Mercedes GLE Hybrid Generator Problems

My Mercedes GLE hybrid is giving me fits. I've got power way down and the dash is lit up with warning lights, and it's starting rough. Even the headlights seem to be flickering sometimes. It's throwing codes related to the generator. Could it really be a bad generator already? I am expecting to pay around 960€ if it's the case. Has anyone else run into this on a GLE hybrid? Could a simple voltage drop be the culprit, or am I looking at a full generator replacement? I heard something about the serpentine belt, but I don't know much about car electronics. Any thoughts?

4 comment(s)

Sounds like you've got a classic generator issue, potentially. The reduced power, warning lights, and flickering lights all point to a generator not putting out the correct voltage. The error code pretty much confirms it. Before you jump to generator replacement, though, check a few things. First, that serpentine belt is responsible for driving the generator. Make sure it's in good condition, properly tensioned, and not slipping. A loose belt can cause the generator to not spin at the correct speed, leading to undercharging. Also, have the battery tested. A failing battery can sometimes mimic generator problems because it places extra load on the charging system. Has the car been sitting for extended periods, or have you noticed any other unusual electrical behavior lately?

Thanks for the quick reply! The belt looks okay to me, not cracked or anything, but I'm no expert on tension. The battery is relatively new, maybe a year old. It could be a dud, I guess. I haven't noticed the car sitting for too long recently. Is there any easy way to check the voltage myself without fancy tools?

While a visual inspection of the belt is a good start, proper tension is crucial and often requires a specific tool to measure accurately. As for checking voltage, a simple multimeter will do the trick. You can pick one up at most auto parts stores or even hardware stores. With the engine running, you should see a voltage reading of around 13.5 to 14.5 volts at the battery terminals. Anything significantly lower indicates a problem with the generator's output. Given the symptoms and the error code, though, I'd strongly recommend taking it to a trusted mechanic. They can perform a proper diagnostic test of the charging system and confirm whether it's indeed a generator replacement, or something else entirely. It's better to be sure before shelling out that kind of money.

Appreciate the advice! I took it to my local shop, and you were spot on. Turns out the generator was toast. They ran a full diagnostic and confirmed it needed replacement. The 960€ price tag was pretty much what they quoted. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!

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