Bad alternator @ 20k
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 333
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From: NYC
2007 C280 4Matic
Bad alternator @ 20k
So i just got back from the dealer with a complaint about the belt whine I was getting.
Long story short it was my alternator.
How can an alternator go bad at 20k miles. Was it my HID's that did it, I had them on 2000 miles before this? These have never had a problem in my other car, but IDK about the merc electrics. (I made sure to take mine out before my trip to the dealer, just in case)
People with HID's are your alternators wearing out sooner?
Long story short it was my alternator.
How can an alternator go bad at 20k miles. Was it my HID's that did it, I had them on 2000 miles before this? These have never had a problem in my other car, but IDK about the merc electrics. (I made sure to take mine out before my trip to the dealer, just in case)
People with HID's are your alternators wearing out sooner?
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
I doubt it was your HID's. It definitely shouldn't have happened at 20k, but it just happens sometimes.
I had a Cavalier that had a bearing go bad in the alternator @ 30k. Every revolution it would go ***** ***** ***** *****. If you know, GM/AC Delco alternators are known for being very stout, so sometimes stuff just happens. 50k later that new alternator is fine and kicking and I expect it to last me another 50k.
I had a Cavalier that had a bearing go bad in the alternator @ 30k. Every revolution it would go ***** ***** ***** *****. If you know, GM/AC Delco alternators are known for being very stout, so sometimes stuff just happens. 50k later that new alternator is fine and kicking and I expect it to last me another 50k.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 473
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From: Orange County, CA
2006 C230 SS, 2006 S500, 2008 CLS550 Lorinser
my guess is like Viper98912 said, sometimes stuff just happens, unless your car has a history of problems, or it has been having alot of problems, and warranty covers it, i wouldnt read into it too much
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
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Saab 900 SE
I would doubt it greatly especially considering they can be had OEM with HIDs which would assumably draw the same amount if not more because they where auto leveling (I think) so that wouldn't have an effect on them.
Some times things break, that why the 4 year 50k warrantee is there.
Some times things break, that why the 4 year 50k warrantee is there.
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From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
oem hids draw less power then halogens. 35watt vs 55watt halogens. I doubt the alternator went bad. I bet it was the voltage regulator chip that went bad. I would try replacing that first and see if it fixes it. I think there going for around $60.
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THE C350
where did you see them for $60 i thought they were like $200 when i was looking? i hope i am crazy though lol
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03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
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THE C350
hopefully i never need it tough.
