Hey guys-

So...I just got three parking tickets today because I can't solve this problem and move my car.

1982 240D was having electrical problems, turned out it needed a new voltage regulator. I replaced it...not sure if I put in the wrong part or if I put it in improperly (though I've done it several times before), but the new one blew out. I found it just hanging onto the alternator by one screw. So I replaced it with an old one I had around that I knew was the right part and worked. Great.

In the meantime, I had totally run down my battery, so took it inside to charge up. Battery was fully charged and warm. I had the car on an oil pan heater, since I don't have a block heater, for about 12 hours. I ran the glow plugs three times, then turned the ignition. The car sounded almost like it wasn't firing all cylinders...a weird sort of methodical chugging that wasn't even and didn't ignite. Sometimes it just takes a while when it's cold, so I held the ignition switch and floored the accelerator. All of the sudden all the electrical went dead. No glow plugs and nothing happens when I turn the ignition switch. I checked the fuses, they're all fine.

Help! I live in Northern Minnesota now and it's so cold and I have no garage. Is this going to be a really be PITA to diagnose? I'm considering just having it towed to a shop so someone can look at it where it's warm...but I've never had anyone else work on my car! What do you guys think?

Thanks for the help-

Deanna

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1976 300D 217k...an old car needin some love. (GONE OFF TO RUSTY CAR HEAVEN)

1982 240D probably something like 190,000 miles...was Old Yeller, but I changed the name to Buttercup

I would check all of your battery connections and grounds. if you have any bolt on battery ends throw them away and buy a new cable with a molded end. I have had trouble with them corroding in there so i stopped using them years ago. do you have lights? or is everything dead?

Hmmm,
From your description, the alternator sure sounds suspicious. Why would the voltage regulator be hanging? Maybe the armature is shot or the alternator is somehow damaged internally.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Since you just had the battery out, I'd say the battery cables lack a good connection.
By the way, a lower radiator hose is much better than an oil pan heater and only take about an hour to install.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Join AAA (one of the Auto Clubs) so they you can get some free Towing (cheaper than parking tickets).

Check the Batter Cables and Ground Strap.
Hook up a Remote Starter Switch to your Starter Solenoid. On clip will go to a good + Battery Source and the other will go on the Small Wire that connects to the Starter Solenoid.
Someone else will have to suggest how to activate you Glow Plugs.
That should get your Engine cranking.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Thanks everyone.

These battery cables have given me trouble in the past, so first thing tomorrow I'm going to check them- hoping that solves the electrical issue, although the wiring harness on the starter was also sketchy in the past so thanks for the remote starter tip. I think my second line of action is to check the glow plugs. The way it was firing sounded like one or two plugs might be out....I might just replace them all for good measure. Hoping it's not the relay...I just replaced that a year and a half ago.

And I just joined AAA last week! So if this doesn't work, I'm getting it towed.

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1976 300D 217k...an old car needin some love. (GONE OFF TO RUSTY CAR HEAVEN)

1982 240D probably something like 190,000 miles...was Old Yeller, but I changed the name to Buttercup