I have a 98 ml320 and it has 140,000 miles.I just bought it and when I start it up my low range light blinks about 5 times and then it goes away ,so I was wondering if thats the way it supposed to be or it is giving me some kind of message.

I have a facelift 2001 ML so i dont know if the sequence is the same as yours but the ONLY time the low range light comes on is when i select low range the light flashes 3 time and then stays lit (which indicates that i am now in low range).....when i de-select low range the light flashes 3 times and then stays off (indicating that i am NOT in low range. Seems to me that you are indeed getting some kind of message
Hope this helps.

Is your transmission in neutral when you enable low range?

There was a bulletin concerning this problem, especially when the truck is cold. There was a recall campaign on it. Have a dealer do a VMI on the serial number, see if there are any outstanding recalls on the truck.

Gilly

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The recall number is 1998060001. The transfer case control module is replaced with part # 163 545 01 32 at no change.

you have to engage the shifter in neutral not park.

Actually i was wondering what that low range button does?? I mean i pressed it . nothing came on nothing went off.. no lights no nothing.. nothing to indicate that low range was either on or off. I have a 2000 ML320 and have no clue what it does..

You have to have the gear shift lever in neutral for low range to engage, did you do this?

Gilly

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With the car in neutral, engine running, you press the low range button. The light should come on indicating you are in low range. Low range sends all the trans output through a gear reduction of about 2.3 to 1 to multiply your power in off road, heavy pulling conditions. Once the light comes on, put the car in gear and drive it. Be careful with the throttle because the car will literally jump to 6ooo plus rpm and compression braking will be severe. You will note that top speed in all gears is severely reduced.

Jiim in Phoenix

My handbook states that i must not exceed 1500rpm in low range.

Read it again: The manual states you must not exceed 1500 rpm when SWITCHING IN TO (or out of) LOW RANGE. Once you are IN low range you can....
The vehicle must also be at a complete standstill.
Various unwarrantable crunching noises may result-do NOT attempt!

Gilly

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Gilly, My mistake, i mis-read.

When engaged in low range, the transfer case emits whining high pitched sound in motion. is this normal?

And strangely mine became shot after they "upgraded" it. This seems weird to me. Sorry for spreading the bad vibes, Gilly...I hope that all if forgiven as I do respect everything your experience...just trying to throw a little of what worked for me in the past on here every once in a while. And I will be more observant of the dates

Real deal answer from someone with the exact same issue that you have. The motor that moves the gearing in the transfer case is shot. Costs somewhere around 500 to replace. I just let the light blink as I take mine offroad often and have only used low range once. Hope this helps-

Chris Warner, 2Lt, USAF
AC-130 Pilot