1999 Mercedes Benz ML430 Electrical

Tiny
DANO66
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML430
  • V8
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
While driving all warning lighs come on, the fan stops, radio goes off, no window control and if the head lights are on they burn out. Then after a few seconds up to a minute at times, the fan comes back, the radio and everything else starts working again, but warning sound starts beeping, and several warning lights stay lit - bas/esp(?), Parking brake light, abs, ets(?). I will stop the car, turn it off and restart it, this will reset everything but it do it all over again. One shop I brouhgt thought it might be in the headlights, replaced the whole headlight unit, but still doing the same thing. Anything else to check that may cause this to happen.
Wednesday, February 26th, 2014 AT 9:27 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,332 POSTS
That is typical of a failed generator. Worn brushes will cause intermittent operation, but to find that, the charging system has to be tested while the problem is occurring. If you can't get to the shop in time, you can start the testing with a voltmeter. Leave the engine running, and measure the battery voltage. It must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is low, suspect the generator, but the rest of the wiring should be checked first.
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Wednesday, February 26th, 2014 AT 10:55 PM

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