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flickering fuel gauge

4.7K views 17 replies 7 participants last post by  djnova  
#1 ·
Hey guys, i know i have another annoying question in relation to any electrical gremlins.
Lately my fuel gauge has been flickering while idle or cursing, put if i put my foot on the accelerator it stays constant.
I believe its related with my power surging issue or "light flickering"
While the car has its lights on the whole car flickers ever light in the car from dash to doors to headlights to everything.
Checked alternator everything seems fine there putting out steady 14+ battery is being charged so i'm not exactly sure what or where to look for this problem.
It obviously related to every problem i've had posted about electrics, from the fuel gauge, power "convenience" window always going down despite where i open or lock the car from to the constant flickering..
If anyone has someone i could just take it too if they don't have any suggestions i'm all ears these tiny issues are literally driving me insane!!!
Cheers in advance,
Aaron.
 
#5 ·
I had checked and prelaced all fuses and checked the contact between body to engine strap all were good...
I shall look into simply this over voltage protection relay thing and also maybe could be as simple as buying a new alternator and see if that is the source of the cars issues...
Thanks guys for your input, these tiny yet annoying issues are tipping me over the edge cos other then that the car is damn near 100% immac in every other way...
I'll see if buying a new alternator or just a second hand one will make any difference....
cheers again.
Jay, is there anywhere with a picture so i know where ALL the ground points are so i can check them?? Where would i find such a diagram?
 
#7 ·
Up by the right front shock tower you'll see several brown (ground) wire gathered together and bolted down. In the trunk, you'll find the same arrangement. If you haven't replaced the OVP relay, do it. Only spend your money on a OEM Mercedes unit or KAE(ler) unit. All others are junk.

Before jumping for a new or replacement alternator, spent less than $30 from an online source for a new voltage regulator (about $40 @ NAPA ). The VR. Is on the back of the alt, held in place by two phillips screws. A 15 min swap job. Rarely do alternators fail.

Jayare

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#8 ·
Beauituful Jay, thanks for that they are the exact answers i was looking for, other forums weren't as "proactive" in their responses. Thanks again.
I shall order these parts now and hope that it is as simple as that..
With the ground wires in a bunch (shock towers under engine bay etc) are you suggesting to take off and rebunch and bolt down?
 
#10 · (Edited)
That voltage is way too high, a sure sign of a bad voltage regulator, and will destroy the battery and electronics if left unrepaired. I've seen batteries explode due to bad voltage regulator and the repair is ugly and very expensive.

Ideally, at full engine temp and running, you should be seeing around 13.5V when measured at the cigarette lighter, give or take a couple of tenths either way.

Regardless, I would also replace the OVP with a new dealer or KAE(hler) relay.
 
#12 ·
Since you have a little time on your hands while looking for a voltage regulator, you might want to fabricate a cable that lets you monitor voltage while the car is running. I took an old phone charger cord and spliced in a couple of alligator clips so that I can connect my DVM to through the lighter socket and monitor voltage while the car is running. Its a pretty simple little tool and you might be able to improve on the design. It could be useful now or in the future.
 
#14 ·
The battery was in it when i bought it. owned it for only 6 months.
Looks newish, works fine and the colour indicator bubble thing on it says its good with a green light showing so i'm assuming battery is ok. But i'll def jump on that v reg asap. As for making a tool like that def something to try as you suggest i have time waiting for the part...
Thanks for the input staved me attempting to just throw a new alternator in there and hoping that would solve my issues.
 
#18 ·
Guys here is a picture of the old v reg.
It looks completely hammered. So glad i replaced it when i did.

So after throwing in the new one in, it's holding at 14.15v at the battery no fluctuation what so ever.

i like to thank all of you guys for all of your help. I think this ha solved this headlight and all lights flickering issue.

This leaves me with my final electrical issue, the drivers window going down every time i either lock or unlock the car...

Cheers.
 

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