Trip computer/alarm trip resolution (hopefully) - Benzworld.org

05-06-2002, 08:16 PM

Well, I am hoping that this will be my last post regarding the anomolous trip computer/alarm issue. As I have posted in the past, I had experienced numerous problems with the trip computer resetting. This was followed by an increasing number of alarm tripping events (just after I hit the lock button on the remote). They kept reading the error codes and it was leading them to the trip computer. Three trip computers later, and a huge amount of complaining, they decided to track down the wiring from the trip computer to all the sensors. Well, lo and behold, they found a harness up in the headliner that was not securely fastened. So, they now have made sure it is fastened properly. I have locked/unlocked it 3 times today and so far so good. I hope to leave this is as a memory and move on to more fun and exciting things with my ML. That, and the fact that I won't be so jittery every time I hit the remote. But, for the short term, there will be apprehension every time I hit the button... You don't suppose I could sue for mental anguish, eh? (just kidding) Enjoy, pmo

05-06-2002, 08:29 PM

i'm with you. the panic button has been inadvertently been hit several times when my keys are in my pocket. lean in the back door to unbuckle my 3 year old and the seat height is just right to press (my pocket) the button. scares the hell out of both of us. today it was when i took a step up a stepladder (my jeans must be too tight). nearly fell off the ladder (from first step - no real danger :-) my son just says 'HUG' whenever it happens, which - coming from him is an indicator that he is quite stressed.

05-07-2002, 07:58 AM

Bruce, I would be concerned that it is not the panic button. The tow/door alarm is separate from the panic alarm. The panic alarm is significantly louder than the tow/door alarm. Also, it requires a 2 second press of the button to go off. pmo

05-07-2002, 08:00 AM

Guess what... I parked the vehicle at work this morning and... you guessed it... the alarm went off again. I must be a very forgiving individual. Because, I am in touch with the shop foreman and giving them the ultimatum that it be fixed or (as Emeril says) I kick it up a notch. pmo :-(

05-07-2002, 08:07 AM

I was very much hoping that it would work this time! At least you're in communication with the shop foreman. Should you kick it up a notch, he will hopefully be able to push for some other means of compensation. Please keep us posted.

05-07-2002, 08:10 AM

thanks. worrier that i am, i have considered this. however, it has only happened when the keys were in my pocket and only when there was a plausible excuse for the button to have been pressed. the alarm i have heard IS loud (which is why we find it so disturbing), but you've got me thinking. i'm going to go out in the woods and intentionally press the panic button and see what happens, and try to set off the motion sensor and see whether i can tell the difference. why would one be louder than the other?

05-07-2002, 08:38 PM

I talked with the shop foreman and I am scheduled to go back in on Monday. Apparently, there will be a MB technician on site to help diagnose. This is their last shot. I have given them plenty of opportunity to correct this problem. Upon complaining about receiving a Chevedes Malibu (I am sorry, I meant 'Chevrolet'), they responded that they would not be able to get me into a Mercedes (plain and clear) as a loaner. However, they would work with Enterprise to get me into a 'premium' SUV (i.e. Explorer, Montero, etc.). This is quite a disappointment. When I had my Lincoln LS, I always received a Lincoln as a loaner for warranty related items. I guess MBUSA doesn't feel that their customers will care that they are required to drive vehicles of significantly lesser value and still are considered valued customers. With much disappointment... pmo

05-07-2002, 08:52 PM

Regarding the loaner vehicles, that is a dealership policy I'm afraid. Some dealers in the US do offer MB vehicles, of course. I suppose part of the reason is that they're abused, so many dealers just decide that it is too expensive to offer MB loaners. Hopefully the factory technician will be able to do something. Sounds like this is turning out to be as bad as David Lynch's ML430's problem! I sincerely hope that I'm wrong.

05-08-2002, 08:37 AM

05-08-2002, 06:49 PM

premimum car divisions. Mercedes does not follow this because they can sell on their name only. Many MB dealers offer MB loaners but only to customers who purchased from them. All others get crap or have to rent. As I have posted several times the dealer I use gave me a Geo Metro the one and only time so far that they had to keep my ML over. I was given the opportunity to upgrade at my expense of course from Enterprise. If loaners are important to you check before you buy.