RE: Hear a 'click click click' - all dash lights come on, but she doesn't turn start or even cran
Most likely your battery - especially as it's still the original and yours is a '99.
Our battery failed after about 18 months and it was replaced by a battery made in Germany - the original was made in the US.
So far the German battery is doing fine !
__________________
Tim (Formerly a senior race engineer / designer at Cosworth Racing UK for Formula 1 and CART engines)
'00 ML430
Replaced with Lexus RX400h 4x4 (0 to 60MPH in 6.5 seconds and 30MPG city)
My other 4x4 '03 Colbalt Blue Porsche Stage III 996 Twin Turbo (60 to 130MPH in 8.7 seconds and 12 MPG)
2005 Mini Cooper S, a pocket rocket
2002 VW Beetle, daily hack
Past cars of note:
'02 Porsche 996
'99 Porsche Boxster
RE: Hear a 'click click click' - all dash lights come on, but she doesn't turn start or even cran
Quote:
timf - 9/8/2004 10:36 AM
Most likely your battery - especially as it's still the original and yours is a '99.
Our battery failed after about 18 months and it was replaced by a battery made in Germany - the original was made in the US.
So far the German battery is doing fine !
Thanks Tim, - do the symptoms match up to what you experienced?
RE: Hear a 'click click click' - all dash lights come on, but she doesn't turn start or even cran
They match the symptoms when my 4Runner battery died. Try getting a jump, if it works drive over to the nearest battery store with the tools to replace one.
Called 1 800 Mercedes
Within 15 mins, a MB tech in a shiny ML350 Svc truck showed up.
Tested battery - was outputting 300AMPS - enough to run electronics but insufficient to start the car. Asked if I wanted a jump or a recharge - but noted battery was 5 years old now. So he swapped the battery in 10 mins.
ML started up immediately.
He reset the steering angle sensor, called in for the radio code, and left.
Total cost: $130 for new battery made in Germany. Old battery was made in Germany too BTW. MB picks up all labor costs for roadside assistance.
I have to say, the entire experience was EXCELLENT. Very professional and EXTREMELY fast, and very inexpensive - considering I only picked up price of parts and MB picks up all labor, I have to say this was one of those "Mercedes Benz Experience - Unlike Any Other"
That likely explains why your original battery lasted so long - it was made in Germany :-) That's not to say US made batteries are cr*p, just the ones fitted to ML's !
In any event glad you're mobile again and that everything went smoothly for you.
That likely explains why your original battery lasted so long - it was made in Germany :-) That's not to say US made batteries are cr*p, just the ones fitted to ML's !
In any event glad you're mobile again and that everything went smoothly for you.
Hey Timf,
I am quite certain that you are an enthusiast. I am just not so sure as to why you bother with this forum?
I mean it would seem that you really have a strong dislike for MB/MLs?
I guess that you have a number of friends on this forum, and you have been a member for some time.
It is just getting a little tired for me, to just about always read your negative posts.
I think that most people are aware of the ML's shortcomings, but come on, the idea of this forum is camaraderie, advice and being helpful.
RE: Hear a 'click click click' - all dash lights come on, but she doesn't turn start or even cran
Quote:
roadsession - 9/8/2004 9:50 AM
ML parked for the last 5 days.
Went to start her last night.
SYMPTOMS:
Hear a 'click click click' - all dash lights come on, but she doesn't turn start or even crank or cough.
Electronics seem to work - a little dim maybe in dash lighting but could be just because of being stored the last 5 days.
Tried 2nd key - same result.
Re-tried this morning - same result.
Car has original battery.
Is it: (PLEASE USE VOTING BUTTONS ABOVE)
For next time, if there is one, sometimes this helps..
If you have a wrench you can try to wiggle the battery cable on the post, doing this MAY improve the contact enough to get you going, and may fix the problem if the battery was down because of a weak contact etc. It will not help if the battery is not holding a charge.[:)]
RE: Hear a 'click click click' - all dash lights come on, but she doesn't turn start or even cran
Quote:
roadsession - 9/8/2004 6:50 AM
ML parked for the last 5 days.
Went to start her last night.
SYMPTOMS:
Hear a 'click click click' - all dash lights come on, but she doesn't turn start or even crank or cough.
Electronics seem to work - a little dim maybe in dash lighting but could be just because of being stored the last 5 days.
Tried 2nd key - same result.
Re-tried this morning - same result.
Car has original battery.
Is it: (PLEASE USE VOTING BUTTONS ABOVE)
Thanks for the report, roadsession.
Yes. Battery. I have it listed here: [:D]
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/badgas.html
It depends on the climate how long lead acid batteries last in cars. In Las Vegas (hot) they average only about 18 months, and last much longer in colder climates.
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