[soulblade046]

Dear Folks,

First of all I would like to thank each and everyone here for their wonderful contributions. God Bless.

My ML55 does not start, no crank, but all electrical components are working.

Have a parasite drain, which usually kills my battery, and used to jump start.

One day after 2-3 cracks during jump start, no more crack, thought my jumper battery was died.

Got it charged up, tried to start, no crank, after turning key from 2 to 3 position.

Went through most of the related posts. Cant get my head around this.

DAS led 👍
Starter 👍
Fuses 👍

Gave it to a mercedes mechanic.

Couldn't figure out, so he fixed a switch near the ignition , after turning the key to position 2, pressing the switch would start the ML55 after couple of tries.

Please help.

God Bless 🙏

 

[khomer2]

Did you jump start the suv with key fob in the ignition?

---
Please tell us you didnt jump start it this way.

Battery dead? then key dead?

My 1998 ML320 started out with clicks on ignition. Jumped it ..i think with key in (Oops!). no luck so got new battery. Then engine starts but wont turn over. After 2 hrs of looking for a cause I tried the spare key and... vrooom! Now i am wondering 1) if the dead battery caused the first key to...

www.benzworld.org

 

[camobob]

Have always wondered what is the correct JUMP procedure for the w163. Eventually I have to use the key to start it. Use the valet key, not the FOB? Charge it overnight, then disconnect the charger and start? Use a portable battery for a jumper instead of cables?

 

[wallyo]

Have always wondered what is the correct JUMP procedure for the w163. Eventually I have to use the key to start it. Use the valet key, not the FOB? Charge it overnight, then disconnect the charger and start? Use a portable battery for a jumper instead of cables?

The correct jump procedure is while performing any electrical work keep your keys as far from the ignition as possible ( preferably a lead lined box)

This goes for jumping with another car, using a jump box, charging, battery replacement, battery disconnect when performing work.

Just keep your fob away from the ignition. Once all work is done or jump connections made insert key and start.

I once came across an actual MB Tech Bulletin that started and I am paraphrasing but am pretty close...


“Many ML owners have reported a no start issue after attempting an jump start with the key in the ignition. This has cause damage to the DAS, module replacement may be necessary”

ML do not like stray voltage or components of the DAS system that get wet.

If I ever find the tech bulletin again I will post it.

 

[khomer2]

For ALL W163 owner's reading pleasure

proper way to jumpstart a ML?

Just out of curiosity, what is the proper way to jumpstart a ML? I read somewhere that you do not leave your key in the ignition while it is being jumpstarted so how would you start the truck? Sorry for my ignorance.

www.benzworld.org

 

[argonlj]

hi soulblade, so assuming it was jumpstarted incorrectly at some point, is the current issue
a. not starting at all?
b. not starting but sometimes starts ("couple of tries" in your description)
+ you always have to use that "switch"?

just curious if same behaviour for spare key?

any chance you've scanned for any error codes from security related modules? update: actually in any of the modules?

good luck

-curious newbie/learning so follow advise from others over mine

 

[argonlj]

would also be good to understand what that "switch" does, if you know? thanks.

 

[soulblade046]

Dear Folks,

Thank you for your participation.

As I recollect from my memory, the senario is, tired to unlock the SUV, battery is dead, so I manually opened the driver door, then the bonnet, connected the jump start battey, used the fob to start, it cranked twice weakly, thought jumper battery was weak, key still in ignition, went and adjusted the jumper connector, tried to start, no crank, but all electrical components working.

I have two Fobs, both cant start it. No valet key. The stealer said, a spare key would cost AED5000/- 1,361.30 USD, which would be the approximate price of this SUV now.

The mechanic scanned it, and told me some can bus error came up. He didn't share the codes , told me its the immobiliser issue, need to replace fob, immobiliser, and program ECU. AED 3000/-

For now he fixed a switch which I believe is connected to the purple started line and battery, from the relay in the fuse box at the engine compartment, which will start the SUV, after 2-3 tries after turning the fib to 2 position.

The DAS led is lit when i open the door by remotely unlocking , once I turn the key, it will flash once, and the SUV will not respond after turning from 2 to 3 position.

Hope I have cleared all the doubts.

The ML55 is a remembrance of my Dad who passed away in 2017. Its was his SUV

Hope all issues gets fixed or else will give it away😔

 

[argonlj]

thanks for explaining it well.

We will ll wait for more experienced input but until then, here are some thoughts
1. check battery is all good / fully charged - assuming it is now, just read weird things happening when batt is low
2. the fact that it starts leads me to believe its not a security issue, plus the red flash when in position 2 - so my understanding is this means authenticated
3. thinking if its a faulty ignition switch/cylinder (?) - just don't see why mechanic would recommend change all 3 components if it starts somehow - if a wiring like that switch bypasses a security system, its not good enough

I assume your 2002 key is still box-shaped with switchblade, not the nice looking fob key with IR?

again - let's wait for more experienced input and learn

 

[khomer2]

Dear Folks,

Thank you for your participation.

As I recollect from my memory, the senario is, tired to unlock the SUV, battery is dead, so I manually opened the driver door, then the bonnet, connected the jump start battey, used the fob to start, it cranked twice weakly, thought jumper battery was weak, key still in ignition, went and adjusted the jumper connector, tried to start, no crank, but all electrical components working.

I have two Fobs, both cant start it. No valet key. The stealer said, a spare key would cost AED5000/- 1,361.30 USD, which would be the approximate price of this SUV now.

