Battery Alternator Error message
01-25-2005, 10:06 AM
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Battery Alternator Error message
Hi,
Car: '02 C-Coupe 220 CDI Automatic
Problem: "Battery Alternator" message when car is cold
Description: Last winter, my car would show a red error warning in the dashboard display saying "Battery/Alternator Visit Workshop". This message would only show up when it was cold and the car has been left for a while (depending on how cold, usually overnight was enough). When this error occured, the power steering would fail and a smell of gasoline is emitted. In extereme cases the car has trouble starting up and an additional warning "Power Low, Turn Off All Consumers" would show too.
At the workshop, the guy told me that something (oil) was apparently dripping on the battery thus creating a short circuit that slowly discharged the battery and this is also why that smell was apparent. Sadly this did not explain the relationship to the cold weather which I had observed.
Anyway, the problem was fixed and soon summer arrived and I did not notice any such troubles. This winter however, the problem has returned but only after I left my car in an open parking lot for two weeks (at an airport). Since then, this same problem pops up every morning. On cold days also during the day.
Anyone has similar problems or clues as to what the cause could be?
Thanks!
Car: '02 C-Coupe 220 CDI Automatic
Problem: "Battery Alternator" message when car is cold
Description: Last winter, my car would show a red error warning in the dashboard display saying "Battery/Alternator Visit Workshop". This message would only show up when it was cold and the car has been left for a while (depending on how cold, usually overnight was enough). When this error occured, the power steering would fail and a smell of gasoline is emitted. In extereme cases the car has trouble starting up and an additional warning "Power Low, Turn Off All Consumers" would show too.
At the workshop, the guy told me that something (oil) was apparently dripping on the battery thus creating a short circuit that slowly discharged the battery and this is also why that smell was apparent. Sadly this did not explain the relationship to the cold weather which I had observed.
Anyway, the problem was fixed and soon summer arrived and I did not notice any such troubles. This winter however, the problem has returned but only after I left my car in an open parking lot for two weeks (at an airport). Since then, this same problem pops up every morning. On cold days also during the day.
Anyone has similar problems or clues as to what the cause could be?
Thanks!
01-25-2005, 11:57 AM
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2003 C230K Sport Coupe, 1986 190E 2.3
My 2003 did that about a month ago. Ended up being the alternator was bad and was not charging enough when cold. Once it took 4-5 restarts to get it to go away and the car to function properly. Of course they screwed up my Bi-Xenon auto leveling replacing the alternator!
01-28-2005, 06:23 PM
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'08 CLK320CDI AMG// '13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d AMG
The battery is ok?
If so, the alternator "chain" (I don't know the name in english) maybe a little damaged and it doesnt have enougth grip to work ok, and so, the battery doesn't charge.
I have a 03 c220cdi sport coupe and mine was allready changed, because of the noise it made only in cold starts. It was damaged because the diesel injector pump, at the front of the engine and exactly in the top of the alternator "chain", had a little diesel leek and damaged the "chain".
Maybe different situations but your dealer must have the knowledge to fix your problem.
If so, the alternator "chain" (I don't know the name in english) maybe a little damaged and it doesnt have enougth grip to work ok, and so, the battery doesn't charge.
I have a 03 c220cdi sport coupe and mine was allready changed, because of the noise it made only in cold starts. It was damaged because the diesel injector pump, at the front of the engine and exactly in the top of the alternator "chain", had a little diesel leek and damaged the "chain".
Maybe different situations but your dealer must have the knowledge to fix your problem.
01-29-2005, 07:29 PM
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'08 CLK320CDI AMG// '13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d AMG
the alternator "chain"
It may be worn out/dry or some "bearings" of the same may be damaged. It happens with all cars
In my car they changed the belt and one bearing
04-25-2007, 07:07 PM
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2003 c240
Alternator battery error msg - please help
i just got the alternator battery error msg on my dash anyone else have this pop up and what was the reult when you brought it to the dealer?
04-25-2007, 08:15 PM
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Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Merged with another relative thread. Please read above posts for some ideas.
04-25-2007, 09:14 PM
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Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
The battery, alternator and regulator work together as a system. A failure of any of these, or wiring / grounding faults can cause charging system problems. Fortunately the performance of all components may be verified and the culprit identified.
The health of a battery is easily quantified with an AC conductance tester, such as is offered by Midtronics. Gone are the dangerous days of high-current load testing.
The health of a battery is easily quantified with an AC conductance tester, such as is offered by Midtronics. Gone are the dangerous days of high-current load testing.
