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Old 05-23-2000, 12:14 AM
John H's Avatar
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Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Posts: 57
First - great forum

Second - until today my 300E has never left me stranded (unlike most of the 70± other cars I've owned in the past 25 years). I was driving around town today in stop and go traffic with the A/C on max (it was 100° out)and the stereo about half cranked (150 watt system). After shutting the motor off the car would not restart. All I got was a solenoid click. Fortunately I was at a gas station and the attendant gave me a just and it fired right up.

When I got home I checked the battery. 13.3 volts at idle and 12.8 with the key off. Starts just fine now.

Does this appear to be an isolated incident (high heat, A/C and stereo on, low alt output from stop & go traffic) or is something else going on (battery, alternator, starter solenoid)?

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  #2  
Old 05-23-2000, 09:46 AM
Michael's Avatar
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Boston, USA
Posts: 2,701
Sounds like a sporadic alternator telling you it's time to replace it...I could be wrong but if your alternator's never been changed and it's a '93 or older car, I'd almost consider an alternator to be a maintenance item.

Don't know what year your car is, but 300Es had sorta weak alternators and it's very little trouble upgrading...I know it's been discussed on this Forum. Had I known I'd have installed a larger alternator in my wagon, as a 275 watt system is going in there soon (and I may need to install a capacitor, since my alt. only puts out 65 watts or so; I suggest you check your owner's manual).

Best of luck

------------------
Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE
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  #3  
Old 05-23-2000, 11:30 AM
J.HIDALGO's Avatar
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Jax, FL
Posts: 1,785
Check the brushes of the voltage regulator. They are behind the alternator, held by two screws, easy and cheap fix (if that is the problem). How old is your battery?
Good luck!
J.H.
86 300e
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Old 05-23-2000, 09:51 PM
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Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: Suwanee, GA, USA
Posts: 4,712
When this happened to a customer of mine, I installed a diesel alternator on the 300E and it worked fine. You have to slightly correct the wires (2) of them. It will bolt on.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
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MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
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