no ignition lights, 190D

[flagstaff]

hi all, hope someone can help: yesterday my battery went flat, with pretty much no warning. charged her up overnight, today as good as new and starts the car no prob. but - there are no ignition lights at startup ... well, the glowplug light still works - but no other dashboard lights come on at any stage of ignition. car starts fine though, like i say. anyone any idea what could be causing this? many thanks for any tips pointers etc ...

 

[dieseldes]

Replace the Alternator?
or as a get you home... hit it with a hammer! sometimes works as the bushes wear to their limit and start to stick. this is once only if it works at all!
I have used this method on a couple of mercs (and other makes) I have been called out to.
Also if you have a voltmeter you should have 13.8Volts across the batterywhen the engine is running.

 

[flagstaff]

thanks for reply ... it seems weird though that there are no dash lights: i would have thought i'd get a warning for 'no charge' or somesuch. still, i suspect you're right, and it's time to get out my extensive range of hammers ;-)

 

[flagstaff]

thanks dieseldes - replaced alternator today and charging system restored... many thanks again