Alternator??
 

We just got back from lunch and when I pulled my 1991 300E into the garage and noticed that the ABS light and the SRS light was on, I turned the car off and tried restarting it and it sounded as though it was not getting enough juice to give it a good turnover. I let it sit for a couple of minutes and tried turning it over again, same thing (wuhuh, wuhuh). The next time I tried itit started but repeating the start procedure it went back to the juice issue.

Anyone else had similar problems? Please let me know.

Lisa :eek:

Sounds more like a failing battery. Alternators typically die a slower death.

What did the 300E have for lunch? :D

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

How many miles has your car got? Mine had a similar problem and it was the alternator regulator on it's last legs.

Obtain a VOM(voltage ohm meter). Set it on the DC 20 scale. Place red lead on battery + post; place black lead on battery - post.

Fully charged battery reads at least 12.60 volts. Less than 12.60v does not means battery is shot, it just means it's not fully charged.

As Sixto pointed out, your battery may be gone. This test will tell the tale.

Less than 12.60v does not mean battery is shot, just means it's not fully charged...
 

...then start the car (with all accessories off). If the voltage remains at 12.6V or just slightly over, then you have an alternator problem. A good charging system puts out 14.4V and nominally, 13.5V.

If the alternator is the culprit, your model year contains the early alternator unit that has the removable voltage regulator/armature brushes component.

This is a good thing as you may not have to replace the whole alternator. When the brushes wear out, your alternator can't do it's job effectively...it's an $85 fix versus $250... ;)