ML electrical problem - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cerbomark · #1 12-12-2004, 11:45 AM

1999 ML 320, over the past three years wouldn t start 3 times when weather got cold and wet. Always started within one day when I put a 50 amp jump on it. Dealer couldn t find any problem. Battery new/good, charging system check OK. Stalled out and wouldn t start once. Starter OK. Also ESP/BAS light sometimes comes on and goes back off in a day or two.This is when it usually doesn t start. Electrical power is less. Interior lights dimmer. Fan blows slower. #2 postion on heated seats doesn t work. When the vehicle doesn t start, dash lndicator lights light up in a strange way. Some don t light and others like the high beam indicator is on which is not so when vehicle is going to start. When vehicle won t start there is no power to fan blower and radio. HELP ,owned the ML since new and do not want a vehicle with this type of problem. Been to the dealer 3 times with no luck.

Gilly · #2 12-12-2004, 07:55 PM

The mechanic will almost have to have the truck in a failed state to diagnose it. Based on what I know about the ML, my best guess would be a bad ignition switch (the electrical portion of the switch).
Gilly

#3 12-12-2004, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cerbomark

1999 ML 320, over the past three years wouldn t start 3 times when weather got cold and wet. Always started within one day when I put a 50 amp jump on it. Dealer couldn t find any problem. Battery new/good, charging system check OK. Stalled out and wouldn t start once. Starter OK. Also ESP/BAS light sometimes comes on and goes back off in a day or two.This is when it usually doesn t start. Electrical power is less. Interior lights dimmer. Fan blows slower. #2 postion on heated seats doesn t work. When the vehicle doesn t start, dash lndicator lights light up in a strange way. Some don t light and others like the high beam indicator is on which is not so when vehicle is going to start. When vehicle won t start there is no power to fan blower and radio. HELP ,owned the ML since new and do not want a vehicle with this type of problem. Been to the dealer 3 times with no luck.

I know this is very remedial, but have you replaced the battery? most batteries only last about 3-4 yrs. I had the same symptoms a while back, replaced battery and all was fine. One additional issue was the power locks sputtering as I started to unlock them; when I pulled to a stop and started to unlock after placing in park. If you are having this problem as well, consider the battery???

cerbomark · #4 12-13-2004, 09:19 AM

New battery. Was replaced after the first incident even though MB told me the battery was fine.

G-Benz · #5 12-13-2004, 10:27 AM

Sounds like corrosion on a ground lead or on battery terminals. Starting ability is reduced dramatically when moisture is present on corroded leads.

The fact that other systems aren't functioning indicates something other than an electrical engine component.

I would check the ground lead on the battery first. Not the end on the battery, but the end that is bolted to the chassis.