Blinking "LOW RANGE" at startup on BOTH of my ML's

[Express]

hi there.. i thought i'd get on here to use the search function instead of probably reposting... but search is down i guess.

i have '99 ML320 and a '03 ML350 (i love my MLs :)) but lately they have both been acting up! the "Low range" warning lights blink about 4 times right after i turn them on. the '03 has had that problem checked and supposedly fixed before the warranty finished, but it came back about a month after the final checkup. and the 99 just started having this problem. neither of them actually go into low range when the light blinks.

its EVERY time i start them up. only once did the 99 actually start up in low range when the lights blinked, i had to restart the car. any ideas wtf?

[bayles999]

Hi express,

I had this problem in my 2002 ML320 about 8 months ago, according to the manual when the low range light blinks at startup there is something wrong with the low range transfer case, i took ours to the local dealer and the problem has not returned since.

bayles999

[00 ML430 Bulldog]

Express - 7/10/2005 2:20 AM

hi there.. i thought i'd get on here to use the search function instead of probably reposting... but search is down i guess.

i have '99 ML320 and a '03 ML350 (i love my MLs :)) but lately they have both been acting up! the "Low range" warning lights blink about 4 times right after i turn them on. the '03 has had that problem checked and supposedly fixed before the warranty finished, but it came back about a month after the final checkup. and the 99 just started having this problem. neither of them actually go into low range when the light blinks.

its EVERY time i start them up. only once did the 99 actually start up in low range when the lights blinked, i had to restart the car. any ideas wtf?

You need to put the truck in low range and take of low range, turn off the truck, then restart it. This usually fix that problem. If it does not atrip to the dealer is in order.

[Express]

i did that the other day to see if low range still worked.. have to check if hte light still blinks... thx

[treeman5]

If I put it in low range and drive and then shut off the car, when I start it back up, the low range light flashes as well but then stays on because it's still in low range. I noticed if you push the low range switch to switch it off and you're not in neutral, it will also flash. Perhaps your switch is stuck in the "off" position and that's why it flashes everytime you start it up?

[Express]

i did what bulldog suggested, and it worked like a charm. thanks[:D]

[AC_ML]

I am having the same problem with my 2005 ML 500. I'll check to see if Bulldog's recommendation works.. Thanks..

AC

[Magweed]

The blinking light indicates that the low range selector motor on the transfer case did not cycle properly at some point. You can try engaging/disengaging low range; i think the blinking light will go out once the transfer case goes through the cycle. My sister's '02 ML is doing the same thing

NOTE: Since your LR light is blinking, I would be careful here. There is a risk that the transfer case could get stuck in LR (it happened to me). If this happens, you will probably need a flatbed unless your shop is very close by. If you don't ever use LR, you might consider getting used to the blinking light.

I paid about $350 to replace the selector motor. I believe there is an updated part. The motor is clearly visible from underneath the car. Should be a 10 min DIY. You should consider changing the xfer case fluid while you're at it.

[Magweed]

Some on the forum recommend exercising the LR selector motor every now and then.

[soulsociety714]

you need to replace the transfer case which is about $400 at an independent shop.