When I started my '89 240 DL yesterday, the fuel and temp gauges didn't work, nor did the speedometer needle after I pulled out onto the road. Then, just about three miles later, the radio sputtered a couple times and went dark. The headlights seemed a bit dim, and then after maybe four miles total driving the engine began to falter. When I turned the headlights off, it surged back to life immediately, but a few minutes later, even with the lights off it barely ran and then finally died. There wasn't enough juice left in the battery to restart it. At no time did the alternator light go on. I have the battery on a charger right now, and it seems to be taking a charge. Does this sound like a battery/alternator problem, or is there the possibility of a less obvious culprit? Many thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one.
Mike F.