Sometimes it charges, sometimes it doesn't. - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cirrusman · #1 03-29-2011, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

3 minutes of glow time is not normal. I had to deal with an intemittent charge issue for about a year. I replaced the voltage regulator which worked for a while, then it would charge intermittently again, then I found the 3 pin harneed connector where the spades was loose and not making good contact. I always wanted a higher amperage alternator so bought a new one for $100 and have been trouble free knock on wood since.

Pull out your 3 prong connector and stick a single spade in each of the connections and if any feels loose, there's your problem!

That sounds reasonable... I'll check the alt. It's new, but I thing it's Chop-Suey-made, so it wouldn't surprise me if it had loose connectors already. I didn't know that the plugs would pull amperage for that long, but if it's normal then there's something wrong with mine since it draws too much current to the point of draining the battery completely after a couple days... I'll check and report.

vstech · #2 03-29-2011, 12:55 PM

I think they are standard on 90 and up diesels, but I do not know for sure.
I know you can order "afterglow" controllers for those cars with less than perfect compression...

patbob · #3 03-29-2011, 09:34 PM

When the alt ground fails, you'll get no charging and no alt indicator light. The lights might dim a bit as they start running off the battery at ~12V instead of the alt at ~14V. In my case (different car), the wire had corroded away from the push lug. Not even 65+ MPH saved the day.

Wedding days can be so much fun.

funola · #4 03-29-2011, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patbob

When the alt ground fails, you'll get no charging and no alt indicator light. The lights might dim a bit as they start running off the battery at ~12V instead of the alt at ~14V. In my case (different car), the wire had corroded away from the push lug. Not even 65+ MPH saved the day.

Wedding days can be so much fun.

AFAIK, the alt is grounded through the case via the three 17 mm mounting bolts. I can't imagine how that ground can fail.