C55 Bad idle / flickering lights
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, PA
C55 AMG
C55 Bad idle / flickering lights
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?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, PA
C55 AMG
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, PA
C55 AMG
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
C55 AMG, 300D-T & Karmann Ghia
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
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...aced-easy.html
Last edited by ghiaguy; Sep 15, 2013 at 08:37 PM.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, PA
C55 AMG
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...
Here's the after vid from the first one i posted in this thread...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, PA
C55 AMG
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.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, PA
C55 AMG
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, PA
C55 AMG
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:
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,152
Likes: 60
From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
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..
What I don't understand is how would the alternator give the car a bad idle..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,040
Likes: 125
From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
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?
Would someone mind posting the part number you purchased so it's searchable?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, PA
C55 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,152
Likes: 60
From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
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.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, PA
C55 AMG
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
C55 AMG, 300D-T & Karmann Ghia
<<<@!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
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
Last edited by ghiaguy; Oct 14, 2014 at 03:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, PA
C55 AMG
<<<@!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?> 4 Piece Meyle Engine Crankcase Breather Hose Set Mercedes Left Right Side | eBay
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?> 4 Piece Meyle Engine Crankcase Breather Hose Set Mercedes Left Right Side | eBay
