On my SL43 AMG, the brake hold function sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. Could the problem be a faulty battery?
When I tested the voltage of the battery while the engine was running, it was around 14.5 volts; however, after using the stop/start button, the voltage dropped to approximately 12.5 volts and has continued to gradually decrease since then. When the automobile has been resumed after a lengthy rest or overnight when the engine is cold and the stop/start function is critical owing to low engine temperature, the hold feature performs more dependably. This is the case when the engine is cold. When the automobile is brought to a halt, it is very difficult to get the hold function to operate after the stop/start mechanism has been activated.
Is it possible that the hold feature was turned off because the battery voltage was too low (about 12.5 volts)?
Intermittent use of the brake hold function
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From what I've seen and experienced, HOLD will always function while Start/Stop is active (whether the light is green or amber). HOLD continues to operate even if the driver deactivates the Stop/Start feature on the vehicle.
The only occasion that my car's HOLD function did not operate was when the Stop/Start feature was not operational owing to a low battery (for example, while I was participating in Covid).
Therefore, if HOLD isn't functioning when Stop/Start is active, I would suggest that there must be a fault somewhere, and the problem is not with the battery voltage. This is what I would answer if you asked me.
The only occasion that my car's HOLD function did not operate was when the Stop/Start feature was not operational owing to a low battery (for example, while I was participating in Covid).
Therefore, if HOLD isn't functioning when Stop/Start is active, I would suggest that there must be a fault somewhere, and the problem is not with the battery voltage. This is what I would answer if you asked me.
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BTW 12.5v is certainly low, the battery is plainly beyond its peak, but once again, if the Stop/Start mechanism is operational, then the voltage is also adequate for the HOLD function. This is despite the fact that the battery has clearly passed its peak. I've never seen a situation in which the HOLD button was inaccessible when the Stop/Start feature was active.