e36t
Member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2005
- Messages
- 22
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Central Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
- Your Mercedes
- 1991 190E 2.6/3.0, 1989 500SE
This all refers to a 190E 2.6 (fitted with a 3.0 bottom end)
I was having some problems with the alternator - no other issues other than low charging - so pulled it from my car to check the brushes. They are well-worn but just about serviceable - good enough for now, but a note to self to sort soon.
Replaced the alternator, and now the ABS light comes on with the ignition, and stays on. Sometimes, especially when driving at night, all the dash lights will glow dimly. Very pretty, but so wrong. This is intermittent - it is not consistent and doesn't seem to follow any pattern.
The ABS light is a constant - on and shining brightly. Sometimes it may go off for a half-second when starting, but then come back on.
However, if I am driving and select neutral, switch off the engine and coast briefly, then switch the engine back on (while coasting) the engine starts and the ABS light stays off. Hurrah! Not much use for vehicle inspections, unfortunately.
First thought was low voltage output from the alternator at start up, so I stepped up the sorting program, and got hold of a second, known good alternator.
In the meantime I've read that if a diode pack in the alternator gives up, it can have this effect.
Repacement alternator fitted (think I need a new belt tensioner :roll: ) and... ABS light is still on. So much hassle for a thought sure-fire fix, but no.
In fairness, the replacement alternator is slightly smaller than the original - 14V 70A vs 14V 80A. I don't think this will make a difference in daylight driving, and is unlikely to be an issue after dark.
I've replaced the OVP relay, checked the fuses in the old and new ones - no problems.
OK... Suggestions? I think I have experienced a very unfortunate coincidence, unless there is an ABS fuse somewhere and somehow that's blown.
Please help!
I was having some problems with the alternator - no other issues other than low charging - so pulled it from my car to check the brushes. They are well-worn but just about serviceable - good enough for now, but a note to self to sort soon.
Replaced the alternator, and now the ABS light comes on with the ignition, and stays on. Sometimes, especially when driving at night, all the dash lights will glow dimly. Very pretty, but so wrong. This is intermittent - it is not consistent and doesn't seem to follow any pattern.
The ABS light is a constant - on and shining brightly. Sometimes it may go off for a half-second when starting, but then come back on.
However, if I am driving and select neutral, switch off the engine and coast briefly, then switch the engine back on (while coasting) the engine starts and the ABS light stays off. Hurrah! Not much use for vehicle inspections, unfortunately.
First thought was low voltage output from the alternator at start up, so I stepped up the sorting program, and got hold of a second, known good alternator.
In the meantime I've read that if a diode pack in the alternator gives up, it can have this effect.
Repacement alternator fitted (think I need a new belt tensioner :roll: ) and... ABS light is still on. So much hassle for a thought sure-fire fix, but no.
In fairness, the replacement alternator is slightly smaller than the original - 14V 70A vs 14V 80A. I don't think this will make a difference in daylight driving, and is unlikely to be an issue after dark.
I've replaced the OVP relay, checked the fuses in the old and new ones - no problems.
OK... Suggestions? I think I have experienced a very unfortunate coincidence, unless there is an ABS fuse somewhere and somehow that's blown.
Please help!
Last edited: