I hope that I am not egregiously violating forum standards or decorum here, however I stumbled over this post and found that it closely aligns with my own experience.

[MutanX]

My issue has been fixed, therefore I am posting again. Perhaps what I have to share may be beneficial to someone. I hope it is.

It is crucial, in my opinion, to have a qualified automotive electrician using a genuine Mercedes STAR diagnostic system examine the automobile. When you engage in this activity, several revelations will become apparent.

Upon inspecting my automobile, it became evident that there was a problem with the Overhead Control Panel (OCP), which is placed on the windscreen and houses the inside lighting.
The Star system indicated that the sensor N70b1, which is responsible for measuring the temperature inside the vehicle, was providing a result that is not believable or logical. I infer that this indicates exceeding the established boundaries, namely a temperature of 65 degrees Celsius.

According to reports, this had the consequence of significantly reducing the speed of CANBUS communications to a minimal level. It seems that this CANBUS problem was the root cause of all the other difficulties that occurred, and I can confirm that there were other issues.
According to my expert, the communication system in the car becomes heavily congested, causing the CANBUS system to be unable to transmit any messages. As a result, error messages start to appear and various components may begin to malfunction, such as the Comand system turning off or the headlamps flashing, in extreme cases. The system experiences an excessive amount of stress or strain.

A single remedy resolved the issue entirely - the substitution of the OCP. I purchased a pre-owned item from eBay and successfully handled any problems associated with it. (I previously said that the issue was repaired, but I am now experiencing a "light sensor" error. This error might be due to either a defective sensor or a poor connection. However, this error is the only problem I am currently seeing.)

The key lesson I learned is to seek guidance from someone who is proficient in using the STAR system.