Thanks for all of the help on my charging system problems. Finally got it fixed yesterday by replacing my new rebuilt alternator. For others that may experience charging problems, here are some lessons learned.

1. Just because it's newly remanufactured alternator, doesn't mean it works.
2. No battery light, and no brake pad light means bad alternator.
3. When you hear hoof beats, think horses are coming not zebras... The most obvious symptom I had was a bad alternator, I refused to believe it until I pulled it and had it checked.
4. Folks in this forum are great, listen to what they have to tell you.

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1989 300E
103,500 miles

1982 300SD
Sold but not forgotten