Some electrical issues

Tiny
DARINATOR
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 MERCEDES BENZ C320
  • 5.5L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
I am having an issue with my car listed above C55 model. I had the alternator replaced in July of last year so I wanted to run the symptoms by you to see if you might be able to tell me if it's related to that part, or if it's possible I have other issues. ( I don't want to go back to that mechanic unless it's for warranty work)

I was out getting gas last week, and after filling up when I went to turn on the vehicle the key would not turn and I realized the display screen was off and so were all electronics. When I checked battery voltage it was at 12.3v with the engine off. I have a portable jump starter so I decided to use that and it started up fine, with no warning lights at all. I then drove about 20 miles without issue and then a later trip for about 5 miles without issue.
Today when I went to drive my car, I made it a few miles without issue until the car died on me while idling and stopped at an intersection. The car had no electricity and I couldn't turn on hazard lights. I ended up jumping it again and it started fine without any lights on the dash. When I got home I checked idle voltage and it was 13.4-13.7, and 12.4 with the engine off. 
I know the best option is to take the car in and get it scanned for codes, but before I do that I wanted to see if you had any suggestions. The fact that the car needs a jump while the battery is at a decent enough voltage seems to suggest to me that it may be an alternator issue, but I wanted to get your thoughts on where to start.
Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 AT 1:38 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

Based on what you found when checking the alternator, it sounds like it is fine and not the problem. Have you checked to make sure the battery terminals are both clean and tight? Also, check the main grounds from the battery to the engine and body to make sure there is nothing loose or corroded.

The idea that it started with a jump leads me to believe there could be a connection issue causing the problem.

Take a look through this link. You may find it helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Let me know where you are attaching the jumper pack when starting the vehicle as well.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, April 28th, 2021 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
DARINATOR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I will check the battery terminals. The battery is only a couple years old and there's no visual corrosion. The car has sat quite a bit over the last few months, and I have disconnected and removed the battery a few times to put it on my charger so I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't tighten the connection last time I installed it. It did completely discharge once or twice so I am planning to take the battery to AutoZone this weekend to test and see if it's in good shape.

When connecting the jump pack I connected it to the points shown in the attached picture (not directly to the battery), but my ground is actually on the strut mount area. I will check the connections and then test the battery and report back.
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Wednesday, April 28th, 2021 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I asked about where the jumper pack was attached because in the past, I have seen the clamps from the jumper squeeze a loose battery terminal enough to start the engine. It was just a thought.

Let me know what is found with the battery and the terminals.

Joe
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Thursday, April 29th, 2021 AT 7:39 PM

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