On our recently acquired 1997 E300 Diesel, we just received this indicator on the instrument panel: Battery Charge. According to the manual, it says that may indicate that the poly V belt has broken. What is a poly V Belt? Am I able to tell if this belt is broken? Everything looks normal underneath.... Thanks - wanted some advice before I look stupid in front of the MB mechanics!

ok... Open the hood, and find the alternator. See if theres a belt going to it... If there is, and its not fraied, broken, or ruined, it will do something.

How old is the battery?


If the belt and battery were good, a new voltage regulator or alternator would fix it... or should anyways
voltreg is $20
opening your hood and inspecting the belts isnt

Do that, be happy

~Nate

__________________
95 Honda Shadow ACE 1100.
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso. 2.4 swap, 10.5 to 1 comp, big cams. Autocross time attack vehicle!
2012 Escape, 'hunter" (5 sp 4cyl)

Also called the Serpentine belt. Just a couple inches aft of the Radiator. Sounds like you have an owners manual. On page # 144 of the 1998 manual is a nice drawing of the Poly-V belt and the components it drives. This page is listed under "Layout of Poly-V Belt drive" in the index. Belt should be pretty taut and no flopping around at all.
Paul
______
98 E300