2000 E430 CPS, Voltage Regulator, or Alternator???
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 277
Likes: 77
From: Alexandria, VA
2000 E430 Sport
2000 E430 CPS, Voltage Regulator, or Alternator???
Intermittently - car cranks but but does not start. On the way to work in the morning - got off the highway & came to a stop and car died. Started right up after about 5 minutes.
So far -
New battery
Checked for codes - none
No warning on display
Ran a/c diagnostic and 24 showed only rose to 10.5 when car wouldnt start. Rose to 13.5 when running. Dropped to 13 when all accessories running.
Belt feels tight no cracks. Hear humming from rear of engine when key is in position 2.
Thinking either...
CPS
Voltage Regulator
Alternator
Is there any way to be 100% sure without taking the alternator out or taking it to the stealer? I read Bosch alternators shouldnt be bench tested like an AC Delco for instance as it would maybe cause damage?
Reason I ask is because I dont read over 13.5 when engine is running using ac diagnostic...
http://www.ehow.com/how_4601849_veri...r-working.html
Also - I disconnected negative battery terminal while engine was running and engine didnt die. (Later I read this is quite dangerous on a benz with all these electronics.)
http://www.ehow.com/how_4519042_chec...lternator.html
These facts seem to contradict each other to me.
How do I know which one is the culprit?
So far -
New battery
Checked for codes - none
No warning on display
Ran a/c diagnostic and 24 showed only rose to 10.5 when car wouldnt start. Rose to 13.5 when running. Dropped to 13 when all accessories running.
Belt feels tight no cracks. Hear humming from rear of engine when key is in position 2.
Thinking either...
CPS
Voltage Regulator
Alternator
Is there any way to be 100% sure without taking the alternator out or taking it to the stealer? I read Bosch alternators shouldnt be bench tested like an AC Delco for instance as it would maybe cause damage?
Reason I ask is because I dont read over 13.5 when engine is running using ac diagnostic...
http://www.ehow.com/how_4601849_veri...r-working.html
Also - I disconnected negative battery terminal while engine was running and engine didnt die. (Later I read this is quite dangerous on a benz with all these electronics.)
http://www.ehow.com/how_4519042_chec...lternator.html
These facts seem to contradict each other to me.
How do I know which one is the culprit?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Symptoms
would indicate cps.Autohausaz.com has them cheap.Alternator ,you would have your battery(misnomer)light lit up.
Cranks over,not the battery.If it is to low you will have lights but she won't turn over even slowly like olden day cars.
Take a cps and call the doctor when replaced.
diy on benzworld.org and http://www.peachparts.com/
in the diy resource section.
E8 torx sold in a set at www.harborfreight.com for about 8 bucks.
Use the hood release latch to make the hood go beyond the normal range,so you can put a blanket on the fender,remove your belt and watch and climb on in there.
watch out for the sharp heat shield down there
Cranks over,not the battery.If it is to low you will have lights but she won't turn over even slowly like olden day cars.
Take a cps and call the doctor when replaced.
diy on benzworld.org and http://www.peachparts.com/
in the diy resource section.
E8 torx sold in a set at www.harborfreight.com for about 8 bucks.
Use the hood release latch to make the hood go beyond the normal range,so you can put a blanket on the fender,remove your belt and watch and climb on in there.
watch out for the sharp heat shield down there
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
If you only knew
how wild the ride was
Going on another 3600 mile rt this week picked up a beauty of a 91 300E and sold it the next day.Driving to deliver it.
It is so nice,I gotta get me anuther
My 17 yo daughter wants one now.
She follows in my foot steps,wants to race and loves the smell of a good burnout in the bleach box.
Going on another 3600 mile rt this week picked up a beauty of a 91 300E and sold it the next day.Driving to deliver it.
It is so nice,I gotta get me anuther
My 17 yo daughter wants one now.She follows in my foot steps,wants to race and loves the smell of a good burnout in the bleach box.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 277
Likes: 77
From: Alexandria, VA
2000 E430 Sport
how wild the ride was
Going on another 3600 mile rt this week picked up a beauty of a 91 300E and sold it the next day.Driving to deliver it.
It is so nice,I gotta get me anuther My 17 yo daughter wants one now.
She follows in my foot steps,wants to race and loves the smell of a good burnout in the bleach box.
Going on another 3600 mile rt this week picked up a beauty of a 91 300E and sold it the next day.Driving to deliver it.
It is so nice,I gotta get me anuther
My 17 yo daughter wants one now.She follows in my foot steps,wants to race and loves the smell of a good burnout in the bleach box.
The driving distance between Los Angeles and New York is only 2,778 mi...how do you do it?
"She follows in my foot steps,wants to race and loves the smell of a good burnout in the bleach box."
Now THAT is something to be very proud of! For better or worse - I dont know who / what I'd be without my mom and dad. Some folks are naturally gifted at family life, some have to work really hard at it, and others have no business at all making babies!
