VF_GUY

My 2005 c230k has 35,000 miles.


Over the last two weeks, I've had intermittent ESP, Battery and Alternator errors on the display.


These issues only happen when starting or shutting the car off.


Autozone checked the battery and alternator and both were good.


I used the info in a thread I found to troubleshoot the voltage regulator with the following results:


ignition off =12.2v
engine running @ idle =13.2v
press accelerator = 14.0v
engine returns to idle = 13.2 v
ignition off = voltage returns to 12.2


I've read that others' results are 14.2v @ idle, so can someone tell me if this does indicate a bad voltage regulator, or what other options it could be?


Thanks.

Plutoe

You really need a proper load test of the system!!

VF_GUY

Thanks for the reply.


What is a proper load test?


I could understand if the symptoms only appeared at start-up (heavy load), but also at shut-down?

samaritrey

How old is the battery? Original? If so I would be highly suspect of it as it is now 11 years old.
If battery was replaced was a proper replacement used?
A load test is when you load the system and test for CCA and see if the voltage drops off.

Also 35k? That is crazy get out and drive her!!

VF_GUY

Thanks for the info!


The battery is dated 3/13, so less than 2.5 years. Apparently it's a O'Reilly brand battery. Autozone did a "load test" but I don't know exactly how accurate/reliable that was.


I'll get it checked further.


I purchased the car in July with 28,000 miles on it, so I'm working on it. :-) My commute is 97 miles round trip and my 1995 Camry with 153,000 miles was getting a little long in the tooth...


Thanks for the help!

C230 Sport Coup

Nice, a 2005 with 28K original miles. SWEET!
Can I be so bold as to ask,
how much? Is in did you pay.....

VF_GUY

$11,391 +TTL from a MB dealer. The car had 2 imperfections on it. Otherwise, I would have swore it was brand new.


I wanted either a c230k, and Alfa 164, or a Saab 9000. This was the one that fell into my lap!