How difficult is it to replace an alternator and what's the most important thing/things to remember while doing so

10

Asked by timmay425 Dec 22, 2014 at 08:23 AM about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 230 Kompressor Sedan

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Battery dying, re-charges great but
lasts nearly 3days before dies out
again. (Alternator right)??

5 Answers

10,985

Not always. You might have a large parasitic drain on your battery when the car is not in use. Secondly you can test your alternator with a multimeter simply by first, making sure your battery is charged, then starting your engine and putting the meter on the battery terminals. If the battery is reading around 14 volts or higher, it's taking the charge from the alternator. Alternators are basically two or three bolts and an electrical plug in the back of it.

101,615

You can also take it to Autozone, Advance Auto, or O'Rielly/Pep Boys for a free alternator test. Replacing an alternator is simple, but you'll have to back the serpentine belt off by placing a socket on the tensioner and turning it until the belt is loose.

44,815

if your battery is lasting 3 days, it isn't the alternator- with that Benz, you should have a good Mercedes mechanic- why have an expensive, complicated car like that and try to be fixin' it yourself?

10

I'm a student and wanted a luxury vehicle to play around with and enjoy what's left of my youth, but didn't realize how much it has been costing me just to maintain it... Every sensor alert and every service requested I'm usually in the Mercedes shop taking care of it right away.. The vehicle had a great track record, but in my current situation(graduated from college but can't catch a break in my job search) has left me ima super tight budget.. I actually have this beautiful machine posted for sale just for that reason, if ur interested.... But I appreciate the feedback thank you

1 people found this helpful.
5

I had the same problem of me 13 year old Merc C230k now. All workshops I went enquired suggested alternator changed, however, from me previous researches it could have been just the alternator's control unit that sits above it that is most likely faulty as Merc's alternator failure is not aa common.

Your Answer:

C-Class

Looking for a Used C-Class in your area?

CarGurus has 1,336 nationwide C-Class listings starting at $3,500.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Lorne Grandison
    Reputation
    12,450
  • #2
    zabi
    Reputation
    5,600
  • #3
    PPC123
    Reputation
    5,150
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
34 Great Deals out of 513 listings starting at $5,450
Used BMW 3 Series
58 Great Deals out of 1,178 listings starting at $2,500
Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class
18 Great Deals out of 208 listings starting at $6,500
Used BMW M3
9 Great Deals out of 77 listings starting at $14,995
Used Mercedes-Benz CLS
8 Great Deals out of 110 listings starting at $7,200
Used BMW 5 Series
28 Great Deals out of 292 listings starting at $5,299
Used Chevrolet Corvette
28 Great Deals out of 784 listings starting at $15,900
Used Ford Mustang
42 Great Deals out of 1,603 listings starting at $8,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.