BTW that is a nice ride - love the classy two tone & headlight wipers!
Last edited by retna7; May 12, 2009 at 01:38 PM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
2002 E430 Sport
CPS
I agree with Ohlord. My e430 would crank but not fire when the car was warm. Buy a CPS (part # 003-153-28-28) and install. Easy as 1-2-3! (it took me 10 minutes to remove and install). You not only need an E8 torx socket but you also need an extension and a swivel joint attachment. Raise the hood to vertical and remove the plastic engine cover. Then once you locate the sensor (between firewall and driver-side cylinder bank) detach sensor wire and remove torx bolt and pull sensor out.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 277
Likes: 77
From: Alexandria, VA
2000 E430 Sport
Thanks What_Boost ~
I wish I would have checked with you guys BEFORE buying a new battery but hey - live and learn right? I dont feel too bad about it - there was no evidence that my battery had ever been changed by the original owner and I got the new one for 10% off ~ so it was around $117. You guys dont even want to know how much they'd have charged me for installation
I ordered the CPS from Autohauz AZ for around $50 including priority shipping. The Stealership wanted $161.50 plus tax!
I already knew how much it was at Autohauz but wanted to see if it was worth it to get it sooner so I called the stealer.
I thought the parts guy was refering to the CPS part number when he quoted me the price - as in "part number 16150."
Jeez, talk about a mark-up
I'm sure I've saved myself at least a few thousand dollars by joining these forums and DIY'ing!
Thanks again Guys! I will post the results ASAP.
I wish I would have checked with you guys BEFORE buying a new battery but hey - live and learn right? I dont feel too bad about it - there was no evidence that my battery had ever been changed by the original owner and I got the new one for 10% off ~ so it was around $117. You guys dont even want to know how much they'd have charged me for installation
I ordered the CPS from Autohauz AZ for around $50 including priority shipping. The Stealership wanted $161.50 plus tax!
I already knew how much it was at Autohauz but wanted to see if it was worth it to get it sooner so I called the stealer.
I thought the parts guy was refering to the CPS part number when he quoted me the price - as in "part number 16150."
Jeez, talk about a mark-up
I'm sure I've saved myself at least a few thousand dollars by joining these forums and DIY'ing!
Thanks again Guys! I will post the results ASAP.
Last edited by retna7; May 13, 2009 at 03:48 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
1825 miles
Seattle to ames,iowa and 1825miles back.3650 total miles
Seattle to nyc would be 5712 miles Round trip.
I need to get home ya know
Just did Seattle to butte,Montana in 9hours.621 miles with stops for gas,food,and a isit to the mb dealer in Spokane.This 300E flies
Needs to have the wheels balanced,slight shake at 120plus
Seattle to nyc would be 5712 miles Round trip.
I need to get home ya know
Just did Seattle to butte,Montana in 9hours.621 miles with stops for gas,food,and a isit to the mb dealer in Spokane.This 300E flies
Needs to have the wheels balanced,slight shake at 120plus
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 277
Likes: 77
From: Alexandria, VA
2000 E430 Sport
120mph is only a dream here in the DC area - youd have to be a Jedi to get around the waves of 3 cars, driving side by side, blocking the fast, middle, and slow lanes, simultaneously, and probably talking to each other 3 - way on cell phones...
I got the CPS from Autohauz AZ yesterday. It took all of 20 minutes to put it in. Took her for a drive and couldnt duplicate the problem so I think I'm good (so far). Voltage never dropped below 13.5 but I heard that was low. I was suprised to see grit on the old CPS because it looks to sit pretty tight in the hole. Is that normal?
Anyway - thanks a million guys! No telling how much money I've saved!!! I sometimes get the itch to sell my W210 and buy a CLS but she always gives me (and my pockets) more reason to keep her! I might not be able to say the same if not for forums like these and guys like you.
I got the CPS from Autohauz AZ yesterday. It took all of 20 minutes to put it in. Took her for a drive and couldnt duplicate the problem so I think I'm good (so far). Voltage never dropped below 13.5 but I heard that was low. I was suprised to see grit on the old CPS because it looks to sit pretty tight in the hole. Is that normal?
Anyway - thanks a million guys! No telling how much money I've saved!!! I sometimes get the itch to sell my W210 and buy a CLS but she always gives me (and my pockets) more reason to keep her! I might not be able to say the same if not for forums like these and guys like you.
Last edited by retna7; May 15, 2009 at 10:28 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
2007 ML320 CDI, 2005 e320 CDI
On my 97 E320, I noticed lately all the lights in the car start flickering or sort of vibrating in a fast mode sometime. But when I turn on the A/C the flickering gets stronger and the transmission does hard shifting as if it's not getting enough electric power. Does anyone know or had this kind of problem? Is it my alternator going bad or the regulator isn't working properly?