The mechanic scanned it, and told me some can bus error came up. He didn't share the codes , told me its the immobiliser issue, need to replace fob, immobiliser, and program ECU. AED 3000/-

For now he fixed a switch which I believe is connected to the purple started line and battery, from the relay in the fuse box at the engine compartment, which will start the SUV, after 2-3 tries after turning the fib to 2 position.

The DAS led is lit when i open the door by remotely unlocking , once I turn the key, it will flash once, and the SUV will not respond after turning from 2 to 3 position.

Hope I have cleared all the doubts.

The ML55 is a remembrance of my Dad who passed away in 2017. Its was his SUV

Hope all issues gets fixed or else will give it away😔

You can reset the ECU, was this attempted?

Disconnect the -ve battery terminal for one minute, then reconnect it.
Turn the key to position 2 (engine not running) for three mins. to let the computer go through a re-learn process.
Turn the key to off position and then start the vehicle.
Make sure you have the radio handy to activate it.

The mechanic wouldn't share the error codes with you?
Strange that he would not, I would then find another indie, that can and knows how to work on MBs.

Scan again and post the error codes.

 

[argonlj]

also, when starting, there are a few conditions that can be checked using a diagnostic tool - basically it shows data of conditions that needs to be met for a start to happen
(example from memory "is gear in P or N" etc etc)
it seems if gear is not "detected" in P or N, it may also not crank which makes sense, but you can probably try cranking if you move shifter to N

I will check and post the list from scanner if I can tomorrow...good luck.

 

[wallyo]

For now he fixed a switch which I believe is connected to the purple started line and battery, from the relay in the fuse box at the engine compartment, which will start the SUV, after 2-3 tries after turning the fib to 2 position.

I would have to pull up a wiring diagram to figure out what the purple lead is. But from the sound of it I am thinking ignition switch?

You say repaired not replaced? Since the site is international and in different cultures words take on different meanings, can you clarify this point.


Khomer can you see the reset helping BananaBenz at all? I must of read about it before just don’t know much about it.

 

[soulblade046]

Dear Folks,

Thanks for the advice 🙏

I also feel that is wont be a security issue.


- check battery - will report back

- Gear is in P ,will try on N also

- 2002 key box-shaped with switchblade-yep

- reset ECU - will report back

- Scan again and post the error codes - will
report back.

- As advised will find a MB
mechanic. They are using Autel to scan.

- Is launch Crp 429c is useful to scan as I
have one. Any suggestions which scan to
get, less expensive for self use and help
others with similar models of SUV or car.

- You say repaired not replaced? Sorry I
didn't get this.

- Will Post pictures for the start connection
and the switch.

Thank you 🙏

 

[soulblade046]

 

[soulblade046]

Dear Folks

What can be the most common cause for paradise battery drain on a ML55?

Thank you 🙏

 

[Witek_M]

Here is starter relay F1k8. Why fuse box looks like there was collision with cement truck?

 

[Witek_M]

For now he fixed a switch which I believe is connected to the purple started line and battery, from the relay in the fuse box at the engine compartment, which will start the SUV, after 2-3 tries after turning the fib to 2 position.

This needs clarification. You push the button and engine cranks but does not start?

 

[khomer2]

Dear Folks

What can be the most common cause for paradise battery drain on a ML55?

Thank you 🙏

Solve your no start problem first.
One topic per thread please - Start a new thread on your parasitic drain issue, or google "how to test for parasitic drain youtube" - lots of information on this procedure.

 

[wallyo]

For now he fixed a switch which I believe is connected to the purple started line and battery, from the relay in the fuse box at the engine compartment, which will start the SUV, after 2-3 tries after turning the fib to 2 position.

My bad. I used the wrong term my self by not correctly quoting you, did not mean to add more confusion.

So by “fixed” do you mean it was replaced? In otherwords what exactly was done with it. Looks like push button start was added at some point?
Before the photo I was thinking he took the OEM ignition switch apart somehow.

I think it is great that you are wanting to keep a remembrance of your dad!

 

[soulblade046]

Dear Folks,

Please find the below updates-

Witek_M- After turning the fob key to position 2, I need to push the new swtich button 2 to 3 or more times and the engine cranks and it starts. It never starts on the first try.

Yep its the start relay F1 K8.
Fuse box- cement 😊 , cause of the weather in UAE, dusty, think the electrician must have kept it open, while he was trying fix the start issue for 12days 🤦‍♂️
Can i clean it with contact cleaner like mannol 9893.

Khomer- yep found some videos, the multimeter shows 3.4 amps , its coming from inside the SUV, confirmed after removing the red wire from the positive terminal, which supplies the power to inside.

As advised will start a separate thread requesting the most common issues causing the drain so can try to rectify those as checking fuse by fuse can be time consuming and the weather is summer here now 45 to 48 degrees Celsius 😀

Did the ECU reset, no luck, still wont start.

Codes- I will get on sunday hopefully, will be going to fix my power steering rack as its again leaking after refurbishment 2 days ago, even changed the power steering pump.

Argonlj- Battery voltage is 13.20 to 13.61 v

Wallyo- The electrician fixed- sorry i meant , fitted a switch- the one in the photo - a push button start switch, which need to be pressed 2-3 times after the fob is in position 2.

Khomer- No radio code issue as here in UAE we have the European model which has the Comand 2.0 D2B Bose system.
Scanned with launch Crp 429c, it can scan only four systems,Engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS, got codes from ECM - P0410 Scondary Air Injection Malfunction function chain, from ESP - C1142 lateral Acceleration Sensor B24/2 or B24/15, C1320 - Parameter Steering Value Y10 Discontinuity, C1000 Control Module. Thats all.

Cant scan other systems.

Will try to post codes from Autel or SDS on sunday as its holiday here for the next 2 days.

Thank you 🙏