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The auxiliary battery is a backup for the main battery. It does a number of jobs depending on what model of car it’s installed in. These range from powering electrical accessories like the radio/infotainment to operating the engine stop-start system.
Can I drive my car with a failed auxiliary battery?
It’s not recommended to drive when you’re experiencing issues with your auxiliary battery. However, it does not put you in any immediate danger as long as you don’t notice a decline in the overall handling and performance of your car.
What happens when the auxiliary battery dies?
Having a battery that is dead will result in you not being able to crank the car when needed. Usually, the car will run once it has been jumped off, but will quickly die back out after it is turned off. Once the alternator stops, the cells in the battery will not be able to hold a charge and will cut off.
Is an auxiliary battery necessary?
For most diesel engines, having two batteries is essential due to the number of components that need power. When the main battery is depleted, the auxiliary battery will kick in and continue to charge the car as needed.
Can auxiliary battery be recharged?
The auxiliary battery pack is integrated into the vehicle’s on-board supply system. While driving, both batteries can then be recharged via the alternator.
Why do Mercedes have two batteries?
Why do Mercedes-Benz vehicles have two batteries? Two batteries are needed because it has too many electrical demands. The main starting battery is in the trunk and the secondary battery is located under the hood, near the windshield. The Mercedes auxiliary battery provides voltage to the stop/start function.
How long does auxiliary battery last?
Properly cared for and maintained, you can expect anywhere from 18 months to 3 years of life from an auxiliary 12-volt battery. Much will depend on frequency of use, and how well the battery is protected. Rough roads can cause the cells to break down, reducing the lifespan.
How do I know if my auxiliary battery is bad?
Symptoms. When the main battery dies, the car won’t start. The car starts when the auxiliary battery dies, but an auxiliary battery malfunction appears on the dashboard. In most cases, the car runs and drives fine even with a bad auxiliary battery.
Can an auxiliary battery drain the main battery?
other accessories continue to draw power when the engine is off. However, simply wiring extra batteries into a vehicle’s electrical system can allow auxiliary batteries to drain power from the main battery, inhibiting engine starting and other essential functions.
What causes an auxiliary battery malfunction?
The auxiliary battery is a backup for the main battery. Like the main battery, the auxiliary battery is charged when the engine is running. And just like that battery, it lasts around four to six years. When it can’t hold a charge the computer pops up that malfunction message.
What does AUX mean on a alternator?
An auxiliary wound excitation system on an AC alternator works by having a separate second winding embedded into the main stator winding. This winding is used to independently power the AVR.
Why do cars have auxiliary batteries?
Battery function The auxiliary battery on internal combustion engine vehicles is connected to the vehicles electrical system but isolated from the starter circuit. It prevents the voltage drop caused by engine starting from affecting the operation of the electrical system and ensures reliable cold starting.
What does an accessory battery do?
Auxiliary Battery Overview Auxiliary batteries vary in size and specification dependent on the demands placed on it by the vehicle electrical system and can be used as a safety back-up to support the main battery when required or to provide voltage for specific vehicle systems all of the time.
Does the alternator charge the auxiliary battery?
Every vehicle has an alternator. You can easily use your alternator to charge your second (auxiliary) battery simply by connecting the positive terminals of both batteries so that they’re in parallel.
Can you trickle charge an auxiliary battery?
The main and aux battery are basically on a parallel circuit to each other. Trickle charging to the the main battery hookup will eventually charge both batteries.
How long does it take to charge an auxiliary battery?
“ IF “ the battery is that low then to charge the battery up while driving will probably take at least 5 or 6 hours just to get the bulk of the charge back into the battery. To fully charge it will probably take 8 to 10 hours.
What is Mercedes auxiliary battery for?
Auxiliary batteries work with your main starter battery, and as a backup battery in the event the main battery becomes disabled. It prevents your vehicle’s electrical components from dropping when starting/stopping your engine and keeps your radio, GPS, and other in-vehicle electrical components turned on.
How much does a Mercedes battery cost?
How Much Does a Mercedes-Benz Battery Cost? Car batteries range between $75 and $120 for most vehicles. If you have a premium battery, costs could exceed $200. Hybrid car batteries have a much bigger job, which means they’re much more expensive and can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $6,000.
What does W211 auxiliary battery do?
The main battery in W211 models is located in the center of the trunk, mounted in a well, below the trunk carpet. The auxiliary battery supplies power for a limited time if system charging or battery voltage drops. The battery control module monitors system voltage.
How much does it cost to replace an auxiliary battery in a Mercedes?
On average the auxiliary battery replacement will cost between $200 and $300 with parts and labor.
Is auxiliary battery covered under warranty?
New Member. Auxiliary battery isn’t covered in the extended warranty.