Duncan64

So i'm wondering why my lights are dimming in and out so badly. I first noticed it when i was backing up and saw the reverse lights dim in and out in the reflection of my garage wall. This is how bad it dims when i open my door and the car just idles... what do you think?

DG83 C55

Have you checked your battery voltage while running? Should be showing 14v+ even at idle in dyno mode if your charging system is in good shape.

Damian

Viper98912

Your alternator is dying (specifically the regulator)

maverik259

dito!

Duncan64

I don't have a voltage meter, I'll have to get one.

Duncan64

I did do some more research and I think you are right. I think I can just replace the regulator for $30 or so and see if that works. Guys seem to say 8/10 times these symptoms are because of either a bad connection to the battery, bad battery, bad alternator or simply the brushes on the regulator worn down. Easiest and cheapest is to replace the regulator then ill report back.

ghiaguy

Yeah, report back for sure- I have similar symptoms but have a steady ~14v at idle. I wanted it fixed, but have other stuff taking up my time and it hasn't really gotten much worse. A simple regulator change would be a welcome relief.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...aced-easy.html

Duncan64

Well I seemed to have fixed both the bad idle and dimming lights by replacing the regulator!!!! What a $40 bang for the buck!!!!

Viper98912

thumbs up

Duncan64

Thank you! I was ecstatic when it completely fixed the rough idle where my car was swinging side to side at a light, and the dimming lights... maybe that why the seller wanted to get rid of the car - actually sounded like it was dying. Now its a nice and smooth idle with no flickering...

Here's the after vid from the first one i posted in this thread...

Duncan64

Here's the Regulator comparison... I wonder if its more the contact point that was the problem. This thing looks to be soaked with oil as you can see the yellow contact point vs the new sliver one. The brushes didn't look that worn, but you can see its about 1/4 down from the new one.

ghiaguy

This is next finally on my list. Did everyone go Bosch or did someone try Hella?

gnma

Great find. Thank u for posting!

Duncan64

Def an easy thing to do that fixes a ton of problems, and prob prevents expensive repairs.

viggigumm2

I had the same problem with my C55. The alternator had to be rebuilt, new bearings and reglator.

Duncan64

I got the red battery / alternator visit workshop message the first time i took the car out for a drive that lasted more than an hour. I made it back to home without any issues but i'm wondering why i got this now. The car's lights are not flickering like it did before, idles perfectly so i'm inclined to think the Alternator is working fine. Maybe its time to just replace all my pulleys and maybe just a new alternator to fix this now. I'm kinda scared to take her out now because people say when you see that red message, it means your running on all battery :sigh:

WaveyKat

This same thing is happening happening to my car C32 bad idle when car is in drive (D) and the dash and cluster lights pulsating/ dimming with the idle of the car.
What I don't understand is how would the alternator give the car a bad idle..

Viper98912

Electronics of the car and most importantly the spark plugs need juice to fire correctly...

Would someone mind posting the part number you purchased so it's searchable?

Duncan64

My car has been running great since I changed the voltage regulator.

WaveyKat

Was it hard to install? You had to remove the alternator ?

Duncan64

Fairly easy... You do not have to take the alternator off. The VR bolts onto the alt so just replace that piece.

WaveyKat

With the car in drive or reverse the voltage I'm getting is 13.9 same as it's in Park. I'm also thinking I may have a vacuum leak got a case this morning for P0442 smh it never ends.. I clear the code but it came back I checked the gas cap and it's secure.

Duncan64

i think a lot of my bad idle had to do with clogged breather hoses. I replaced all my breather hoses as well. The bad idle was back when i accidentally forgot to hook the breather hose up from the right side valve cover to the tb .... when i stopped to get gas the car felt like it was going to die, when i remembered the hose was the last thing to connect and i forgot. Shut the car down, got gas and put the hose on. The car then idled nice and smooth as it should.

ghiaguy

<<<@!1!@>>>

As for my idle shaking: I dealt with alternator issues, finally replacing it. Cleaned the throttle plate, changed motor mounts etc. Still haven't touched the breather hoses tho

How many are there & is there a kit or are they ordered individually? EDIT: the eBay 4 piece Meyle kit ok?> http://www.ebay.com/itm/121204212254?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Duncan64

yup thats them!