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March 4, 2026 Service bulletin

Yellow information message in driver display (instrument cluster): "Switch on motor to charge the 12V battery"

Mercedes-Benz technical service bulletin LI54.10-P-073164 for 2017-2026 Mercedes-Benz C300, 2020-2026 Mercedes-Benz E350 and 2016-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 and others.

Bulletin number
LI54.10-P-073164
Component
Electrical system
Summary
Complaint Yellow information message in driver display (instrument cluster): "Switch on motor to charge the 12V battery" Cause The state of charge (SOC) of the 12V battery has dropped to 45% or less. Remedy This warning message appears as soon as the state of charge (SOC) of the 12V primary battery drops below 45%. This message is displayed to safeguard the vehicle's starting ability. At the same time as the display appears in the instrument cluster, customers with a linked Mercedes me connect account also receive a push notification via the app/by email (if this function is activated). The battery must be charged to a state of charge (SOC) of at least 50%. To do this, an external charger can be connected (please comply with AR54.10-P-1133S) or the vehicle can be driven (by the customer) for 30 to 60 minutes. Please make customers aware of how the vehicle behaves: • If the vehicle is used for short journeys, the battery state of charge may slowly drop to less than 45% – a negative charge balance • A negative charge balance will also occur if the vehicle is used while stationary without running the engine, e.g. if the head unit is used, the ignition is switched on, or other comfort & convenience power consumers, e.g. seat heating/seat ventilation, are active. • An unlocked vehicle may increase consumption, because certain vehicle functions are actively kept ready for the customer. In combination with Keyless-Go or flush-mounted door handles, the vehicle may be woken up if the vehicle key is detected in the vicinity of the vehicle. The cause of the discharge can be identified with the aid of the onboard electrical system data in the EZS using XENTRY Diagnosis. See attached examples for identifying typical customer situations (e.g. operation with ignition on, operation of head unit while stationary or vehicle unlocked while parked). Vehicles with code B01+801: When charging while stationary, the 48V battery must have a state of charge (SOC) of 70% before the 12V primary battery, or the secondary battery in the case of code 503, can be charged. To ensure optimum battery care, please also comply with the existing Service Information documents regarding the handling of stock vehicles (SI54.10-P-0024A) and on remaining in transport mode (SI54.00-P-0004A) until immediately before handover to end customers. Special note: Do not replace any parts, if the message has occurred due to battery discharge as a result of the driving profile or the ignition being switched on (see attached examples); in such cases separate warranty and goodwill invoicing is not possible, as this is a normal on-board electrical system protection function. Likewise battery care and recharging do not qualify as a W&G case. Please advise customers accordingly regarding the above-mentioned issues relating to vehicle use.

Owners of these vehicles have filed 775 complaints in the electrical category.

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