| My
Mercedes Alternator Charging System Is Not Working... |
Although
alternators fail, most charging system failures or intermittent
charging results from the regulator brushes wearing
out. These brushes should be checked every 75,000 miles
as preventive maintenance.
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| On
most Mercedes alternators, with internal voltage regulators,
the repair is quite simple and in many cases removal
of the alternator may not be required. The regulator
is located at the back of the alternator and is held
in by two screws. Be careful when removing the screws
not to touch any of the wiring posts and wires which
could cause a direct short. If you are careful this
should not be a concern. |
|
Remove
the 2 screws and pull the regulator back and out and
inspect the brushes. If they are only ¼ inch
long or if one brush is shorter than the other it
is time to change the regulator. Don't despair, they
are cheap.
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|
Installation
is easy. The brushes are spring loaded so they must
be compressed before you can install the new regulator.
What I used to do is compress the brushes on the new
regulator and tie them with dental floss. Install
the regulator with the 2 screws and then cut and remove
the string. Now all there is to do is to test that
the system is charging.
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By
the way, there are a lot of aftermarket regulators
out there. I would go with the Bosch. Maybe a couple
bucks more but it is worth it. If you change your
regulator periodically it may prevent you from taking
the shoe leather express home one night.
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