c32kompressor

i got a message saying voltaged consumer malfunction, then following that i also got battery/alternator malfunction, then the car died. its weird, you cant start the car immediatly after you shut it off but after a few seconds you can. but once you start to drive the lights and gauges shut off. i dont think its the alternator but the voltage actuator/ meter. why would the car start only sometimes?

c32kompressor

i did a search but i couldnt find anything convincing enough to answer my question

ScottW911

If by "voltage actuator" you mean voltage regulator, it doesn't matter. On the C32, the voltage regulator is not separately replaceable. It is integrated into the alternator. Don't fall for an indy shop telling you that the C32 uses the same alternator as any other C. It is not true. They will find that out as soon as they attempt the install.

I am guessing you are looking at the complete alternator replacement. Dealers will want close to $1600 to replace. I found an indy that did it for just over $600.

Beaker

Sounds like what is happening to me.. but my car gets the battery/voltage error only when I give it really high revs.

I know it will die soon I just want to get past new years first (I drive a van a bit and don't want to cough up the cash at the moment).

I was reading the voltage regulator was a separate but integrated part to the alternator? From the post above it seems this is not true now which is a real pity.

ML500K

yeah, the regulator is not replaceable...I had to replace the whole unit a few months back. The voltage came and went ( charging and not charging) Didn't want to get stuck in traffic with a dead battery and swapped it out immediately. was about 350 including labor for a bosch unit.

c32kompressor

Is the installation hard to do on your own? The happened a few hours afyer I changed all the spark plugs, do you think this us realted?

jturkel

actually, despite what has been said in the past about the voltage regulator in the past, you actually can replace just the voltage regulator on the C32's alternator. how do i know? i did it (well, dynocomp did it for me....i watched )

you just "pop" open the alternator, take out the old voltage regulator, and put in the new one. MB makes two different voltage regulators for the C32....one was like 20 bucks and other was like 50 bucks....the one you would need depends on the model alternator you have. i ended up needing the more expensive one.

ohlord

slk's and other use the same alternator
autohausaz parts geek carry them for 158bucks I think autohausaz will price match.
Easy r/r part AL0787X

charge your battery fully 10amps overnight and drive it during daylight to any auto parts store and they can test the vr and alternator condition.
Bosch alternators of this type can have the vr replaced per above but for 158 bucks get a new one and that way you get new bearings and vr.
Also check you did not knock of an alternator wire during plug change
would not be the first time someone has done that

Last check your belt is not slipping.

gt4awd

How easy to replace? For $50 this would be good PM at my mileage... For $160, I would go that route.

jturkel

IIRC, it isn't THAT bad. unplug the battery. get the intake out of the way. remove that emissions crap up front (i think). you're gonna have to remove the air pump since that's in the way. if you have the NW PSK, that metal plate/bar might get in the way

the hardest part is just removing it. it is kind of hard to get to. i initially did an actual alternator job on the car with a buddy of mine. put the car up on some jack stands up front and one of us was underneath the car and other looking down into the engine bay as it was a bit hard to get the tools in there and pry that altnerator loose. that was the hard part

once you get it off, i think it was just a screw or two (don't recall to be honest, but it wasn't hard) and you just pop off the back of the alternator. you'll see the voltage regulator, and just take it off and put in the new one.

i would say it would be helpful to have a second person help you get the alternator out, though. it's really on there

c32kompressor

I just finished putting in the new alternator, was a pita! But i got it done and problem fixed. Got the alternator for 240$ at autozone.

testknight

Hey C32kompressor....can you share the part number you purchased? Also, who was the manufacturer? I looked ont their site and all I see is a duralast part. They havea special out there now that with every $100 spent they'll give you $15 gift card and I need an alternator for my C32 anyway....I am always hesitant of buying imprtant parts from autozone though.

c32kompressor

I don't have the part number with me now, but the unit is a Bosch. I was a little eerie about buying from them bit it was a direct fit. The only trouble I had was the pulley was too small. Just put the stock on. It was 240 $ or so

gt4awd

I was considering getting the Autozone Bosch, but ended up ordering online on ebay. Placed order on the 8th, and I won't get the remanufactured unit until Monday. The seller is getting negative feedback... I've been driving my step dads Suzuki Aereo...

Beaker

My mechanic just replaced the voltage regulator in mine but I'm still getting the alternator error and it's not charging but it will start/drive still.

PITA after reading this forum a lot I was 99% certain it was just the voltage regulator. He is going to check some fuses now and then it's down to bearings maybe..

Going to be a $1000+ fix from the looks of it.. damn Aussie prices I told him I'm not happy as If I had known this I would of just gotten a refurb'd alternator from the states much cheaper but it's not all his fault as I told him to go down the voltage regulator route.

john89011

Do a search, there's a very detailed DIY on how to replace the alternator. It's a pain to get it out (2x4 will come in very handy). I got a brand new alternator for about $250 online (lasted for about a week) and then I just went to my local shop and they ordered a re-built one for about $160 and it's been good ever since.