GLK-Class (X204) Produced 2008-2014

MY 2013 GLK350 alternator whine through radio

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Old Dec 11, 2021 | 11:15 PM
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2013 C350 Coupe, 2005 C230K Kleemann Sedan, 2013 GLK350 4matic
MY 2013 GLK350 alternator whine through radio

Like the title states, I have a GLK350 that just started developing an alternator whine that increases with RPM. At idle, it is barely perceptible, but as the RPM increases, the whine is linear with the rpm. It is a COMAND unit with standard speakers (not Harmon Kardon). I have not done any upgrades prior to this issue. Could it be the alternator is going bad?
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Old Dec 12, 2021 | 05:09 AM
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2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
Not likely. I'm thinking it's likely a ground issue. If you can look around and find where the ground wires connect and clean them up it may solve the problem.
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Old Dec 12, 2021 | 05:12 AM
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2013 glk 350
Or the radio, you can get a used radio for a few hundred on eBay , I would try the radio ,

Last edited by Mmr1; Dec 12, 2021 at 05:15 AM.
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Old Dec 12, 2021 | 01:48 PM
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Years ago it would be caused by non resistor plugs, maybe 50 years ago. A bad coil might do it. Maybe a ground, maybe the radio. The radio has built in protection, maybe that’s fried.
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Old Dec 12, 2021 | 04:25 PM
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It could be a failing diode in the rectifier section of the alternator allowing some AC into the system. If you know someone with a meter that has a scope function you can check that way.

"Whining" is generally the alternator. "Buzzing" is the ignition system.
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