[2000ML320SA]

Guys I need some help. My trusty ML320 (2000 model) seems to have an issue.

2 weeks ago my car sounded very strange on startup. So I switched off the ignition and removed key to open the hood. Unfortunately it sounded like my engine continued running even after the ignition was switched off and key removed. While watching all this, Smoke appeared and my starter burned out. Seems like the starter stay engaged. Replaced the starter and yesterday the same thing happened.

On starting the car, some strange noise appeared, when switching off the starter again kept running, I pulled relays in order to get it off, but unfortunately no luck and starter again went up in smoke.

What could cause this issue?

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[43sqd]

Did you pull relay K8 ?

 

[2000ML320SA]

Yes I did, but starter continued until it burned out

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[mattml430]

You might have to look under the fuses and relays for rodent damage. Sounds like a couple of wires have been chewed through and shorting out.


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[2000ML320SA]

You might have to look under the fuses and relays for rodent damage. Sounds like a couple of wires have been chewed through and shorting out.


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Any chance it is the ignition control module? That is the part my mechanic wants to replace?

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[43sqd]

Any chance it is the ignition control module? That is the part my mechanic wants to replace?

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There is no ignition control module, unless he means the Eng. Control Module.

If he does, then don't let him replace it. There has never been a reported replacement of the ECM for this type of issue.

 

[mattml430]

Could be wrong but pretty sure our ml's don't have one.


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[43sqd]

Yes I did, but starter continued until it burned out

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When you turned off the eng. did all the Tell-tale Light remain on at the bottom of the cluster?

 

[plinker17722]

Last time i had this the ignition switch was faulty . The guy before me had greased the key and grease had shorted out inside it and made contact .

 

[2000ML320SA]

When you turned off the eng. did all the Tell-tale Light remain on at the bottom of the cluster?

None stayed on

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[Witek_M]

Yes I did, but starter continued until it burned out

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Disconnecting battery negative is only hope in case like that. If starter continued after removing F1k8 ECM is out of the loop. You need to find another mechanic.

BTW ignition switch is out of the loop as well. It only sends request for starter operation. Starting function is controlled by ECM.

 

[43sqd]

When you replaced the first starter, was it because of of this very same problem or something different?

 

[2000ML320SA]

When you replaced the first starter, was it because of of this very same problem or something different?

Exactly the same thing happened... About 2 weeks ago, went to start the car, strange noise, switched off and won't switch off and oops starter burned

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[43sqd]

Did you replace the starters? And if you did, were any of the two cables melted?

 

[2000ML320SA]

Did you replace the starters?

Mechanic did, but we supplied it (bought directly from Mercedes)

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[2000ML320SA]

Did you replace the starters? And if you did, were any of the two cables melted?

No melted wires...

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[43sqd]

You will have to check all the wires under the fuse module. Remove both covers to the fuse box, then remove the three screws and pull the fuse/relay module out of the fuse box.

Check the following wires at their respective connectors:

MR/E-#8 wire WHITE
MR/E-#13 wire Blue/Yellow
P/A-#2 wire Grey
M/C-#12 wire Violet

 

[2000ML320SA]

No missing or damaged wiring

Mechanic believes the ignition switch is the problem. New starter installed but new ignition switch on order. For now he installed a switch to cut power from the starter to prevent the starter from burning.

Almost a week driving like this (part is arriving on Friday). And this morning a nice surprise when my car wouldn't start at all. Dash lights lit up but no crank - hopefully only a loose wire but will check that out.

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[Witek_M]

For all you girls out there here is small challenge!!!!

1. Put key in ignition and turn it to position 1 Take mental note (phone picture)

2. Turn is to position 2. Ditto.

3. Turn in into position 3 and hold it. Do not let go!!! Describe your experience?

 

[2000ML320SA]

Just an update. Found the K8 relay burned.

Installed ignition switch. Unfortunately would not start normally, not sure where wiring was intercepted for the switch, but something is preventing it to start. Took power directly from battery and connected to switch until car can go back to original mechanic this coming Friday to reconnect the wiring correctly so that car can start without the switch.

I will continue to start with switch for now. BTW the ignition switch is in shortage in South Africa at the moment with only one MB agent having stock so expect a wait if you need one outside Gauteng.

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