Blown AAM Module
 

Had it verified by the dealer that my remote control keys won't start the car because the AAM is blown (this is an EAM after '98) - I'm being told that if the car was jumped "incorrectly", this was the cause. I had AAA come out when I got stuck a couple months ago, and the battery would not jump, and did get replaced. I can only use the valet key to start the car.

Service advisor says, that's why there's roadside assistance and that they "never" jump a car, just replace the battery.

Two questions:

1. What is this AAM ($500+ part & labor, to replace and recode keys!)? They said it's under the fuse box, and that it could affect other systems. Would you DIY, or not mess with the electronics?

2. Here's my beef - the owners manual says nothing about not being able to jump these cars because of "sensitive electronics", (also a mention from the advisor), so I think MB has some responsibility here, no? What about AAA, anyone know if they are insured for such (supposed) mistakes?

We should all be looking forward to hearing about this one!

I had a dead battery 5 years ago and the roadside MB came and jump-started it (I also have a 98 ML). That's BS from the advisor that you cannot jump start the vehicle. As long as the proper procedure was followed, can't believe it will cause any harm. Also if the AAM is dead, you probably would have lost few more functions of the vehicle, not just the remote.

aam
 

at our idependent shop we recive lots of business from local used car sales, and more times than not when they have one of their ML's towed in it is from them jumping it correctly, or changing the battery,but the aam is blown. to fix we usually replace the aam and reprogram it using star diagnosis, and they are up and running.
we were at a loss as to why this occurs and what we determined was the cause, was if you connect the jumper while the key is on, or even in the ignition the surge that goes through the system some how erases the authorized keys that are in the aam module, and after the surge none of them will start the vehicle, also if you remove the dead battery for replacement and connect the new battery with the key on or in the ignition the same out come is produced. it does not happen every time our lot guy jumed one with the key in and it was fine. i believe it has alot to do with how discharged the battery is. so the BS part in the previous post is patially correct, roadside replaces the battery because they sell them.
please let me know how it goes.
Ray
mercedessd@cox.net

Interesting thus far, I thank you for the feedback. I just wish there was a clear answer - welcome to the age of automotive electronics I guess!

I will definately post my trials and tribulations for you.

AAM and jump starting
 

Mine was replaced 2 months ago with a starter and a battery for 1800.00. M-B roadside tried jumping my 98 ML 320 from there truck, M-B flatbed tried direct from his truck. So jumping doesnt seem to be a problem, because they did it too! I asked if that could be the problem ,they said no thats the way they jump start ????

AAM Trials and Tribulations
 

1. What is this AAM ($500+ part & labor, to replace and recode keys!)? They said it's under the fuse box, and that it could affect other systems. Would you DIY, or not mess with the electronics?

2. Here's my beef - the owners manual says nothing about not being able to jump these cars because of "sensitive electronics", (also a mention from the advisor), so I think MB has some responsibility here, no? What about AAA, anyone know if they are insured for such (supposed) mistakes? >>

The AAM sets the security system and controls the remote door locks through several relays. It also runs the aux hot water pump and maybe some other things. There are about 20 parameters that must be programmed into the AAM.

I took my AAM out (7 screws, I think) to inspect for bad solder joints, traces, etc. It is mounted vertically under inboard end of the fuse/relay board and is held in place by 3 clips. I used a small bungee cord to hold up the fuse board while I accessed the AAM

The shop should be able to replace it in less than 1/2 hour. I would start by asking them to reprogram your AAM, if they can't, you will have to have it replaced. The whole job should not take more than 1 hour. They quoted the AAM at $190 You should take all of your key sets with you so they can be added to the new AAM, if need be.

When I bought my 98 Ml a few months ago, the truck would start and drive but I had no remote control functions for the door locks and security system would not set up. Since it only came with one key, I ordered a new spare and remote fob and had them programmed into the AAM. At that time, they reprogrammed the AAM and my Security functions and remote door locks began working again.

It is very possible to spike any electronic circuit with and arc so be keys should be off (removed may make sense) and follow procedures. I like my portable jumper box which I can connect and then turn on with the built in switch. It is powerful enough to start my diesel!

Jim

I appreciate all that detail, and so far no other problems I'm aware of with the vehicle. My dealer is quoting 2.5 hours for AAM replacement, but I'm guessing that includes programming time. Too bad there's no black & white answers here to make my case for me not being at fault!

Not sure if they tried to program it, and that's how they determined it's blown - but he took it back to the mechanics bay becuase the key's could not be reset per the manual, and he said they'd "try it on the laptop" - it being the AAM?

the laptop...
 

is how the tech's access the data in the AAM. So, they must have at least tried to update the info, but they had a problem...