I have a project that I have been slowly fixing up. I have put on, maybe a hundred miles since I replaced the engine 5 months ago. So I decide to use the ML to go to the scrap yard. It has a hitch. I go to the scrap yard, pull up on the scale, turn off the engine and go inside to register. Hop in the ML and start it up, it stalls before I even get it into gear (strange it never has stalled before) start it up the second time and again it stalls. So I try to start it up again, and this time I look at the dash and notice start error, and this time nothing, no crank. By now, cars are backed up waiting for me to get off the scale. I go back in the office and ask for help. They send out a pickup to tow me off the scale, around the yard to drop off my load, back on to the scale and out to the parking lot. I call my wife to bring my truck, hook up the trailer and leave the ML until I have time. I go back 3 hours later and the ML starts right up. Drive it home (only 3 miles) turn off the ML and try to start it up, start error, no crank. So I read up on all the problems others have had and notice I need to look at the alarm light. I go out and the car starts every time with 20 tries. Each time the alarm light flashes until I start the car.
davescls
Was the car warm? It may be a cps going bad. The symptoms you describe suggest that or possibly a failure of the security device in the circle surrounding the ignition switch. But I'd look at the crankshaft position sensor first. They will get to the point where they shut the car off on the highway until the sensor cools down. I just changed mine because the mileage on it (140k) was significant and didn't want it checking out on me at a bad time. Oh and it's a joy to change too. ;-). Good luck
CPS will not give you start error. Only a bad drive authorization system or defective transponder ring will do that. I would change transponder ring first.
As previously discussed, start error can occur without there necessarily being a faulty DAS component. --> http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/2321938-start-error-no-crank-2.html#post11752633
The answer to your first question is NO. The CKP Sensor serves no purpose in cranking the engine, only in starting the engine.
Getting another key is the best idea you have. Understand that when you get the key from the dealer it will be able to start the truck, but you will have to have it coded by them to lock and unlock the doors. A faulty key could be a possibility with your current problem.
You can do what you want, but replacing the key recognition ring is a good guess, but you should have the codes read (namely "B" codes) to pinpoint the problem.
You cannot own one of these vehicles without a scan tool and I suggest you invest in one.
Getting another key is the best idea you have. Understand that when you get the key from the dealer it will be able to start the truck, but you will have to have it coded by them to lock and unlock the doors. A faulty key could be a possibility with your current problem.
You can do what you want, but replacing the key recognition ring is a good guess, but you should have the codes read (namely "B" codes) to pinpoint the problem.
You cannot own one of these vehicles without a scan tool and I suggest you invest in one.
Attachments
Update
I ordered a new key, I only had 1 any way.
I went out and tried it today.
It started up fine 5 times, alarm light flashed on each start. All ok.
I went to start on number 6, the car cranked and started for a brief second and stalled, no alarm light flashed.
Tried again and same scenario, stalled and no alarm light, dash says "START ERROR"
Tried again, no crank, just "START ERROR". No alarm light either. Tried several more times, each time no alarm light and just the error message on the dash.
I really don't think it's the key. From previous problems with the key, I remember starting the car without the "chip"
(I had the key fob turn apart). The car started that time and with it running I had the start error message. I was told not to drive the car over 5mph with this message, that's when it updates the code. So with a faulty pickup coil will it start? I seen it start without the "chip" or does it see a fault pickup coil and lock out?
I need it scanned.
I ordered a new key, I only had 1 any way.
I went out and tried it today.
It started up fine 5 times, alarm light flashed on each start. All ok.
I went to start on number 6, the car cranked and started for a brief second and stalled, no alarm light flashed.
Tried again and same scenario, stalled and no alarm light, dash says "START ERROR"
Tried again, no crank, just "START ERROR". No alarm light either. Tried several more times, each time no alarm light and just the error message on the dash.
I really don't think it's the key. From previous problems with the key, I remember starting the car without the "chip"
(I had the key fob turn apart). The car started that time and with it running I had the start error message. I was told not to drive the car over 5mph with this message, that's when it updates the code. So with a faulty pickup coil will it start? I seen it start without the "chip" or does it see a fault pickup coil and lock out?
I need it scanned.
I was wrong on my last statement. In previous testing I did not start the car without the "chip" but I removed the chip from the running car, and it stayed running. It did not start without the chip. It does appear to give you 2 tries before you are locked out with the start error. After sitting it does allow you to "try" again. I would like to know how long you are locked out? This has happened twice now, being locked out with the start error then allowed to try to start the car again.
Update
The key finally quite working completely, just error code. I ordered a new key $130.00. The truck started right up, no problem. I started it a few times all ok. I tried the remote functions, nothing. I tried to synchronize the remote, nothing. My old remote functions never worked since I owned the truck, so I may have other problems. I plan on taking my truck to my local indy, he has the computer system to check all the functions.
The key finally quite working completely, just error code. I ordered a new key $130.00. The truck started right up, no problem. I started it a few times all ok. I tried the remote functions, nothing. I tried to synchronize the remote, nothing. My old remote functions never worked since I owned the truck, so I may have other problems. I plan on taking my truck to my local indy, he has the computer system to check all the functions.
That is correct. All W163 models have to have the key programmed to the truck via the MB Star computer.
Our dealer sells the key and includes the programming for $160.
Our dealer sells the key and includes the programming for $160.
Key Update
I finally had time to make it to my indy.
With his diagnostic tool he was able to program my new key. btw not a star system.
I was watching when he was programming the system, it indicated key number 4. Once he was finished we needed to synchronize the key to the truck. This has to be done with all doors closed. It took 3 tries to figure that out. All done, remote works fine. With his scanner I ask him if there were any codes, laughing he said too many to list. At least 30 from all the systems. I had him clear all the codes and will stop back later.
I finally had time to make it to my indy.
With his diagnostic tool he was able to program my new key. btw not a star system.
I was watching when he was programming the system, it indicated key number 4. Once he was finished we needed to synchronize the key to the truck. This has to be done with all doors closed. It took 3 tries to figure that out. All done, remote works fine. With his scanner I ask him if there were any codes, laughing he said too many to list. At least 30 from all the systems. I had him clear all the codes and will stop back later.
Remote Question
My remote locks and unlocks all the doors properly.
But I have a question about the lift gate.
With all the doors locked and I use the remote to unlock the lift gate only.
I open the lift gate and close the lift gate. Should the system relock the lift gate? Without touching the remote. The rest of the doors remain locked. I would l think the system should relock after 40 seconds. If not, someone could crawl through the back end and open a door, would the alarm go off?
My remote locks and unlocks all the doors properly.
But I have a question about the lift gate.
With all the doors locked and I use the remote to unlock the lift gate only.
I open the lift gate and close the lift gate. Should the system relock the lift gate? Without touching the remote. The rest of the doors remain locked. I would l think the system should relock after 40 seconds. If not, someone could crawl through the back end and open a door, would the alarm go off?
Once the tailgate button is pressed the alarm system is deactivated.
If you do not open the tailgate the alarm system will be reactivated automatically after approx. 40 secs..
Once you open the tailgate the alarm system is completely deactivated and will not reset automatically. The tailgate will remain unlocked and the other 4 doors will remain locked but pulling the button up on one of those door will not activate the alarm.
If you do not open the tailgate the alarm system will be reactivated automatically after approx. 40 secs..
Once you open the tailgate the alarm system is completely deactivated and will not reset automatically. The tailgate will remain unlocked and the other 4 doors will remain locked but pulling the button up on one of those door will not activate the alarm.
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
