Deep

When I turn the ignition key to the ON position the radio, power windows and other electrical components work fine. However, after the engine is started these components stop working - or perhaps intermittently at best - as long as the engine is running. Any ideas what is causing this??

Also, after two days of this behavior, the automatic transmission started acting up in that it tends not to upshift from first gear unless I let up on the gas pedal and coast for some distance. Again, this is happening intermittently.

Could these problems be related ?

I have 109K miles on my 1997 E420 and had the transmission fluid changed at 97K miles.

Deep

My mechanic figured out the problem after noting that the alternator was putting out 17-18 volts. After replacing the alternator ($700) the radio and power windows started working normally as did the transmission.

raymond g-

tnx for reporting back. wow, that's quite an unusual cause.