Battery warning light Visit workshop!

[KNPhoto]

Hi all,
Not posted before so be gentle!
Purchased a 2004 clk 200 (w209) a few months ago and love it to be honest. No major issues except and intermittent engine management light but I will address that in another thread.

Yesterday a red battery light came on with "visit workshop" came on and ironically whilst trying to find a garage the car electrics became progressively weaker. Electric windows started to slow, lights dimmed etc until my battery finally gave up the ghost. RAC came out and diagnosed the alternator needs replacing. This is being done now to the tune of £350.

The reason I'm posting because the speed from warning light to breakdown was so swift I'm hoping people don't ignore it as I would have had I not had a more conscientious passenger.

I have never posted before but have visited the forum and had plenty of non direct advice from you guys.

I hope this helps someone as non tetchy nor mechanical as myself

 

[brucemillar]

What you describe is common when the alternator packs up. Sadly by nature alternators tend to work or not work. Usually the brushes simply wear out. So one minute you have a contact then rapidly (as you saw) you don't have contact.

You may have a regulator pack on your alternator (not sure with your model) if you do then that is a few quid £20 ish. Might be too late but worth asking your garage if there is one.

 

[KNPhoto]

What you describe is common when the alternator packs up. Sadly by nature alternators tend to work or not work. Usually the brushes simply wear out. So one minute you have a contact then rapidly (as you saw) you don't have contact.

You may have a regulator pack on your alternator (not sure with your model) if you do then that is a few quid £20 ish. Might be too late but worth asking your garage if there is one.

Thanks for the reply. I've not heard of a regulator pack but I gave the go ahead for the work already so it's prob just a little too late. I am out of my town at the moment and need to be back on the road this evening so any deviation/delay would be more expensive than the work being done.. Still not what I need after Xmas

 

[jaymanek]

Unfortunately those water cooled alternators arent cheap..

Cheapest place is Euro Car Parts for a good quality replacement.

 

[USedCLKOwner]

Hello, hoping someone may have some advice.

I have a red battery warning light on starting my 2005 CLK 320.
I have checked the battery and alternator via the dashboard menu and the battery is good, as is the alternator.
Turning the key to position one and pressing the red reset button three times, brings up a secret menu.
I am at a loss to what may be causing this. Any ideas please?

 

[markjay]

Hello, hoping someone may have some advice.

I have a red battery warning light on starting my 2005 CLK 320.
I have checked the battery and alternator via the dashboard menu and the battery is good, as is the alternator.
Turning the key to position one and pressing the red reset button three times, brings up a secret menu.
I am at a loss to what may be causing this. Any ideas please?

This isn't a conclusive check.... the alternator and battery need to be checked by an auto electrician with proper testing kit.