Could A Bad Alternator Cause Misfire?

Subscribe
Mar 18, 2023 | 07:14 PM
  #1  
I own a 65k miles 2012 E63 w/ M157. I had misfire issues with cyclinder #6 and #7; the car shakes when it's idling and the rpm is not stable when I start accelerating from 0 mph; my mechanic told me it's the bad coils, so he replaced all the coils and sparkplugs, but the misfire and CEL came back on after the misfire is gone for about a week. I had an obd ii scanned and it's cyclinder #6 and #7 again. Then I left about a week for spring break and the car wouldn't start because the battery is drained, and I jumpstarted her and drove her to my mechanic, and he told me that the alternator is dead, and it could also be the reason that caused the misfire. Anyone had similar issues that wanna share? This is my only car so I really wanna fix her. Thank you guys.
Reply 0
Mar 18, 2023 | 07:18 PM
  #2  
Should I replace the alternator or I heared that it's usually the voltage regulator failure. My mechanic told me that the alternator is really hard to reach, and he have to remove the turbo first to replace the alternator.
Reply 0
May 4, 2024 | 04:17 PM
  #3  
Bump - did you figure this out?
Reply 0
May 5, 2024 | 06:38 AM
  #4  
Frommy understanding the ECM looks at the output from the crank sensor and compares to some stored waveforms within
If they do not match it itt looks at what cylinder was supposed to fire at that time and throws up a the check engine light.


Now a bad alternator (or anything drivenby engine Serpentine Belt) can cause additonal uneven torq demand from crank.
The crank sensor sees these as misfires since crank was slowed down for quick bit and the wave form does not match what it expects

TO test - clear misfire codes.
Remove serpentine belt
crank engine and watch temps and pressures etc but run for a min or so and see if it throws code for misfire.
IF not maybe something with pulley on front needs some love sticky bearing in idler pulley or tensioner spring is too soft and worn now so belt bounces.
Alternator going out and has bad spot or soemthing.

Reply 0
May 6, 2024 | 10:26 AM
  #5  
Few months back I had some odd things...random mis-fires and what not. Turned out to be the alternator. We opted to replace it with new OEM - thankfully. Had I opted for the pickup only would would not have noticed the bad bearing and massive load on the belt due to the bad bearing.

Reply 0
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE