Alternators In the bleak Midwinter

[stu]

On first starting my 2003 CLK 270 CDI I sometimes get the big red battery and the "visit workshop" message. No pattern I can identify (warm/cold/dry/damp - can be any of these)
It goes away in a minute leaving just a 1 malfunction message which disappears if switched off & restarted. Took it to my local indi who ran the tests and found it all perfect.
Rang the dealer who quoted £850 for replacing the alternator - parts & labour, which I think is a fair price for that job.

The problem is how do I demonstrate the fault. I could leave it at the dealers for a week and it never happen. Changing the alternator is the last thing I want to do at that price and it may not be the problem anyway.

Or should I just not worry. This weekend it did 500 miles perfectly and the message never comes on except at first start.

Incidently, am I right in thinking that all the controlling electrical bits are sealed into the alternator and nothing can be repaired without getting it all out with all the watercooling gubbins replumbed? There is a Bosch dealer about 3 miles away...

 

[Howard]

For £850 i'd just leave it until it actually needs doing ...

But that's just me, i haven't got £850 !!

 

[grober]

I am not familiar with your alternator but they can all be rebuilt/reconditioned with new rectifier/packs/control circuitry for a lot less than £850. I think you may just need a new starting battery?? A visit to a good car electrics specialist like your local bosch dealer should help to check everything out.

 

[Robbo]

I think you just need a new battery! Try that first.

 

[Benzowner]

I would go with the battery as well, but just for interest, what would the Indi charge to replace the alternator, after all it will probably be replaced with a genuine MB item.

 

[glojo]

I would go with the battery as well, but just for interest, what would the Indi charge to replace the alternator, after all it will probably be replaced with a genuine MB item.

If the independent your using is incapable of diagnosing the fault then I would steer clear. My thoughts would be taking it to somewhere like a Bosche outlet or a place that specialises in car electronics.

Shouldn't the car record the fault?

Regards
John

 

[television]

If the independent your using is incapable of diagnosing the fault then I would steer clear. My thoughts would be taking it to somewhere like a Bosche outlet or a place that specialises in car electronics.

Shouldn't the car record the fault?

Regards
John

Yes Bosch have some of the best test gear made for testing these things, they can also supply whats needed at half the MB price, their labour rate is also much lower than that of MB

 

[glojo]

Yes Bosch have some of the best test gear made for testing these things, they can also supply whats needed at half the MB price, their labour rate is also much lower than that of MB

It does get tiresome when some folks accuse me of only ever recommending main dealers, so a big thank you for corroborating my suggestion. I have heard nothing but praise for these outlets and it is frustrating not having one here in the bay.

John

 

[DansSlk]

I'll echo that, at the end of the day you won't find anybody who knows a system better than the guys who put it together

 

[stu]

Thanks Gents. First (and cheapest step is to test the battery. Should have lasted longer than 4 1/2 years though, especially on a diesel with heated seats. But they only cost two fill ups (my unit of measure for MB repairs which helps fool me into thinking they are not so expensive)