I checked the OVP and it looked good. Don't know how to test it, but it's the new one I believe (looks just like the one in FastLane online catalog with the single 15A fuse).

Problem now is a burning smell in the cabin while driving. It finally occured to me that it had an acidic smell to it. Ah-ha! The battery...which is in the trunk.

Got home, opened the truck lid and as I was lifting the trunk floor/cover, it was HOT! I pulled it up and I could feel the heat coming off the battery...could also here it cooling down...kind of a dripping noise. Scary

What's going on? Is it the alternator? I haven't checked the voltage at the battery, I wanted to go ahead and let it cool down tonight.

I was thinking with the starting problems I've been having and having to crank and crank and crank trying to get it started might have damaged something which in turn is causing the battery to over-charge.

Please help. Thanks.

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1994 C280 204k miles

Well, Casey, you just keep dithering about this and keep driving it and your troubles might be over when the thing catches fire and burns to the ground.

Park it until the cause is found, for crying out loud.

10-4. Actually, I have thought about one more drive to the indy shop to let it stay parked there. Problem is...it's a 40 mile drive.

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1994 C280 204k miles

Voltage regulator failure is common allowing the alternator to overcharge. Have seen as high as 18.5V & that causes all kinds of problems.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
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190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
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Retired Moderator

I found a thread with a link on how to replace a VR on a W126...are they similar to the w202?

Can someone assist in location alternator/regulator?

Thanks.

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1994 C280 204k miles