I have a 2003 CLK55 that recently developed an issue with the interior and exterior (headlights) flickering. It is almost like the alternator isn't keeping up with the power requirements. There also seems to be a small whine (RPM sensitive) that I don't remember having prior to the issue.

In an attempt to diag the issue, I checked the battery voltage (power off) and got 12.5V and then again with the engine running and it was between 14.3 - 14.5V. It just seems like it would be something with the alternator, but with those test results, I am thinking it might be something else?

After reading another post (from 2006) on another site someone was suggesting it might be a problem with the stock CD changer?

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...lickering.html


Any thoughts?

Thanks

Problem Solved...

Cost: $405

Resolution: Voltage regulator

Just had the dealer fix my driver headlight last week, not sure what they replaced.

i think the headlight flickering may be caused by a intermittent low voltage output from engine vibrations. when this occurs, a voltage spike causes the voltage regulator to reset.

Voltage regulators that intermittently flow low voltage due to engine vibrations, may be busted/worn out. $25 and 90 minutes can fix that problem. For those who can change the regulator without removing the alternator, make that 15 minutes.