|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
|
Always learning
|
3.2 alternator help please
Hi
My alternator whurs at startup which remains for about a minute. The dash light stays on for about the same period and then turns off. Battery goes flat after about a week of no use. Any thoughts? |
||
07-10-2012, 06:44 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 844
|
I would pull the alternator out and have it checked out.... any parts store can tell you if its bad or not.
As for the battery, it might be a related prob where the alt is not charging it... and is already weak. |
||
|
07-10-2012, 06:47 AM
|
|
|
RETIRED
|
Charge the battery with an external source. Take a digital meter and read voltage. Should read 13+ volts. If not replace battery.
If the battery appears good, fire up the engine and per the Bentley manual, attch meter leads again to the + and - terminals and read at idle, and 2500 rpms. Each reading should be 13+. Any spikes or dips is likely the voltage regulator. Remove and have it rebuilt by a local. I don't recommend remans as their reputations are not stellar. The late alt light going out can be a slipping fan belt BTW.... If all number look good, do a load test on the battery. An easy way to get an idea is to turn on the headlights THEN start the motor. A dip in the lighting power is an indicator of a weak battery even if it has full voltage. Load tests can be done with a hand held meter if you have access to one, or a mechanic or a auto parts store if they offer the service down in your neck of the woods.
__________________
1983/3.6, backdate to long hood 2012 ML350 3.0 Turbo Diesel |
||
|
07-10-2012, 07:15 AM
|
|
|
Always learning
|
Okay great. I'll try this and report back.
|
||
|
07-10-2012, 02:57 PM
|
|
Da cab
