Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running [Causes for This Mercedes Warning Light] • Road Sumo

What if your Mercedes Benz displays a malfunction warning on the dashboard, saying, “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running”? Do you understand what it means? To understand it, you have to know the possible causes of this warning light.

When the warning “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” appears on the dashboard of a Mercedes Benz vehicle, there is most likely a problem with the car battery. There are many reasons why this happens, some of which are the following:

Leaving Lights on for Too Long
Excessive Use of Accessories
Parasitic Drains
Faulty Alternator
Bad Voltage Regulator
Battery No Longer Holds a Charge

Read on to learn more about this warning light commonly encountered by Mercedes Benz vehicle owners.

Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running

There is an issue with your car battery if you notice the warning “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” appears on the dashboard of your Mercedes Benz vehicle. Some of the reasons why this happens are the following:

Leaving Lights on for Too Long
Excessive Use of Accessories
Parasitic Drains
Faulty Alternator
Bad Voltage Regulator
Battery No Longer Holds a Charge

Below, we’ll briefly discuss each of these causes.

1. Leaving Lights on for Too Long

Leaving the car lights on for too long is one of the reasons why the car battery becomes defective. It tends to drain the auxiliary battery.

When the car battery delivers power to the headlights, it can cause energy drainage. You can fix this by jumpstarting the battery with a handy portable jump starter. However, if you continue to leave the car lights on for too long, it will most likely shorten your car battery’s lifespan.

2. Excessive Use of Accessories

You might eventually encounter a faulty battery if you permanently attach excessive electronics to your car’s auxiliary outlets. An example of this is if there are five of you in the car and all of you are charging smartphones simultaneously. You use a USB extension port to make this possible.

While the car radio is also turned on, doing so is not advisable, especially when driving short distances. It will not efficiently charge your smartphones or other electronic devices.

Also, you are simply wasting your car battery. Worse, the “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” warning light might come on sooner or later.

3. Parasitic Drains

The “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” error can also result from a parasitic drain resulting from different factors. It can be due to glove box lights that do not properly turn off even when the door is closed. The same case can happen regarding your car’s trunk lights, underhood lights, and headlights.

4. Faulty Alternator

Battery failure can also result from a defective alternator, leading to the “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” error. The alternator primarily supplies power to the car’s system.

It is capable of converting engine power into electrical energy. Such power is responsible for recharging the auxiliary battery.

If the alternator is defective, it can drain the battery repeatedly every time the car is started. This will eventually cause battery failure.

A defective or corroded alternator diode will erroneously charge the circuit. This happens even if the car’s engine is off. Unfortunately, this occurrence drains the car battery and causes the vehicle not to start.

5. Bad Voltage Regulator

If you happen to encounter the warning “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” with your Mercedes Benz, there is a chance that it has a bad voltage regulator. If your car’s voltage regulator burns out, the battery will not be capable of charging anymore. This will cause the battery to die eventually.

The voltage regulator ensures that steady charging voltage and power are efficiently delivered to the car battery. It is also responsible for providing sufficient voltage and power to other electronic components.

6. Battery No Longer Holds a Charge

If the “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” warning pops up on the dashboard of your Mercedes Benz, there’s a likelihood that the problem is literally with the battery. The other parts of your car may all be in good condition. The car battery itself may be the only issue.

Check your car’s main battery. Before replacing it with a new one, try to recharge it and see if it will still work. You might still be able to use it for all you know, and there might not be any need to buy a brand new one.

What to Do If “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” Appears on the Dashboard

what does stop vehicle leave engine running

If the warning “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” appears on the dashboard, what are you supposed to do?

Drive Slowly and Carefully as You Pull Over

If you encounter this, drive slowly and carefully as you pull over to the side. Make sure that you are stopping at a safe place. Then, shift to P or shift to Park Mode.

This is why in some cases, the warning says “Stop Vehicle Shift to P Leave Engine Running,” instead of a mere “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running.” That way, it will not slip your mind to shift to park mode.

Turn Off All the Lights, AC, Among Others

The next thing to do is turn off all the lights, the air conditioning system, the radio, and all the other things that use the car battery. But do not turn off the car engine.

Let the Car Idle for 20 to 30 Minutes

Let your Mercedes Benz idle for about 20 to 30 minutes. Doing so will allow the car battery to recharge. If you have the chance, you can also eventually drive down the highway, where you can drive the car fast. That way, the car battery will also charge more quickly.

Replace Car Battery If Warning Does Not Disappear

If the warning does not disappear, then it means that the battery fails to charge. You might need to replace it with a new one, or there might be other factors that prevent the car battery from charging.

What to Do If “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” Appears on the Dashboard of Your Mercedes Benz

Here are things you can do if the warning “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” appears on the dashboard of your Mercedes Benz car:

Recharge the Car Battery
Use a Trickle Charger
Replace the Car Battery

1. Recharge the Car Battery

Have you been driving your Mercedes Benz car with the same battery for years? If yes, it should not surprise you to see the warning “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” appear on your car’s dashboard.

If you encounter this, there’s a big chance you need to either recharge or replace your car battery.

This error is commonly found in Mercedes Benz vehicles manufactured from 2015 onward. Some of the models that form part of these are C180, C250, C43 AMG, C200, E300, GLC300, and C300.

Check Whether You Can Still Charge the Battery

Before you even decide to buy a brand new car battery, it is best to check if the battery can still be recharged:

Park your car somewhere safe.
Then, turn off everything that consumes the battery except the car engine.
Let the engine run continuously. But turn off the air conditioning system, the car radio, and the exterior and interior lights. If you are charging electronic devices, you have to remove the wires or disconnect them. That way, there will be no hindrances in the battery charging process.
Continue to run the engine for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Then, try to drive it fast if it is possible. If you can go down the highway, drive your Mercedes Benz fast. But make sure not to exceed the speed limit. This will help you recharge your car battery faster.

2. Use a Trickle Charger

Cheaper Option Than Immediately Buying a Brand New Car Battery

In case the battery of your Mercedes Benz still does not charge, you can use another method for recharging the car battery. A trickle charger is another cheaper option than immediately buying a brand new car battery.

Connect the Trickle Charger Cables

If you apply this method, there’s no need to keep the car engine running. Connecting the trickle charger cables is similar to connecting the positive and negative wires when jumpstarting a car.

Switch the Charger On

Once all cables are correctly attached, you may now switch the charger on. It is best to read the battery’s manual and the trickle charger’s manual before conducting this method. That way, you will be familiar with the proper settings and be able to charge the car battery successfully.

3. Replace the Car Battery

If the two charging methods are unsuccessful, maybe it is time to replace the car battery with a brand new one. Buying a brand new battery will undoubtedly be costly. But it will save you a lot of headaches and inconveniences.

Again, what is the cause of a Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running Warning on the dashboard? Some of the causes of the Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running Warning on the dashboard include a drained battery, a battery that cannot hold a charge, a faulty alternator, a failing voltage regulator, or excessive electronic accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions – Why does the “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” Warning Light Appears?

why does my mercedes says stop vehicle leave engine running

Some frequently asked questions about the “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” warning:

Why Does My Mercedes Say Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running?

If the warning “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” appears on the dashboard of your Mercedes Benz vehicle, it means that the car battery is not sufficiently charging. The warning is telling you what to do. In which case, you have to carefully pull over to the side and leave the engine running.

Except for the engine, make sure to turn everything else off. This includes the car stereo, the air conditioning system, and the lights. Make sure to remove the charging cables if you charge your electronic devices. You have to turn off everything that consumes the battery.

How Long Does a Mercedes Battery Last?

The battery of a Mercedes Benz is expected to last for a maximum of 4 years. Some say it can even last for more than four years if not abused and adequately maintained.

What Kind of Battery Does Mercedes Use?

The majority of the Mercedes Benz models are equipped with the AGM H8 battery. If you are looking for a replacement battery, it will most likely form part of the Group 49 AGM Battery.

