I have only been privy to this once, but my dad says that when he parks the ML at work and when the sunlight hits it, or around then, the alarm will randomly go off. I was witness to this at night when we were visiting some friends. I am thinking that the cold may have something to do with it. I searched some threads and saw the trip computer being mentioned. This is a 2002 ML500, didn't they fix that for 2002? Could a dying battery also cause it? On another note, today when I tried to start the ML, warm start, was only off for 2 minutes, it said failed start and I had to recrank it. Any ideas?
I have only been privy to this once, but my dad says that when he parks the ML at work and when the sunlight hits it, or around then, the alarm will randomly go off. I was witness to this at night when we were visiting some friends. I am thinking that the cold may have something to do with it. I searched some threads and saw the trip computer being mentioned. This is a 2002 ML500, didn't they fix that for 2002? Could a dying battery also cause it? On another note, today when I tried to start the ML, warm start, was only off for 2 minutes, it said failed start and I had to recrank it. Any ideas?
Regarding your alarm randomly going off, there is a TSB #54 50-70 issued Oct. 02 which addresses your problem......Date: October 28, 2002
Order No.: T-B-54.50/70
SUBJECT: Model 163, Model Year 2002 and 2003
Trip Computers Resetting / False Alarms
If you encounter instances in Model 163 vehicles of customers reporting the anti-theft alarm (ATA)
sounding for no apparent reason after being armed, please perform the below procedure. Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) P1716 indicating an interior protection / tow sensor fault may be stored in the All
Activity Module (AAM). A possible cause of this condition may be a software error in the security / trip
computer tow sensor. Additionally, the trip computer may randomly lose date, time or language settings.
Procedure
1. Replace the security/trip computer depending on the vehicle options (refer to WIS document
AR54.50-P-0001GH Removing and installing trip computer control module and AR82.20-P-
1100GH, Removing and installing front overhead control panel).
2. Version code the EAM and AAM using Star Diagnosis (DAS)
• EAM - Trip Computer
Set to ‘present’ (if equipped)
• AAM - Interior/anti-tow protection
Set to ‘present’
3. Read out and erase any relevant DTC’s using Star Diagnosis.
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As for the START ERROR problem, you have a DAS (Drive Authorization System) problem. There is a small module under the steering column which recognizes your key and enables you to start the vehicle. I had to have it replaced 3 months ago under extended warranty. The problem will get progressively worse and the module can only be replaced by the dealer because it requires recoding of the module and ALL YOUR KEYS have to be brought with you so they can also be coded to the new module.
Now is that anti-theft alarm trip computer issue able to be solved b resetting the computer, or does it need to be repalced? How much does a job like that cost?
When I got my bill it just said what was done, it had no dollar figure. The earlier trucks were very expensive to repair, because the DAS and AAM modules were combined. On our year the DAS sits on top of the AAM and it takes 5 mins. to access it and replace it. Then they just have to code the new module to the keys. Just guessing, but maybe in the $500-700 range.
$500-700 for the whole thing, or jsut the trip computer part of the problem.
I am hoping, and knocking on wood, that the failed start is just due to the second key that i was using that day, it has had issues before (won't unlock or lock occasionally) I solved that problem for the most part, but it still shows up on that rare occasion.
$500-700 for the whole thing, or jsut the trip computer part of the problem.
I am hoping, and knocking on wood, that the failed start is just due to the second key that i was using that day, it has had issues before (won't unlock or lock occasionally) I solved that problem for the most part, but it still shows up on that rare occasion.
The estimate I gave was for the DAS Start Error. The alarm problem might need a simple recoding by the dealer. You might have to bite the bullet and take it to the dealer. I'm a firm believer that these complicated systems are purposely made that way so only the dealer can make the repairs. There is nothing that we can do about it.
My alarm mysteriously went off on two occasions on winter nights. The battery suddenly died a month later in a parking lot. Alarm hasn't gone off again since batt. was replaced last year. Cold and heat affect batteries. Yours is approx. 5 yrs old ? and being down south the heat may be doing what the cold did to mine. Good insurance or preventative maintenance plus it may solve your problem.
We are planning to take it to our independant mechanic for a battery check, we are really hoping that is the problem. If it turns out to be the trip computer, in all likelyhood is that a part replacement or a system reset, seeing as the part replacement would be much more costly?
Well apparently the battery was almost completely out of fluid. It has been refilled and so far the alarm hasn't gone off randomly, however, the weather has heated up and if that is factor then that would make it work or not.
Linear Mode
