I really need some help. Car died on me - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

spree17 · #1 05-20-2009, 02:27 AM

I have a 1993 190e 2.6liter 6cyl
I started the car and the battery seemed weak when starting. I replaced the battery 2 years ago. As I'm driving within minutes the gauge lights inside seemed dim as did the outside headlights. Then my abs and other idiot lights flashed while driving. That scared me. I had to park and turn the car off. The car started back up 10 minutes later but battery seemed weak again. Lights were dimmer. Abs and srs (maybe a mistake) lights came on. My radio shut itself off. I knew the car was going to die and it did. I had to push it a long way and luckily some nice people helped me. The battery did not have enough power to close the windows or move the windshield wipers. I will have to have AAA tow it to my house tomorrow (around 7 miles). It sounds like the alternator or the voltage regulator to me. Has anyone had similar symptoms? Any advice? How hard is it to replace an alternator or voltage regulator on my year and model car? I'm handy with a wrench but I'm not a mechanic. I really would appreciate any and all answers. Thanks in advance

professor · #2 05-20-2009, 02:49 AM

Battery was not charging or it's kaput.
Check your voltage regulator, alternator/dynamo, cable from alternator to battery.

spree17 · #3 05-20-2009, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by professor

Battery was not charging or it's kaput.
Check your voltage regulator, alternator/dynamo, cable from alternator to battery.

Thanks for the reply. This happened so suddenly. Battery was fine earlier today. What is a dynamo?

bobs · #4 05-20-2009, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spree17

What is a dynamo?

Another term for "generator."

Ferdman · #5 05-20-2009, 06:32 AM

spree17, sounds like classic symptoms of worn voltage regulator brushes. Remove the voltage regulator from the back of the alternator and check the length of the brushes. They are probably worn down to nubs. If so, simply install a new voltage regulator. You can buy a new one online for around $30.

Hirnbeiss · #6 05-20-2009, 06:50 AM

Disconnect the battery before removing the regulator.

spree17 · #7 05-20-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferdman

spree17, sounds like classic symptoms of worn voltage regulator brushes. Remove the voltage regulator from the back of the alternator and check the length of the brushes. They are probably worn down to nubs. If so, simply install a new voltage regulator. You can buy a new one online for around $30.

I pray that is the case. Thank you.

spree17 · #8 05-20-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hirnbeiss

Disconnect the battery before removing the regulator.

Thanks for the advice.

pawoSD · #9 05-20-2009, 07:57 AM

It is highly likely that it is the voltage regulator....if not then the worst it would be is the alternator itself. Should be a pretty easy repair.

I carry a spare voltage regulator in the glove box of my 300E just in case it decides to have that problem!

spree17 · #10 05-20-2009, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

It is highly likely that it is the voltage regulator....if not then the worst it would be is the alternator itself. Should be a pretty easy repair.

I carry a spare voltage regulator in the glove box of my 300E just in case it decides to have that problem!

Thanks. My first step is trying to get the car towed home today. Once I do then I can try to get to the voltage regulator to see if it is worn down. That sounds like the easiest and cheapest repair so I really hope that is the problem.

spree17 · #11 05-20-2009, 08:38 AM

Quick question. I dont know where the alternator on my year/model car is. Can I get to the voltage regulator from under the hood standing up or do I have to go under the car? Thanks in advance.

Cal Learner · #12 05-20-2009, 09:38 AM

On your 103 motor, the alternator/regulator assembly is on the right side front of the engine block. It'll look a bit different than the attached image, but you should spot it easily enough. No need to get under the car to get at it; should be able to access it from under the hood.

pawoSD · #13 05-20-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spree17

Thanks. My first step is trying to get the car towed home today. Once I do then I can try to get to the voltage regulator to see if it is worn down. That sounds like the easiest and cheapest repair so I really hope that is the problem.

If you have it towed be sure its on a flat bed tow truck only. Not the kind that drag the car with the rear wheels on the ground. Towing with the wheels on the ground can ruin the transmission.

spree17 · #14 05-20-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cal Learner

On your 103 motor, the alternator/regulator assembly is on the right side front of the engine block. It'll look a bit different than the attached image, but you should spot it easily enough. No need to get under the car to get at it; should be able to access it from under the hood.

Cal thanks so much for your help. Are you familiar with the 1993 190e model? I'm trying to find out if I need to tow it for sure. If I can access the voltage regulator from the top of the car I should be able to swap it out right in the parking lot. Please advise.

pawoSD · #15 05-20-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spree17

Cal thanks so much for your help. Are you familiar with the 1993 190e model? I'm trying to find out if I need to tow it for sure. If I can access the voltage regulator from the top of the car I should be able to swap it out right in the parking lot. Please advise.

I'm not sure how much room there is in the engine compartment of a 190, but on my W124/300E I can get at it pretty easily from above....if so, yes you could do it right on site. There's not much to it, just angle it in and out of the opening and fasten the two Phillips screws.

You'll probably still need to get a good jump start though if your battery is dead.