2013 ML350 BT - Alternator died
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 272
Likes: 49
From: Ottawa, Ontario
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
2013 ML350 BT - Alternator died
I started the ML yesterday morning and got the red battery icon on my dashboard! The ML turned off all of the accessories to preserve the battery charge. I was heading to my father’s place for a family reunion and after 10 minutes of driving, I noticed a very strange noise coming from the front of the car, along with a strong burning/chemical smell. Once at my father’s place, I checked the voltage going to the battery and it was around 12v. I think the alternator should be delivering around 14v when the car is idling.
So I proceeded to put the ML on the lift and I removed the alternator (a hell of a job) and sure enough, the pulley on the alternator was very tight and seemed seized. The wiring inside of the alternator looks fried/melted.
I usually order my parts on Rockauto and I almost fell down my chair once I saw the pricing on a new alternator! Almost 1200$! I wonder if I can rebuild mine? Do you guys know if there’s a place to get one for cheaper? I understand the alternator is a 220 amp, but the price seems insane.
VIN = 4JGDA2EB4DA231578
The suv has 172 000 km.
So I proceeded to put the ML on the lift and I removed the alternator (a hell of a job) and sure enough, the pulley on the alternator was very tight and seemed seized. The wiring inside of the alternator looks fried/melted.
I usually order my parts on Rockauto and I almost fell down my chair once I saw the pricing on a new alternator! Almost 1200$! I wonder if I can rebuild mine? Do you guys know if there’s a place to get one for cheaper? I understand the alternator is a 220 amp, but the price seems insane.
VIN = 4JGDA2EB4DA231578
The suv has 172 000 km.
Last edited by Potrice; Mar 2, 2019 at 02:22 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 153
From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
You're really not doing too well with this truck, huh?
https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_odkw...nator&_sacat=0
https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_odkw...nator&_sacat=0
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 272
Likes: 49
From: Ottawa, Ontario
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
You're really not doing too well with this truck, huh?
https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_odkw...nator&_sacat=0
https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_odkw...nator&_sacat=0
Bought the suv with around 50 000 km.
- 51 000 km = NOX sensor and blind spot sensors changed under warranty.
- 51 000 km to 172 000 km = no problems
- Now sitting at 172 000 km = 1 rear shock was leaking (changed both), rear wiper motor stopped working and was changed, changed the front passenger side wheel bearing, P20B9 code (DEF feed line heater) and now a dead alternator.
I have invested about 2000$ in parts (in about 4 years and 120 000 km) and I do all of the labour myself. Not too bad in my opinion. Far from being the worst reliable car I've owned (a 2008 dodge avenger!).
Regarding your link, it seems Ebay is very weird when it comes to alternators. The ones listed in your link are for the gas version (3.5L) instead of the 3.0L diesel. It seems that the diesel alternator is much more expensive? Hmmm....
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
The part is expensive. I'm seeing mb branded reman units going for 1000
The rockauto one was 800
Weird.
https://www.mbwholesalepartsonline.c...r-000906352280
The rockauto one was 800
Weird.
https://www.mbwholesalepartsonline.c...r-000906352280
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 272
Likes: 49
From: Ottawa, Ontario
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
So I replaced the alternator. The old one was almost seized (I think the bearing was shot) and the wiring was all burnt inside. It was non repairable. I received the new alternator and installed everything. I also ordered and installed a new serpentine belt https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...sn=424&jsn=424
I put everything back on and the serpentine belt seems a little too long (not as tight as the original one). Anyways, I start the truck and check the voltage near the passenger side cover where the positive and the negative are. I'm still getting 12v coming from the alternator, so the battery isn't charging! What the %^&*. This is with a brand new alternator. Also, while idling, the truck made some squeaking noises. I think the belt is too loose. I'll put the original one back on for now. I'm really baffled and stuck here. Any suggestions?
I put everything back on and the serpentine belt seems a little too long (not as tight as the original one). Anyways, I start the truck and check the voltage near the passenger side cover where the positive and the negative are. I'm still getting 12v coming from the alternator, so the battery isn't charging! What the %^&*. This is with a brand new alternator. Also, while idling, the truck made some squeaking noises. I think the belt is too loose. I'll put the original one back on for now. I'm really baffled and stuck here. Any suggestions?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 272
Likes: 49
From: Ottawa, Ontario
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
Well it turns out the new belt doesn't fit. Maybe Rockauto sent me the wrong one. I'll simply return it. I installed the original belt back in and voila! Getting 14v and everything is running fine! Yay!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
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From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
Awesome, glad you got it figured out.
Curious; You telling us that the alternator wasn't giving full voltage simply because the new belt was loose?
Curious; You telling us that the alternator wasn't giving full voltage simply because the new belt was loose?
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 272
Likes: 49
From: Ottawa, Ontario
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 153
From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
Never woulda guessed it. I can understand how an under-tensioned belt would cause slipping at high load and or rpm. But just at idle?
Unless your battery was so discharged that it was throwing a huge load. Either way, good to know, thx for sharing.
Unless your battery was so discharged that it was throwing a huge load. Either way, good to know, thx for sharing.
