[APKhaos]

Just returned from the local dealership. Went to buy a replacement brake switch and was told of a new campaign [letters apparently went out last week] to replace the brake switch. My ML is 2001, so I'm guessing the campaign covers a broad range of year models. Will post more details when I find them.

 

[43sqd]

Did they sell you one?

 

[APKhaos]

Did they sell you one?

I'd actually swiped my card when the service manager told the parts guy to wait while he checked that my ML was covered by the campaign. He came back and said, "Cancel the sale, we're fixing this for free!"

 

[bocabenz]

That's nice of them, Mercedes of Delray didn't do that. I outright asked and they said no. That's why I walked out and bought the part online and still won't go there for service.


Sent from my Autoguide iPad app

 

[cmitch]

I've been trying for over 6 months to get mine replaced. They acknowledge it's covered under the campaign but they have no parts. I asked, "what if my switch goes bad?" to which they replied, "You'll have to BUY the old one."
No kidding?

 

[APKhaos]

Does anyone have a copy or a link to the brake switch campaign details?

 

[cmitch]

Does anyone have a copy or a link to the brake switch campaign details?

I believe 43sqd posted one here some time ago. Do a search for the post.

 

[rocketman4321]

Is this a new part design? Or is just another copy of the same old brake switch that's already failed 3 times in my car?

 

[cmitch]

Is this a new part design? Or is just another copy of the same old brake switch that's already failed 3 times in my car?

According to the dealer, it is a completely rdesigned switch. Wouldn't be much good if it was the same old design, IMHO.

 

[fabbrisd1]

2002 Mercedes-Benz ML55 Brake Light Switch Defect Investigations

 

[43sqd]

There's a little confusion here and it is being caused by M/B. The original recall for faulty Cruise Control system earlier this year, calls for replacement of the Brake Light Switch to remedy the problem.

So they are one in the same. Maybe there have been one too many accidents, coupled with the infamous Toyota scare, have shaken their boots. They probably made the preemptive move to replace it before NHTSA got a hold of their sales records for brake light switches.

 

[APKhaos]

The campaign letter actually arrived last night, and as 43sqd says the campaign is:
Safety Recall #2011090001 Cruise Control System

The brake switch was causing failure to disengage the cruise control, and a redesigned part is being installed under the recall.

In my case, the cruise control would not have worked because the switch failed with a short - brake lights are constantly on. I'm dropping the ML at the dealer this AM for the recall service.

 

[cmitch]

The campaign letter actually arrived last night, and as 43sqd says the campaign is:
Safety Recall #2011090001 Cruise Control System

The brake switch was causing failure to disengage the cruise control, and a redesigned part is being installed under the recall.

In my case, the cruise control would not have worked because the switch failed with a short - brake lights are constantly on. I'm dropping the ML at the dealer this AM for the recall service.

My letter states, as well, it's the cruise control that fails to disengage. Call the dealer FIRST. It won't do any good if they still don't have the part.

 

[APKhaos]

MODEL Coverage

All done, loaner car as well.
The work order has the following specifics on models covered by the campaign:

Model 163, Model Years 1999 - 2002
Model 163.174 Model Years 2000 - 2003

Still might be best to have the dealer check your VIN to be sure its covered.

 

[dewdaltz]

I replaced my brake light switch 2 months ago because of failure to move shifter. Need your opinion here. Do you think I need to have the brake light switch replace on Recall?

 

[APKhaos]

I replaced my brake light switch 2 months ago because of failure to move shifter. Need your opinion here. Do you think I need to have the brake light switch replace on Recall?

It depends. The recall replaces the original part with a redesigned part intended to prevent the high failure rate associated with the original part. If you replaced your switch with a new one of the original type, chances are it is more likely to fail than the redesigned part. The new part is # 001-545-64-09

 

[Witek_M]

Nothing new about that part number. 001 545 64 09. Has been in use since 1999.

 

[APKhaos]

Nothing new about that part number. 001 545 64 09. Has been in use since 1999.

Ugh. That makes it difficult to know if you have the redesigned or the old part, or it tells us that the "redesigned" aspect of this story is bogus and they are using the same old part. Or rather, a new instance of the same old part.

 

[Stride1736]

I didn't even get my letter yet!
Or is this the letter from like six months ago?

 

[cmitch]

Nothing new about that part number. 001 545 64 09. Has been in use since 1999.

You're a rolling encyclopedia of Mercedes Parts.

It sounds like they stuffed the old part back in. I checked just then. My SA says they're available.