[dehshizknight]

Hey guys. I have a 2006 ML500 W164 model and from time to time, I get messages on the multifunction display about the ESP, ABS, active headlamps, run-flat indicator, and a few other things totally up to 7 messages (although some days it'll be anywhere from 2-6 messages) along with a Check Engine light sometimes.

Usually the car runs just fine but sometimes you can feel the brakes giving a throbbing resistance and the engine won't switch gears properly (most likely that emergency mode talked about in the vehicle manual).


From the several times that I've take the vehicle to get serviced, they said the driving tests and computer diagnostics couldn't find anything and this problem has occurred more than once. Actually, right now it seems to be a constant issue rather than going away after a few hours like previously. I have a feeling this issue is an electronic one due to a bad part or a blown fuse or something.

 

[rmc127]

do you driving near an air force base when it happens?

 

[Moose66]

Sounds very similar to what I was experiencing recently (ESP/ABS lights on, run flat indicator and occasional throbbing resistance, mainly whilst reversing out of the driveway). The downward shifting from 2 to 1 was getting rough as well. It gradually deteriorated to a point where the car was not shifting gear properly anymore. By the time I got the car in for repair, the car was moving to neutral, not engaging in reverse, the ESP was applying breaks when I was getting to about 10km/hr.
The transmission's valve body had to be replaced. Basically, the speed sensor in the transmission didn't know anymore the speed of the car. This is problem discussed previously in this forum.
finally, even if my car was 3 months out of warranty, MB supplied the part for free. I suppose they knew this is a relatively common issue with the early 2006 model.

 

[dehshizknight]

Sounds very similar to what I was experiencing recently (ESP/ABS lights on, run flat indicator and occasional throbbing resistance, mainly whilst reversing out of the driveway). The downward shifting from 2 to 1 was getting rough as well. It gradually deteriorated to a point where the car was not shifting gear properly anymore. By the time I got the car in for repair, the car was moving to neutral, not engaging in reverse, the ESP was applying breaks when I was getting to about 10km/hr.
The transmission's valve body had to be replaced. Basically, the speed sensor in the transmission didn't know anymore the speed of the car. This is problem discussed previously in this forum.
finally, even if my car was 3 months out of warranty, MB supplied the part for free. I suppose they knew this is a relatively common issue with the early 2006 model.

Thanks for the run-down. This type of malfunction has happened to me without the physical issues (car hitting the breaks, not switching gears, etc.). But this time, I had 7 messages in the multifunction display.

Whenever I got these messages previously and I took the car to service, they said that road tests and diagnostics can't find anything. This time, we're getting the car towed so the condition stays the same.

 

[tinke]

Hi,
I also had my share of electrical problems in my 06 ML 500. I don't know if these are related to problems you are discribing, but just wanted to let you know..

About 5 months ago I started to have problems with interior mood lights not switching off, I took it to the dealer and was told that we have spilled liquid on the floor below passenger front seat and that has caused the SAM Module to go bad. After lengthy discussion the dealer replaced it under the warranty (as the car is under warranty), but first they tried to get me to pay the bill. What kind of design is this if there is risk of ruining electronics by spilling water on the floor?

Couple of weeks after the repair the car was outside during an ice storm, when I started driving the car the whole electrical system went crazy, exterior lights would not work, heater malfunctioned totally, etc As I was on my way to the airport I had to leave the car in the parking lot for few days, when I got back from my trip the battery was completely dead and the car had to be jump started. The dealer looked at the problem and stated that there was fault in the wiring insulation. They replaced both air intakes on the hood and repaired some of the wiring. Positive thing was that the radio started to finally find FM radio stations after the repair, which it had not done since new, despite my repeated requests about checking the radio.

After the repair there were still issues with lights and windows not working as designed.. I had t take it to service again and the SAM module under seat was replaced again. This whole circus was couple of months ago and since then the car has been working ok...

A bad SAM will cause all kinds of faults on the car... I believe there is some kind of advisory as water has been getting into the Front SAM..

 

[Superglide11357]

Please tell me where the headlight sensor is located on my 06 ml500