Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Tech Help

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-20-2006, 06:08 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 116
Help Needed Almost An Accident

Hi,

I was at a gas station today and when i got back in the car to start it up it would not turn over. The battery was in good shape but I feel the alternator has had it. After a jump start I managed to drive the 30 miles home but during the way I lost power in the windows, radio, and the tachometer to name a few finally right around the corner from my house the car died and due to no power in the steering I almost smashed another car.

My question is, is it the alternator for sure or could it be something else i dont know?

Thanks

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-20-2006, 06:19 PM
Gilly's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Evansville WI
Posts: 9,616
My bet would be the alternator, yes. If just the battery craps out, a jump start will get the engine started and then the alternator should keep you going all by itself. Although the battery can fail in such a way that the alternator is ineffective, I think this type of failure is referred to as a shorted battery or shorted plates. But I guess it's rare that they fail in this manner, but it's possible. If you can give the approximate age of the battery it would help. Also you should be listing which car you have, but I looked at your other posts and found it's a CLK320?? Could list this in your profile, that would make it easier too.
Gilly
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-20-2006, 06:21 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,160
Sounds like an alternator/regulator problem.
The reason you got 30 miles out of the jump-start proves, that your alternator was NOT charging the battery.
You only drove on " borrowed " ( from the boost ) time.
Remember, anything below @ 10 volts & ALL automotive electrical systems shut down.
__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-20-2006, 06:23 PM
Tomguy's Avatar
Vintage Moderator
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: near Scranton, PA
Posts: 5,411
Sounds like it. Could be a voltage regulator though. What kind of car is this?
__________________
Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-20-2006, 09:07 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 116
Sorry guys.

Its a 1987 300E. The CLK320 is my wifes car.

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-21-2006, 10:10 AM
865sp300e's Avatar
Talent Scout
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Yardley, PA
Posts: 318
300E voltage regulator

The same exact thing happened to me with my 1986 300E. It was the voltage regulator which is a quick, inexpensive, and easy fix. Do a search for details.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-21-2006, 10:56 AM
david s poole
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: dallas
Posts: 1,822
true it can be the voltage regulator[brushes worn down to zip]but the smart thing is to replace the alternator with bosch rebuilt because the shaft that the brushes ride on is also worn.
__________________
David S Poole
European Performance
Dallas, TX
4696880422

"Fortune favors the prepared mind"
1987 Mercedes Benz 420SEL
1988 Mercedes Benz 300TE (With new evaporator)
2000 Mercedes Benz C280
http://www.w108.org/gallery/albums/A...1159.thumb.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-21-2006, 02:34 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 10
With the engine running disconnect the battery. If the motor shuts off the alternator is bad, if it keeps running it is good.
That's how I always tested alternators without having to take it off the car and drag it to an auto parts store to have them test it.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12-21-2006, 05:04 PM
Tomguy's Avatar
Vintage Moderator
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: near Scranton, PA
Posts: 5,411
Quote:
Originally Posted by xan021 View Post
With the engine running disconnect the battery. If the motor shuts off the alternator is bad, if it keeps running it is good.
That's how I always tested alternators without having to take it off the car and drag it to an auto parts store to have them test it.
The car will also stall if the voltage regulator is bad.

__________________
Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:27 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page