Problem Reports
Mercedes-Benz C320
Report: Dead Battery Due to Failed Seat Control Module
Mercedes-Benz C320 Problem
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Average Mileage: 86,237 mi (48,600 mi - 165,000 mi)
A dead battery can be caused by a faulty seat control module that does not properly shut down. Spilling liquids on the front seats can cause these modules to fail.
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Report #1Todra, 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, 100,000 mi
Rookiei have to unplug my front passenger seat so that the battery will not die. I was told by a mechaninc to just keep the seat unplugged until I am ready to fix it.
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Report #2
RookieBattery Drain. 1.3 amp draw on battery when vehicle is turned off draining battery very quickly. Likely the SCM's not "sleeping". This is ridiculous(fraudulent) considering the frequency and number of reports that these Seat Control Modules haven't been recalled and batterie charged or replaced at Mercedes Benz expense.
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Report #3
RookieDead battery due to failed seat module to mee too. I have have mercedes roadside come out and replace my battery 3 times, for which I had to purchase one, In a matter of one year. First they unplugged my passenger seat stating that it was draining my battery. The last or third time they replaced my battery they unplugged the drivers seat stated that too was draining my battery. I understand that this may have been a recall and I was never aware of the recall when I purchased this in 2002. Now I and a passenger in my car cannot adjust the seats. It would be good I get an apology from Mercedes and repair this!
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Report #4Visitor, 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, 125,000 mi
In 2005, I had my car towed due to the fact the alarm would go off due to low battery?? which was ultimately the result of failed seat control module. Cost ~600
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Report #5Visitor, 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320
i have same problem with my seat module causing dead battery on both side passenger and driver. I have to leave them unplugged to avoid the high cost repair.
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Report #6Visitor, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320, 113,000 mi
Same, same. Dead batteries due to Seat Module on passenger side. Had to unplug it.
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Report #7Visitor, 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, 128,000 mi
This has caused me unbelievable problems. Where and how do I fix it??
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Report #8Visitor, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320, 70,000 mi
Mechanic has traced my recurrent dead battery problem to the passenger seat module. It seems more than one owner has had this problem, why hasn't Mercedes Benz issued a recall? They continue to deny this is their problem!
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Report #9Visitor, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320, 50,500 mi
battery kept dying, replaced battery, problem returned after two days, diagnosed as bad seat module, was told only dealership could fix, this car has cost me a fortune
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Report #10Visitor, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320, 67,000 mi
bought two new batteries in a month.. After I drive it for a week the battery dies.
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Report #11Visitor, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320, 86,000 mi
Took it three times to dealer. Dealer replaced control panel and overhead control modules. No problem since, although the passenger seat control sometimes doesn't work. Annoying, but will live with it if it's $500 to really fix.
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Report #12Visitor, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320, 48,600 mi
Faulty seat control module. Quick fix published here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCt9RGJN54MFlag ThisLike | 6 people like this6 -
Report #13Visitor, 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, 61,000 mi
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Report #14Visitor, 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, 65,900 mi
Common problem. Dealer wanted $500 for a new seat module. Instead of buying the seat module I bought a $3 "momentary on button" at the auto parts store, cut the ground wire to the seat module and connected the ends to the "momentary on button." Then I mounted the momentary on button on the underside front of the seat. Adjusting the seat became a two-handed affair, holding the momentary on button with one hand while using the other hand to use the adjustment controls, slightly more complicated than original, but saved $500 by not buying the module. The momentary on button connected in this way interrupts the current to the module when it is not in use, that way you won't drain your battery.
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Report #15Visitor, 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, 65,000 mi
seat belt module failed in both driver and passenger seat at the same time. Repair cost $700 each. We only fixed driver side
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Report #16Visitor, 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320
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Report #17Visitor, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320, 82,000 mi
Exactly the same problem / estimate $600 +. Where's the recall.
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Report #18Visitor, 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, 98,000 mi
Not only 1 but 2...or the dealership scammed me on the second one.
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Report #19Visitor, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320, 54,800 mi
Car would not start and had AAA come in to jump the car. They said it was battery so replaced the battery. Less than a week later the car will not start gain. I see the same issue on BenzWorld.org for hundreds of folks upto 20 pages of listings...
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Report #20Visitor, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320, 165,000 mi
I have the same problem with my 2002 C320. After diagnosing the problem at the MB dealership, I was told that the power seat motor is draining my battery. Both seats. Come to find out that many other people have experienced the same problem.
I called Mercedes USA and they said that since the car is out of warranty, there is not much they can do. But if enough people call and tell them that they have this same problem, they will realize that this is a defective part and they will issue a recall and pay for necessary repairs.
Please call Mercedes USA and report this problem. 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372) or 201-476-6200
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