Mercedes Codes
 

What equipment is necessary to get codes from 1999 ML430?
I cant wait for almost 2 weeks to get truck scanned at local dealer.

Thanks. Jay

It all depends on what you want to do. If all you want is the typical powertrain codes for the engine and transmission, a basic OBD-II scanner will work very well. My personal favorite is the MS309, which you can get on Amazon for about $20. Small, basic unit, fits under the seat so it's handy if you care about that. No other pieces or equipment necessary, it will read and clear codes.

If you like tech, and are an android user, you can get an ELM BT interface for the OBD-II and download the TORQ app from the Play store. Or you can get a similar setup for a windows laptop. This will also give you some live data, for a bit more than the basic handheld unit. The con of this is that it's a bit more cumbersome to use, so you may find yourself procrastinating. ;)

And as you dramatically increase your expenditures, you'll get more features and interfaces. Heck, if you want to manage all car systems you can buy SDS (or you could just buy another ML, ha ha).

That said, if you aren't in California you can just go by Autozone or some other parts stores and they will read codes for you. If so, be sure you write down the actual alphanumeric codes, not just their summary or diagnosis. You can search them or post them and we're happy to give you a hand.

Good luck.

Thanks for the quick reply. I will call around and see if anyone other then the dealer can read codes for me. I hope I not left to wait for the dealer.

What kind of scanner is needed to pull codes?
Thanks. Jay

Uh...

Your car is OBD-II compliant, as is EVERY vehicle built for the NA market since 1996. Any OBD-II scanner will read codes, most will also clear them. The one I specifically pointed out (excerpted and quoted above) works great and is very inexpensive (it's also CANBUS compliant, though it's not going to do anything for the detailed chassis codes on your vehicle, nothing is going to do that until you get into the several-hundreds-of-dollars arena). If you just drop into a store to buy one you can expect to spend at least $50, though if you have a coupon Harbor Freight has one that is nearly the same as the MS309 for $40.

Are we talkin' about a check engine light or something else???

The problem I am having with me 1999 ML430 is that if i start truck and just turn wheel all the way one way then the other way the brake light will come on and beep and truck will go into limp mode.
Also if im driving down the road same light and beep will come on and truck will go into limp mode but lets say if im in 3rd gear it will stay in that gear.
I had the truck scanned using a scanner that was not a OBD2 and was not at Mercedes. Gave me a P0720 code. Rear speed sensor.
But you would think i would have to be moving to make it go into limp mode. Not by just turning the wheel back and forth.
I am guessing that if I get it scanned at Mercedes it'll give me a lot more detail.
Thanks. Jay

In your shoes I'd actually change the fluid, filter, conductor plate and pilot bushing (harness adapter). The conductor plate has been superseded a few times and that's classic for your symptoms and that code. It's all DIY stuff if you have a clean place to work.

Once the work is done you'll have to hit up a shop with a proper interface (SDS, Snap-On, etc) to talk to the TCM and clear codes from it, then you'll be good to go.

Good luck.