I have a 96 E300 diesel. vin # WDBJF20F1TJ006101, chassis 210.020, engine 606.912, with a Valeo alternator that is bad. I have a remanufactured Bosch on the way. Haven't worked on this car before. I am an average back yard mechanic. Help me get started, please. Do I do this from underneath or from the top? Anything else need to come out first? I have changed alternators before on other cars. Is this basically the same?

 

Hi jfort,
if you are located in US, just stop by at your local library, log onto AllData from "in library only any computer" and you will find complete and original Mercedes procedure even with nice detailed pictures that you can print out or copy to your mobile memory stick. Good luck,
Bernard

 

I bought a new battery. Just got done putting in new Bosche alternator. Check engine light is still on. Even at speed, only 13.7 volts showing at battery. What am I missing?

 

Have auto parts store read the code for check engine light and post it. It may not be low/high voltage related problem at all.

 

hay did you know there was a recall for your altenator where there actually just change the brushs in it. fyi

 

Haven't run the car much since I bought new battery and alternator. Just went out to start it. Upon turning the key, everything went crazy. The HVAC unit chattered and blinked. All the warning lights were on and buzzers were buzzing. It started. I turned it off. Then it wouldn't start at all. The glow plug light didn't come on. I waited a few minutes. It started like normal, but now the ckeck engine light is on. This car has only 62,000 miles on it. Any thoughts? Will the error codes help? I have a friend who has a code reader.

 

the error code was P0380, which has something to do with the glow plug relay. but we think it was something more fundamental. my friend/mechanic replaced the K-40 relay, which as I understand it, is triggered by the ignition key. that would explain why the key would sometimes energize things, sometimes not. seems to be working fine now, but i want to see everything work OK for awhile before I agree that it is fixed. makes me wonder if I even needed a new alternator at all.

 

To Jfort,
I have a 96, E300 that I have to replace the alterfnator and battery as well. I read the advice that mbenz80 (Bernard) posted for you about log onto AllData from "in library only any computer" and make print outs, which I found as good advice.

Was it difficult relacing the alternator and is there anything that you think I should be aware of before I do? Any suggestions appreciated.............thanks