The ideal batteries for Mercedes Benz vehicles are the absorbed glass mat (AGM) ones. These batteries offer a high accessory load for vehicles in this class.

How Much Does a Mercedes Battery Cost?

Mercedes Benz batteries typically range between $75 and $120. But the cost of the premium battery for Mercedes Benz will most likely exceed $200.

When it comes to Mercedes Benz hybrid cars, the battery is even more expensive. It can range between $1000 and $6000.

Can You Jump a Mercedes-Benz?

The latest Mercedes Benz models are equipped with terminals for jumpstarting. If your Mercedes Benz does not have these, you can instead attach clamps directly to the battery. The positive clamp, which is generally red, should be connected to the positive terminal of the running battery.

What Is an Auxiliary Battery?

The auxiliary battery refers to the backup of the main battery. It also has several functions that depend on the vehicle’s model and make. These functions include powering electrical accessories and operating the engine’s stop-start system.

What Does It Mean When It Says Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running on a Mercedes?

If the warning “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” appears on the dashboard of your Mercedes Benz, it means that its battery is not holding a charge anymore. In which case, you have to test the car battery. Check if it can still be recharged. If not, replace it with a brand new one.

There are, however, other reasons why the battery no longer holds a charge. It can be that there are excessive electronic devices connected to the auxiliary outlets. Also, your car might have a faulty alternator or broken voltage regulator. A loose battery connection or ground is also possible.

How Do I Lock My Mercedes While Running?

If you want to lock your Mercedes while the engine is running, the blade key in the key fob can do the trick. While the car engine is running, you can remove the blade key from the key fob.

Then, open the driver’s door, and lock the other doors using the button on the center dash. Use the driver’s door to get back in.

Is Battery Covered under Mercedes Warranty?

Typically, the battery coverage starts on the same date as the vehicle’s warranty. The length of battery coverage is usually up to six years or 62,000 miles, whichever comes first.

How Do You Know If Your Car Needs a New Battery?

There are several signs if your car already needs a replacement:

It struggles to fight seasonal challenges,
Your vehicle has been sitting for too long,
The car struggles when starting, and
Car battery is older and triggers a dashboard light.

In the case of the Mercedes Benz, the warning “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” may appear on the dashboard. This means that the car battery is no longer holding a charge.

In which case, you have to stop the car to let the battery charge. Your car most likely needs a brand new battery if it fails to charge.

What Are Signs of Alternator Going Out?

There are several signs of a bad alternator. These include having dim or overly bright lights, a dead battery, or slow or malfunctioning accessories. If you have trouble starting the car or the engine stalls, these are also symptoms of a bad alternator.

Whining or growling noises, the smell of burnt rubber or wires, and the battery warning light on the dashboard are also signs of a bad alternator.

Do I Need to Drive the Car after Changing Battery?

After jumpstarting a car or if your car’s dashboard flashes the warning “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running,” you have to keep the engine running for about 30 minutes. This is enough time to allow the alternator to sufficiently charge the battery.

What Happens When the Alternator Goes Bad?

If your Mercedes Benz car has the warning “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” on the dashboard, there is a possibility that its alternator has gone bad.

A bad alternator fails to keep the car battery sufficiently charged. In which case, the fuel injectors may fail to fire, which will cause the engine to stall. Also, a bad alternator can result in other electrical issues. It is essential to address this issue immediately before everything gets worse.

In Closing: What “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” Means

Once the warning “Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running” appears on the dashboard of your Mercedes Benz, there is undoubtedly an issue with its battery.

Here are some of the reasons why this happens:

Leaving Lights on for Too Long
Excessive Use of Accessories
Parasitic Drains
Faulty Alternator
Bad Voltage Regulator
Battery No Longer Holds a Charge

If you encounter this, carefully pull over to the side and choose an area where you can safely park. Exhaust all means to recharge your car battery. If it fails to hold a charge, you must buy a brand new battery.

The bottom line is, don’t panic if you see this warning. That way, you will have a presence of mind as you try to troubleshoot and address the issue.