What does “Stop vehicle and leave engine running” mean in Mercedes-Benz?
When you’re driving around town in a quality Mercedes-Benz car, you never expect anything to go wrong. That’s why it was such a surprise to see the message “Stop vehicle and leave engine running” appear on the information screen.
What does this mean, and should you stop driving?
In this guide, we’ll explain what this Mercedes warning message means. We’ll explain the causes and give you some tips on how to solve them. You might be surprised to find out that most potential problems aren’t that difficult to solve. Below we also have a section with some frequently asked questions and answers.
What does the message “Shut off vehicle and leave engine running” mean on my Mercedes-Benz?A fault that displays the message “Shut off vehicle, shift into P position and leave engine running” on your Mercedes-Benz dashboard means that your battery voltage is low. However, there are a few possible causes for low voltage, so you’ll need to run a full diagnosis to find out what’s wrong.
The “Shut off vehicle and leave engine running” warning can occur on all modern Mercedes from model year 2015 onwards. It doesn’t matter whether you’re driving a C300, C43 AMG, GLA, G-Class or E300.
Running the engine for 10 minutes may charge the battery to the correct level and reset the message automatically. However, you’ll need to get to the root of the problem to stop it from happening again. What causes the Mercedes-Benz “Shut off vehicle and leave engine running” warning?
The main problem with this Mercedes-Benz warning is low voltage, but there are a few reasons for it. It could simply be that the battery is dead or has failed. Additionally, a faulty generator or faulty wiring could cause the same problem.
Here are the four most common reasons why you might see this Mercedes warning message:
1. Discharged Battery
Your car’s battery is responsible for starting your engine and running your electronics. This 12V battery is charged using the alternator while you’re driving. However, accidentally leaving your headlights on or operating your accessories with the engine running can drain your battery.
Storing your vehicle without plugging it into a trickle or maintenance charger can also discharge your battery. If you don’t drive it enough to keep the battery charged, your car will eventually break down.
2. Starter or auxiliary battery failure
If your battery seems to be failing despite having driven a fair amount of distance, it may be old and should be replaced. Most car batteries only last 3-5 years under the best conditions.
Most Mercedes-Benz cars use two batteries, a starter battery and an auxiliary battery. If one of these batteries fails, you may see this warning message. We’ll cover this in more detail later in this article. Usually, when the battery is empty, a warning signal will appear. Then the engine will have difficulty starting. In addition, the lights may dim and accessories may start to react erratically.
3. Alternator failure
As already mentioned, the battery is charged by the car’s alternator while driving. If this part fails, you will not be able to charge your battery. Many people don’t realize their generator has failed until they replace the battery and experience the same results.
Most generators last over 100,000 miles. In most cases, you won’t need to replace your generator every 7 years.
4. Faulty wiring
The battery and alternator are parts of the electrical system that require maintenance. First, the battery terminals can corrode, causing problems with the connections. Battery corrosion can make the connections less secure, which can cause problems starting and operating any kind of accessory.
In addition, there are cables and connections that run from the alternator to the battery and from the battery to the starter motor. If any of these connections fail, it can cause voltage issues and turn on your Mercedes warning light.
How to fix “Shut off vehicle and leave engine running” message on Mercedes Benz In most cases, the “Shut off vehicle and leave engine running” message is not serious and there is no need to worry. If it is related to the battery or charging system, the solution is simple. You should first charge or replace the battery. Then you should make sure it maintains a charge or contact a professional for further assistance.
If you want to diagnose or fix the problem yourself, follow these steps:
1. Charge the battery
If your battery isn’t charging, you may need to boost the voltage. If it’s completely dead, you may need to jumper the battery. You may then see a message appear until the battery is fully charged. The best way to charge your car battery is by driving on the highway. Plan to drive on the highway for at least 20 minutes per week to keep your battery charged.
Additionally, you can also charge your battery using a home battery charger or trickle charger. These options are best if you don’t plan on driving your car for a while.
We recommend reading your vehicle’s service manual before working on your battery. It’s important to know how many batteries your car has, where they’re located, and how to properly charge them.
2. Replace the Battery
If charging the battery doesn’t fix the problem, or if the problem continues, you may need to replace the battery. Most auto parts stores will check the battery’s charge to see if it’s dead, or you can test it with a multimeter.
As we’ve already mentioned, Mercedes-Benzes typically have two batteries: a main battery and an auxiliary battery. If one of these batteries fails, the vehicle can continue to run on the working battery, but you will see this warning message on the dashboard. Therefore, it is important to check the status of both batteries.
3. Maintain/charge your batteries frequently
As mentioned above, it is important to keep your batteries fully charged at all times. If you drive your car, there is no problem with this, but if you don’t drive much, you may need to get creative. Here are some tips to keep your battery at an optimal charge level:
– Protect connections from corrosion. Use a baking soda and water solution and a wire brush to remove corrosion.
– Drive your car on the highway for at least 20 minutes per week.
– If you can’t take long trips, plug in a trickle charger or maintenance charger.
– Inspect your battery regularly. If you notice any dents or defects, replace it.
Keeping your car battery in good condition isn’t difficult. In fact, it only takes a few minutes. But a dead battery could leave you stranded in an inconvenient place and having to wait for roadside assistance to jump-start your car. 4. Consult an Expert
If you have sufficient mechanical knowledge, servicing your car battery is probably second nature. After all, it is one of the first components we have to deal with when we start working on our cars.
Still, it’s okay to ask for help if you need it. If you don’t know why your battery is draining so often, it could be that something is working that shouldn’t be. Parasitic discharges can be hard to detect and may require professional help. In fact, these tricky issues have led to class action lawsuits on Mercedes vehicles. Find a trusted mechanic in your area who can fix your battery problem before it gets worse.
Can I drive my Mercedes when it says “Shut off vehicle and leave engine running”? If you see this warning message, we recommend that you follow the instructions. Stop and leave the engine running. Put your car in Park and turn off all unnecessary accessories. Make sure you are stopped in a safe place while you wait for the message to go away.
Can I change my Mercedes battery myself? Changing the battery is easy in most Mercedes cars. However, high-performance models have smaller hoods, making their designs unique. The batteries in these cars can be hard to find and hard to replace, so you may need the help of a qualified mechanic.
Why do Mercedes have two batteries? Many Mercedes models feature a dual battery design. One is the main starter battery located in the trunk of the vehicle, and the other is usually located under the hood. Some luxury models have such high power requirements that they require two batteries to power them.
Nobody wants to see a warning message on their dashboard. Even we, as experienced mechanics, know firsthand how stressful a situation like this can be. But Mercedes-Benz’s “Shut off vehicle and leave engine running” warning might not be a big deal.
Often times, your car battery simply needs to be charged, and it just takes a little time. Otherwise, you may need to replace the battery or generator, but after that you should be in good condition. A full diagnostic will help you find the problem and get you back on the road without any warning messages.
