Red Battery Message
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: NYC
2007 C280 4Matic
Red Battery Message
I'm getting a picture message on my cluster of a red battery.
I've put a multi-meter to the battery and found it's not charging at all.
Normally this would be simple just replace the alternator, but this alternator is only 2 years old so I'm wondering if it could be something else. Has anyone seen something similar to this?
I've put a multi-meter to the battery and found it's not charging at all.
Normally this would be simple just replace the alternator, but this alternator is only 2 years old so I'm wondering if it could be something else. Has anyone seen something similar to this?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: NYC
2007 C280 4Matic
The alternator was replaced under warranty at the dealership, I'm not sure what was used but imagine it was a good part.
The battery seems fine. It holds a nice 12.5V charge. After cranking that drops then recovers slowly. The problem is that no additional voltage is coming from the alternator. With the engine running we are in the 12.3 volt range.
I'm wondering if it could be a fuse or loose connection. Otherwise I bet its the voltage regulator and that should be an easy fix.
The battery seems fine. It holds a nice 12.5V charge. After cranking that drops then recovers slowly. The problem is that no additional voltage is coming from the alternator. With the engine running we are in the 12.3 volt range.
I'm wondering if it could be a fuse or loose connection. Otherwise I bet its the voltage regulator and that should be an easy fix.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: NYC
2007 C280 4Matic
Update:
I had the alternator checked out by a professional. Everything tested as perfect. So I put the alternator back in the car and now its working and charging like normal.
So my next question to the fine members of this forum is um wtf...?
The tech at the shop I went to offered that I might have a problem with dirty brushes and all the moving around of the alternator has gotten it back up and running. IDK about that though. For now I'll just keep an eye on it.
I had the alternator checked out by a professional. Everything tested as perfect. So I put the alternator back in the car and now its working and charging like normal.
So my next question to the fine members of this forum is um wtf...?
The tech at the shop I went to offered that I might have a problem with dirty brushes and all the moving around of the alternator has gotten it back up and running. IDK about that though. For now I'll just keep an eye on it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,265
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Loose wire? I was getting the alternator message when it was raining and I have the
bottom pans off. Put the pans on (new ones actually) and the problem went away even in the rain.
Replaced my alternator once, had it rebuilt, and some monhts later, a diode blew, and they repaired it under warranty (from the auto electric shop).
bottom pans off. Put the pans on (new ones actually) and the problem went away even in the rain.
Replaced my alternator once, had it rebuilt, and some monhts later, a diode blew, and they repaired it under warranty (from the auto electric shop).
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: NYC
2007 C280 4Matic
Could be a loose wire.
In other news I'm back to having intermittent charging. This time I checked the voltage in dyno mode while driving. I get 14 volts down to 12 then back up and all around. I'm going to spray the area with CRC electrical contact cleaner, I think the alt might just be gunked up from road grime.
In other news I'm back to having intermittent charging. This time I checked the voltage in dyno mode while driving. I get 14 volts down to 12 then back up and all around. I'm going to spray the area with CRC electrical contact cleaner, I think the alt might just be gunked up from road grime.
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