C63 AMG (W204) 2008 - 2015
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How to monitor battery & alternator?

Old Jul 21, 2019 | 10:58 AM
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How to monitor battery & alternator?

I had to put the car on a charger to get it started yesterday - second time in a month. Not sure whether the problem is battery or alternator. Is there a way to monitor voltage and charge amps on FL (2012 ) model?
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Old Jul 21, 2019 | 10:17 PM
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The quick test is to measure voltage at the battery not running and then while starting and running. Should be 12.6 fully charged and 13.7-14.5 running.

if it is your original battery then well past it’s lifespan. If voltage isn’t above 13.5 running then may be alternator. Load test will be more definitive and some auto parts stores will do it for free if you bring in the battery.
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Old Jul 22, 2019 | 01:35 AM
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I just had to replace my original battery yesterday. I don't believe there is any way to monitor the voltage from the instrument cluster like you can on newer models sadly.
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Old Jul 24, 2019 | 05:10 PM
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I've not ever messed with the engineering menu. Does tit have anything that would allow real-time monitoring of voltage and charge amps?

Does the Torque app - or other similar apps - offer anything like this?
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Old Jul 24, 2019 | 06:17 PM
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There is a way to check it just search it up on YouTube. It comes up in the dash, if I was on my computer I'd post the link. I haven't done it in a while and can't remember if the top of my head.
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Old Jul 28, 2019 | 09:07 PM
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Found it - thanks Marko.

Here's how to access battery voltage for the FL -

Here's one that DIDN'T work for me. Might be helpful for a PLF, maybe for a non-AMG.

I'm seeing 12.4-12.6 volts on the highway, well under the 14.7-14.8V that I was expecting, so it looks like my 2012 with 40k miles is due for an alternator already. This looks like a PITA job.

The upper line of the display is labeled UB and reads in volts. The lower line of the display is labeled IB, units of measure are A, and values range from maybe -20 to +30 or more. What does IB stand for? Is this amps? Why does it bounce around so much, and what should it look like if the alternator is working properly??
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Old Jul 28, 2019 | 09:49 PM
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Very simple solution. Go to ebay and purchase a small plug in voltage reader that plugs direrctly into your 12v outlet (cigarette lighter style plug) Less than $10. It usually also includes a couple USB ports to charge your phone.
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