How to Replace an Alternator on an ML350

The alternator on the Mercedes Benz ML350 supplies electrical power to the accessories. When you start the car, the accessories initially draw power from the battery. Once the engine is running, the alternator supplies the electrical power and it makes sure that the battery is fully charged. If the alternator goes bad on the Mercedes, it cannot produce the electricity that the car needs. The accessories will drain the battery, and once that happens, the car will stop. Replacing the alternator is a relatively easy job that you should be able to complete in about an hour.

• 1

  Disconnect the negative cable from the battery using a wrench to loosen the terminal nut.

• 2

  Loosen the belt tensioner with a wrench and remove the accessory belt from the Mercedes.

• 3

  Remove the inner liner from the right fender using a wrench to remove the bolts. Unplug the voltage regulator from the alternator. Disconnect the electrical wires using a wrench to remove the nuts.

• 4

  Remove the mounting bolts from the alternator with a socket and ratchet. Pull the alternator out of the ML350.

• 5

  Put the new alternator in the Mercedes and tighten the mounting bolts with the socket and ratchet. Plug the voltage regulator into the alternator. Connect the electrical wires and tighten the nuts with a wrench. Install the inner fender liner and tighten the bolts with the wrench.

• 6

  Place the accessory belt on the engine and tighten the belt by tightening the bolt on the belt tensioner. Connect the battery cable and tighten the terminal nut with the wrench.