Very odd problem... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

harv190 · #1 11-05-2003, 08:28 AM

Hi guys, I have a problem with my 92' 2.3 190e. It seems to have difficulty starting when the outside temp. is below 0 deg C. I have done a couple of searches off this site (which is amazing!) but am not exactly sure what the problem is. Just to give you some background, I changed the battery and alternator last year mid-winter. At that time the problem cropped up a week or so after instalation of the new parts. I took both parts back and they checked out ok and i just kept the car in the garage. During the summer i had no probs, but then today the problem started up again.

I have read wherer the OVP can cause similar problems but noticed that the problem tends to occur when the car is warm. Do you think that the OVP can be the culprit again?

Thanks in advanace.

Harv

harv190 · #2 11-05-2003, 08:39 AM

ok got some more info,

Checked battery and voltage was 12V at rest and between 13.5 and 13.8V whith the car running. With all Aux components on (i.e fogs, radio, heater...) it dropped to a steady 12.35V. I also changed the belt and tensioner this summer so I don't think there is any belt slippage.

My sister just told me that the SRS light came on yesterday as she drove it around town , but that once she sped up it went away. No SRS light came on as I let it idle for 10mins after the boost.

The above voltage numbers came after I had to jump start the car with a boost. Prior to the boost the battery read 12V though. I am stumped so any help with be appreciated.

Thanks,

Harv

sbourg · #3 11-05-2003, 09:50 AM

Your alternator is barely charging, and your battery is low. When you check battery voltage while running, check at the posts, then at the clamps. If the readings are different, you have poor connections. Else, you likely have a problem with the alternator. Check belt tension for a bad tensioner, and pull the alternator to have it load tested.

Steve

BobK · #4 11-06-2003, 06:52 AM

Sounds like the voltage regulator is going bad. Follow the leads from the alt. to the terminal block near the battery. If you read below 13.2-13.6 there then figure on that being the problem. Very common. Had to replace one on my '87 300E few weeks back. Job is so simple I had daughter replace it (her car) while I supervised.