[RossDonna2000]

2013 ML550 with intermittent issues:
Inoperative:
Driver seat heater
Driver seat ventilation
Driver seat adjustment
Steering column electric adjustment

Operative:
Driver seat massage
Pass seat massage
Pass seat heater
Pass seat ventilation
Pass seat adjustment

Nothing in particular seem to trigger it.
Since none of these items seem to be related, I'm thinking it is a plug that is not properly seated (came loose) somewhere in the wiring harness.
With the cold weather here in the northeast, it sure would be nice to have a heated seat.

Occurs whenever it wants and rectifies itself whenever it wants (warm weather or cold).
Condition will sometimes last for days, or just one day. Vehicle is a daily driver.

Thanks in advance for any guidance as to what / where to look.

 

[mattml430]

2013 ML550 with intermittent issues:
Inoperative:
Driver seat heater
Driver seat ventilation
Driver seat adjustment
Steering column electric adjustment

Operative:
Driver seat massage
Pass seat massage
Pass seat heater
Pass seat ventilation
Pass seat adjustment

Nothing in particular seem to trigger it.
Since none of these items seem to be related, I'm thinking it is a plug that is not properly seated (came loose) somewhere in the wiring harness.
With the cold weather here in the northeast, it sure would be nice to have a heated seat.

Occurs whenever it wants and rectifies itself whenever it wants (warm weather or cold).
Condition will sometimes last for days, or just one day. Vehicle is a daily driver.

Thanks in advance for any guidance as to what / where to look.

Check your battery. It may start the car with ease but it won’t keep all the systems going. It will drop out non essential systems as the voltage drops.
My car did a similar thing. Changed both batteries and problem solved. How old is the battery.


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[Apa100]

door control unit? Get the codes readed...

 

[RossDonna2000]

I have certified mechanic friend coming over this weekend with his scanner.
Will let you know the results.
Thank you both.

 

[RossDonna2000]

Scanner results: (those that apply to this problem)
B210D-16 Power too low. The limit value for electrical voltage has not been attained.
B1DD0-15 Output for the mirror heater has a malfunction. There is a shout circuit to positive or an open circuit.
U0146-87 Communications with the central gateway has a malfunction.

Also:
Battery checked with scanner and found to be good.
Could not control seat with scan tool, should be able to.
One thing forget to mention in the original posting, driver's door was replaced. All guts were transferred from damaged to replacement door. (I didn't do it, so have no idea what was transferred)

Found this on internet:
U0146-87 The gateway "A" module and other control modules on the vehicle are not communicating with each other.
B1DD0-15 Mirror Heater Control circuit short to battery or open DRIVER DOOR MODULE (DDM)
Sounds like Apa100's posting.

Where is the DDM, inside driver's door?

 

[Apa100]

were they ever working after door replace?

I dont know about ml but in CLK door control unit is in door... under the lining

 

[RossDonna2000]

Short answer - Yes working after door replacement.
YouTube is also pointing to inside inside the door.
Guess next step is a driver door deep dive.
Will let you know results

 

[RossDonna2000]

A new Driver Door Module (DDM) is $300 >> $350.
Found a used DDM from a donner 2015 with 24k miles for $29.99 delivered from Pacific Motors – The Anti-Junkyard

They disassemble high end cars down to the frame, here is an example:

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

goo.gl

Removed door panel, replaced DDM, same results as original DDM, put original part back in. Next stop is dealership.

 

[fcb2014]

@RossDonna2000

any progress about your issue?

i have exactly the same problem - comes and goes w/o any rhyme or reason!

i have checked all the fuses and they are all good and the passenger side works just fine.
hence, IMHO i would guess it's not the battery, since the heater shares the same F15.

TIA for your and the group's input and feedbacks!

PS: i have a 2013 ML63, if that matters.

 

[RossDonna2000]

My issue has come and not gone now for a month. That's what led me to full investigative mode.
Look at the video time 1:05 for fuse box location.

These are the two fuses for the driver and passenger control modules.

They are 7.5s. The "s" signifies the fuse blades are silver coated for better conductivity. If bad they must be replaced with same.
Mine are both good. I pulled the passenger fuse (engine running) and tried to move the passenger seat, did not move. To me that verified I had the correct fuses.
Believe my problem to be in the wiring itself. As you know the driver's door gets the most use and would be a likely place to fail.
Not looking forward to wiring investigation. At least my driver's seat and steering wheel failed in my favorite position. Though I do miss the heated seat.
Will keep you informed of my progress.

 

[RossDonna2000]

Checked wiring, as much as I am able, and all looks intact. Just as I was ready to buy a new, upgraded/updated, Driver Door Module (DDM) from MB everything works as normal.
I'll keep my $300 in reserve for now and wait for it to fail again.