2003 SL55 AMG Does the Command/Radio have a security code?

[catalina]

I have a 2003 SL55, 8000 miles only, I'm about to put it to bed for winter and intend to disconnect the batteries. The owners manual covers removal and re connection of both batteries and upon re connection suggests that (amongst other things) the radio will have to be re coded. The Command instruction manual makes no reference to re coding, besides I dont have the code, or know if I should have one. Following battery removal, does the command/radio need to be re coded on my car? your advice appreciated

[vilus]

The COMAND unit does not have a security code as other audio systems. If you have a bluetooth adaptor that may have a pin to pair with your phone. Most SL owners invest in a CTEK battery conditioner, which can be connected to the rear consumer battery in the boot. This avoids any potential electronic gremlins after the batttery is reconnected.

[Blu3R]

I'll be putting my SL55 away fairly soon too, I have a Ctek already, should I be looking at buying another?

[SLacKer]

Only charge the boot battery not the engine compartment one.

[markbe]

I often disconnect consumer battery in the boot, when reconnected the radio and sat nav work as normal.

Mark.

[catalina]

Thanks for advice, but specifying on my circumstances, I have to store the car over the winter months somewhere where there is no power hence I havnt got the opportunity to manage the battery. so with this in mind, can i disconnect the batteries without the worries of re coding when I wish to reconnect in the spring? Thanks

[EvoSlayer]

I have a few optimate conditioners plugged in to various things if I know they are to be unused for a while, including a 2005 R230 SL350. The short fly lead is permanently attached to consumer battery in boot and charger just plugged in when required - works fine with no problems.

Apologies, just read the above, I believe you should be fine, just need to reset windows and steering afaik.

Edited by EvoSlayer on Friday 27th September 22:17

[vilus]

You can safely remove the negative terminal on the rear battery in the boot. This will disable the electrical system. You do not need to disconnect the front starter battery. If you need to jump start the car after winter, ONLY do this from the front starter batery. Windows and steering need to be reset as per the manual. Bear in mind your insurance will probably be invalid if the alarm/immobiliser system is not functioning. Also make sure you can access the boot with the manual key if you lock it!

No code is required for the COMAND system.

Edited by vilus on Saturday 28th September 01:22

[Blu3R]

Apologies to the OP for detracting from the original question but thank you for the replies. As my paperwork is in my safe and not very accessible right now, can anyone link me to the window and steering reset procedure?

[P.Nott]

Why should you not put the main battery on a battery conditioner as well as the auxiliary battery? I can't see why this would cause any problems.

Sorry, that is a general query rather than directly concerning the OP's query as I understand he doesn't have power in the garage where the car is.

[vilus]

To reset the windows simply lower them all the way and hold button for approx three seconds, then raise them all the way and hold the button for three seconds. To reset the steering, with the engine idling and vehicle stationary turn from lock to lock a couple of times.

A pdf. of the manual can be downloaded from here....

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/service_and_parts/ow...

Click on the tab for your model year, and select the model from the dropdown box and save file to your PC.

The dual battery setup in an SL is different from other models. The front battery is used for starting the engine only. If it needs more power it can draw from the consumer battery in the boot. It is the boot battery which is the 'MAIN' battery and powers all the electrical systems on the R230 SL. This is why you should ONLY JUMPSTART the car from the front starter battery.

If the vehicle is connected to a CTEK battery conditioner the system should stay fully charged and the electrical systems active in sleep mode. Most CTEK have convenience connectors which you leave on the battery, and just plug in the conditioner unit when you park it up. You do not need to disconnect the battery. There would be no need for an additional charger/conditioner on the front starter battery as there is no drain until you turn the key/use starter button, and it can receive charge from the rear consumer battery if needed.

Here is a link to a pdf for the Dual Battery System...

http://www.mercedestechstore.com/pdfs/507%20System...

Edited by vilus on Sunday 29th September 20:18