New electrical problems!?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
1998 C230
New electrical problems!?
Today when leaving a parking lot my W202 1998 C230 wouldn't up-shift. Then I noticed that the turn signals, hazards, and power windows also wouldn't function. A/C and radio still work.
Things I tried:
Disconnected battery for several minutes, nothing.
Napa tested the battery (per the associate it was only a little weak), alternator, and starter all working fine.
Driving the car gently I was able to get the tranny to start shifting, however I noticed while stopped the windows/signals etc. would work, but once rolling they cut off again.
All electrics function with key in position 2, but once started I experience these issues.
Has anybody dealt with this before? Any ideas?
Things I tried:
Disconnected battery for several minutes, nothing.
Napa tested the battery (per the associate it was only a little weak), alternator, and starter all working fine.
Driving the car gently I was able to get the tranny to start shifting, however I noticed while stopped the windows/signals etc. would work, but once rolling they cut off again.
All electrics function with key in position 2, but once started I experience these issues.
Has anybody dealt with this before? Any ideas?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,566
Likes: 421
05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
Blinker switch most likely. I have the same issue.
When my blinkers go out, I am am most of the time able to get them to come back on by flashing the high beams a few times.
Im planing to replace the whole assembly behind the st. wheel soon.
When my blinkers go out, I am am most of the time able to get them to come back on by flashing the high beams a few times.
Im planing to replace the whole assembly behind the st. wheel soon.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
1998 C230
For those in the future who experience similar wonkiness, there is a hidden menu you can access via the digital climate control screen (I forget which button press to pull it up) to read the car's "vital signs," through this and the help of other forum member's posts, I was able to determine that the voltage, despite the test results at Napa, were off. Normal range shouldn't read less than 12 but less than 15, mine was at 16 volts. Since I didn't have the time to order a voltage regulator I just bought the whole alternator ( a reman'd Bosch) and installed it myslef, along with a new serpentine belt.
Last edited by mbguyw202; Mar 27, 2017 at 03:20 PM.
