W210/OM606 Charging System Info Needed - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

KarTek · #1 12-02-2011, 10:04 PM

Guys, my car gave me a subtle hint that it needs some care by giving me a red "Battery Charge" warning on the MFD.

As I sat there idling, the warning would come on then, engine would give a little "grunt" as the alternator came back on line and the warning would go away.

Then, a few seconds later, the warning would return then go again in about a 15 second cycle. After doing this for about 5 minutes, it quit and returned to somewhat normal - or at least mostly. I think I'm detecting a slight fluctuation in the engine power and I can see the dish display dimming and flashing slightly.

Obviously the charging system is going south so I have a few questions:

A search reveals that I may have either a Valeo or Bosch alternator. How do I identify which one I have?

After I identify the alternator, is it possible to replace parts individually? Brushes, regulator, etc?

Thanks!

Jeremy5848 · #2 12-02-2011, 10:08 PM

The regulator and brushes are replaced as a unit. Cost is about $50 and is an easy DIY job. One cable to unplug and a couple of screws. Don't need to remove the alternator and it may not even matter which brand alternator you have. You should be able to source the regulator from FastLane.

Jeremy

KarTek · #3 12-02-2011, 10:38 PM

That sounds awesome, thanks!

jhunt253 · #4 12-03-2011, 08:30 AM

you might want to take off and replace the bearings, bring it over and we can clean up the commutator on the lathe.

thanks, hunt

KarTek · #5 12-03-2011, 12:47 PM

Hey, Joe, I'm still alive, just been sucked into home improvement projects for the past month. It's working now, I'm just going to keep an eye on it and see if it's a one time thing.

I think this alternator has an overrun on the pulley that might be crapping out.

I looked today in the good light and it's a Bosch. New reg/brush assembly is <$50.

TimFreeh · #6 12-03-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhunt253

you might want to take off and replace the bearings, bring it over and we can clean up the commutator on the lathe.

thanks, hunt

This is very good advice, while changing the brush/regulator pack is a very easy DIY fix its been my experience that if the commutator isn't refinished a bit the replacement brush pack will have a short service life (like 40-50K miles)