Twice in last few days, my 81 300D would not start because of dead battery. After starting, bat light glows very slight dimly. After first time, I tightened alt. belt slightly & prob., including light, cleared up for couple of days - possible coincidence. After second time, I replaced voltage reg/brush assembly - still had very dim bat light - probably would not notice the bat light if I were not looking for it. After I measured voltage of "0" at bat terminals with engine off, I installed new bat - Die Hard Int. Bat light still glows very dimly - can hardly see it; gets dimmer when I rev the engine a little. Voltage at bat terminals with engine idling = 13; engine off, 12. Is the dim light trying to tell me there may be a slight prob with alternator? Any tips? TIA

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Wilton Strickland
Goldsboro, NC
91 350 SDL. 81 300D

Your alternator will not last too much longer. I have seen this too and it will die on the road without the light coming on in some cases.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope :)
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks, Benzmac. 'Took it to alternator tech yesterday. When he unplugged wires/plug on back of alternator, the plug and wires came apart. He replaced bad plug and wires; system charging nicely now - normal light; proper voltage, etc.

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Wilton Strickland
Goldsboro, NC
91 350 SDL. 81 300D

I had the same thing happen to my 240D about 100,000 miles ago. I pryed the plastic cap off the alternator connector, found a loose wire, soldered it back, replaced cap. It's worked perfectly since.

One more alternator suggestion from someone who has put quite a number of them on my 123 cars. You are money ahead in the long run if you buy Bosch authorized rebuilts. I'll be surprised if you can't buy them from the Parts Shop here.

Good luck,


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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles