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BlueG
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2009
Location: DC
Vehicle(s): 2003 G500
Posts: 714
| Flickering Lights Sometimes - Stable Voltage at 13.5-13.8
Recently I've noticed a strange and intermittent issue. When I am driving or idling, doesn't matter the RPM, my headlights and the screen in the middle of the speedometer flickers a hair. Its not a crazy amount of flicker. Just a gentle flicker. This doesn't happen every time the lights are on. Nor does it seem related to load on the electrical system. Battery is a new AGM. Alternator is original (replaced shortly after the G was purchased new under a warranty repair/update). When I switch to the voltage screen it is always 13.5-13.8 with the engine on, with it being higher when RPM's are higher. My thought is the voltage regulator is going out. I can remove the alternator and swap out the voltage regulator with a new Bosch unit but before I do that I wanted to see if it is anything else. Already checked that ground is clean and tight. Any suggestions? |
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Aircruiser
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2011
Location: Atlanta GA
Vehicle(s): 2000 G500, 1986 300GD, 2017 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
Posts: 364
| Re: Flickering Lights Sometimes - Stable Voltage at 13.5-13.8
It sounds like you are thinking correctly. Retrace your previous steps, re-chek your battery connections and grounds. |
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NHDave
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Dec 2013
Location: Seacoast NH.
Vehicle(s): 2004 AMG
Posts: 464
| Re: Flickering Lights Sometimes - Stable Voltage at 13.5-13.8
Agreed ^
Had the same experience..flickering dome light.
It was the regulator |
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BlueG
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2009
Location: DC
Vehicle(s): 2003 G500
Posts: 714
| Re: Flickering Lights Sometimes - Stable Voltage at 13.5-13.8
Thanks all. I suspect the alternator body itself is good still. I will just pickup a regulator to install onto the alternator. |
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NHDave
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Dec 2013
Location: Seacoast NH.
Vehicle(s): 2004 AMG
Posts: 464
| Re: Flickering Lights Sometimes - Stable Voltage at 13.5-13.8
Yes..it should be good for two, maybe three regulator swaps..before the slip ring groves are warn too deeply. Cheers!
Edited by NHDave 4/11/2018 6:31 PM
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BlueG
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2009
Location: DC
Vehicle(s): 2003 G500
Posts: 714
| Re: Flickering Lights Sometimes - Stable Voltage at 13.5-13.8
Would you suggest pulling the alternator and swapping in the new regulator or can it be done on the engine?
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NHDave
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Dec 2013
Location: Seacoast NH.
Vehicle(s): 2004 AMG
Posts: 464
| Re: Flickering Lights Sometimes - Stable Voltage at 13.5-13.8
It maybe possible to do it from below, but I couldn't..i can't remember why but removing mine with all the extra AMG BS in the way, I couldn't drop it below and barely got it passed the oil cooler lines. Unless I drained the coolant For you it maybe easier. Wish I knew more..Sorry
Edited by NHDave 4/12/2018 8:25 PM
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BlueG
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2009
Location: DC
Vehicle(s): 2003 G500
Posts: 714
| Re: Flickering Lights Sometimes - Stable Voltage at 13.5-13.8
Thanks - it doesn't look too tight in there. I think I should be able to pull it and do the repair on the bench instead of on the car. |
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LucaB
Member
Date registered: Jul 2013
Location: Italy
Vehicle(s): G 400 cdi
Posts: 31
| Re: Flickering Lights Sometimes - Stable Voltage at 13.5-13.8
have the same on mine, alternator has been replaced less than a year ago, fresh new battery in.
it only does it with cold car in winter. |
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