2002 C230 Kompressor alternator question
09-12-2016, 12:53 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
2002 C230 Kompressor alternator question
Folks,
Are the rectifier diodes built into the voltage regulator in these alternators?
I can see that for this car both Bosch and Valeo alternators are listed.
Before I start crawling under the car, so to speak, I am trying to find sources for parts, but I would very much hate to buy the entire alternator if I can get away with just the voltage regulator.
What I can't find any references to is the rectifier bridge or diodes, so I am wondering where these repair shops get their parts from.
If the rectifiers are part of the voltage regulator, replacing it would totally solve my issues, not to mention some greenbacks.
Thank you for any clues.
Are the rectifier diodes built into the voltage regulator in these alternators?
I can see that for this car both Bosch and Valeo alternators are listed.
Before I start crawling under the car, so to speak, I am trying to find sources for parts, but I would very much hate to buy the entire alternator if I can get away with just the voltage regulator.
What I can't find any references to is the rectifier bridge or diodes, so I am wondering where these repair shops get their parts from.
If the rectifiers are part of the voltage regulator, replacing it would totally solve my issues, not to mention some greenbacks.
Thank you for any clues.
09-12-2016, 01:59 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
The main thing that fails on the alternators is the brushes which are attached to the voltage regulator.
You can get new brushes soldered in for $20.
The voltage regulator is available from Mercedes.
Well for mine at least. (Valeo)
You can get new brushes soldered in for $20.
The voltage regulator is available from Mercedes.
Well for mine at least. (Valeo)
The following users liked this post:
somedude (09-13-2016)
09-12-2016, 02:03 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Thank you.
The reason for my question is a parasitic drain, which could be caused by the regulator or shorted diodes.
So I'm wondering if the diodes are part of the regulator or not.
The reason for my question is a parasitic drain, which could be caused by the regulator or shorted diodes.
So I'm wondering if the diodes are part of the regulator or not.
09-12-2016, 08:04 PM
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
For the benefit of those reading this post, the answer is no.
The rectifier bridge is separate from the voltage regulator, which is a bit more accessible and houses the brushes.
Many, like the Bosch (no idea about the Valero) use pressed-in rectifier diodes, that look sort of like a mint, with a terminal wire on top.
The rectifier bridge is separate from the voltage regulator, which is a bit more accessible and houses the brushes.
Many, like the Bosch (no idea about the Valero) use pressed-in rectifier diodes, that look sort of like a mint, with a terminal wire on top.
Last edited by somedude; 09-13-2016 at 07:49 AM.
09-12-2016, 11:16 PM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Do you have electric seats?
If the alternator failed you'd have a big red
'see workshop' thing on the MFD.
If the alternator failed you'd have a big red
'see workshop' thing on the MFD.
09-13-2016, 07:48 AM
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I do, only driver's seat though. I disconnected it and it still has a parasitic draw.
There is nothing on the MFD, but I read that a shorted diode or VR could also cause a paraditic drain.
I have another post on that topic, this was just for me to understand the alternator topology.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-two-days.html
I can get regulators from Autopartsway for cheaper, Bosch being about a third of the cost of the Valeo, but not rectifier bridges. I will check mine today.
Thanks for posting.
There is nothing on the MFD, but I read that a shorted diode or VR could also cause a paraditic drain.
I have another post on that topic, this was just for me to understand the alternator topology.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-two-days.html
I can get regulators from Autopartsway for cheaper, Bosch being about a third of the cost of the Valeo, but not rectifier bridges. I will check mine today.
Thanks for posting.
Last edited by somedude; 09-13-2016 at 08:09 AM.
