1987 Mercedes Benz 190e Battery Drains When Running, Charge

COPPRTOP99

MEMBER
1987 MERCEDES BENZ 190E
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Scenario: Battery seems to be discharged when headlights are on. Anti-lock Light comes on, which to my understanding means less than 10v output. Car then slowly dies, battery dead. Have had two replacement batteries. Charge systems checks show everything fine. No erratic electrical behaviors. When low, turning lights on causes RPM gauge to rise even though the engine is idling and it's RPM in fact is not changing!

Any ideas? Possible weak spots like harness? Btw, it does not like to start in cold weather, runs very rough until it warms up. Then it purrs. I had a major-major done within the last 12 months (under 7000 miles ago).

Thanks!

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Any ideas? Possible weak spots like harness? Btw, it does not like to start in cold weather, runs very rough until it warms up. Then it purrs. I had a major-major done within the last 12 months (under 7000 miles ago).

When you turn key to On position do you see the charge light come on? Could be an open/loose wire, or the alternator is not putting out-get it load tested to confirm its outputs.

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Monday, December 17th, 2007 AT 2:31 PM

COPPRTOP99

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All lights were per user manual when key is at 'On'. Load test was supposedly done by my repair shop. Today they are trying to locate what might be draining the battery (?).

I'm having the vapors thinking these guys may not be electrical whizzes, although they've done all mechanical repairs right on.

I agree, the thing has to do with load. Now, to find out what thing :-(

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Monday, December 17th, 2007 AT 2:49 PM

RASMATAZ