Battery not charging

[SlowStig]

When driving, the battery not charging light comes on. Also the steering becomes very stiff - it feels like the power steering is gone. 

 

I did a bit of troubleshooting and found this:

When engine is in idle with the AC on, the charging voltage is around 11.x volts. 

When engine is in idle with the AC off, the charging voltage goes up to 13.x volts.

 

So obviously something is the matter with the AC. 

Switching on the AC creates a bit of a strain on the engine, hence no charging issues, stiff power steering, etc.

However when engine RPM is over 1400rpm, the momentum overcomes resistance of the AC and it works.

I'm sure it'll get worse over time. 

 

Anyone faced this before?

If so, what were the remedies.

 

I drive a C200 (W203) btw.

 

Thnx in advance.

[asiadj]

alternator.

[SlowStig]

When the AC is off, the charging is fine.

Stands to reason that the AC is creating issues.

 

Just checking, why do you say alternator.

[Machi]

To be sure, go to a workshop and get professional advise...

Bro asiadj is just assuming and may not be correct

[SlowStig]

"....... go to a workshop and get professional advise..."

 

 

If you consider going to C&C as professional advise, then you've got another thing coming.

 

That's why I thought I should check w members here before being slaughtered by professional advisors. 

I will never go to C&C but I'd like to have an idea before going to the workshop.

[Epong]

I have a blackvue camera linked to magic power that tapped on the car battery.  My car battery went flat one day.

 

C&C took in my car for SIX (6) days to let me know that the power consumption increased when the camera was on (versus when it was disconnected).  And I had to pay a bomb for the replacement (with labour) about $600+.

 

So what do you think of those "professionals"?

[Phang]

Sounds like a loose belt(s) to me.

[SlowStig]

 

 

"So what do you think of those "professionals"?"

 

C&C are a top top top car servicing company. The price they charge is a reflection of their top top top quality. That they kept your car for 6 days in their w/s reflects the care and dedication with which they attend to your car. 

 

PM me if you want the horror stories!!

[Machi]

by the way, I am also driving the W203!

[Machi]

There are always other professional workshop beside the see and see...

Since ur car is already out of warranty,

Can go Autospritze or MBM or Chip Soon,

And there are many other choices out there...

For me, I stick to the one which I am most comfortable with.

If price is a concern to u, Worst case, u can run a few workshops and see which repair cost you the least; can run a few workshops within a day!

[asiadj]

When the AC is off, the charging is fine.

Stands to reason that the AC is creating issues.

 

Just checking, why do you say alternator.

 

becos i just kanna.. nt my merc, my other 8 yr old ride.

anyway wat things discussed in the forum doesn't solve any of ur problem. as we disccussed.

 

as rest of the bros mention... proceed to a wrkshop to get it checked bro. we only reply to our experience nia.

 

hope it helps. 

 

cheers

[SlowStig]

Hi all,

The crankshaft pulley was faulty. 

Replaced that, all the problems went away.

 

In the crankshaft pulley, there is rubber bushing that dampens the vibrations. That rubber was worn and caused a loss of mechanical efficiency. That's why when a load (such as the A/C) was added, there was enough RPMs to charge the batteries.

 

Hope it helps.