chris-holland

So I've just bought my 2001 ML 320 and am having a few issues with the central locking. I was hoping someone on here may be able to steer me in the right direction before I start replacing door locks or anything!

So the only remote fob I have doesnt operate anything. I've changed the batteries, but no still nothing. Also tried the resync as detailed in the user manual, and still nothing.

(nb. I dont have the emergency key either).

The key on the remote fob wont lock or unlock the drivers door, you turn the key either way and the button comes back up each time, just wont latch down. Nothing else happens off this key either; none of the other doors lock or unlock (like you would expect?) There is no sort of motor noise at all from the drivers door when you try the blade or the central console button.

The central console lock/unlock all doors button will lock and unlock the two passenger doors, and if the tailgate is locked, will unlock this too. But it wont unlock the drivers side rear door (machine gun noise on that door, so presumably need to replace the little spring in the lock?). And the drivers door does nothing. If all doors are unlocked, the central lock button will lock the two passenger doors, the drivers side rear door, but will not do anything to the tailgate or drivers door.

I have found that I can use the button on the inside of the tailgate to lock it before I close it, and it then stays locked until you use the central console button to unlock it.

I've checked all fuses and relays and all seem to be healthy.

Although I'd like to solve all the issues, I really in the first instance just want to be able to lock the car completely, so need to solve the drivers door not locking by the key.

Finally, does anyone have any idea where the alarm sounder is located, as where the remote fob doesnt work, I dont get the indicators flashing to show the alarm is set or not. So Im also wondering if the alarm may have been disconnected?

Maj. Dundee

Chris, it would help greatly if you UPDATE YOUR PROFILE in USER CP to include where you live so we will know if it is right hand or left hand drive truck.

Maj. Dundee

Whichever doors do not operate properly requires replacement of the door lock. See sample below.

chris-holland

Many thanks for the reply, however I have been playing around this morning and have found that if I open the car, use central console button to lock all doors (drivers door is open), the drivers door stays unlocked, but other 3 doors lock (tailgate still won't auto lock, only auto unlock). If I then force the internal door knob/button down, then shut the door, it stays locked. So at least I've found a way to lock up the car.

I can then unlock all doors by inserting the key and turning. Turning the other way does not lock the doors again though.

Key fob still does nothing.

Any ideas on what's actually going on ? I've just bought a replacement drivers door actuator on eBay ready to swap it out, or keep as a spare if it's actually something else that is the issue. Thanks

Maj. Dundee

I asked you to update your profile in post #2 and you failed to do so. If we are going to continue with this, I have to know what side of the truck your driver's door is on.

chris-holland

I had put UK in my profile following your first reply, have now added Right Hand Drive to the vehicle details

Maj. Dundee

If the driver's door is closed and the button is up, can you push it down with little effort?

Does the tailgate lock either with the fob, using the console button or turning the key in the door?

Maj. Dundee

Sorry, I must have missed it.

Maj. Dundee

Please post your complete vin #.

chris-holland

With the drivers door shut, all other doors locked (via console button), I can with a bit of effort push down the drivers button to lock it, yes.

The tailgate does not lock from either the fob (fob does nothing at all despite new batteries, and having tried sync'ing it 3 or 4 times), or by the console button. The only way I can get the tailgate to lock is by opening it up and flicking the little button over by hand, then shutting it. The central console button does unlock the tailgate successfully though !

Sorry cant add VIN at moment as dont have any documents with me, but can add later tonight.

Thanks for the continued help.

chris-holland

Hi VIN is

WDC1631542A239109

Maj. Dundee

Here is the DATA Card for your vehicle with every option.

You will need the right front door, part number supplied.

You will also need the Tailgate Door lock Motor which is part of outside door handle.

Before you buy the Tailgate Motor, remove the tailgate liner and locate the actuator motor and you will probably see that the button has broken off. Many have glued it back.

Let me know if you need the instructions to replace the right front door lock.

chris-holland

A big thankyou Maj, that's some great info and help.

Yes I wouldn't mind the door lock removal instructions.

Any ideas on the fob not working? Could the fob just be knackered?

Maj. Dundee

More often than not, whenever the fob works in one direction and not the other, it is always an AAM issue. Did you buy the truck with this issue?

Maj. Dundee

Here are the instructions for R&I of the door lock. You will need a two-handed rivet gun and stainless steel rivets.

chris-holland

Yes did, but Ive come from a 30yr old landrover thats only got manual locks, so Im not too concerned with remote locking actually working, just thought if it was an easy/cheapish fix to sort it out, would be good to have it functional.

None of the buttons on the fob work, new batteries and resyncing hasn't worked, car doesnt flash indicators like it should to arm the alarm and therefore im sure the alarm isnt working either.

I've seen from other posts that the AAM is expensive to replace and reprogramme, so may just have to live without the central locking if there is no other cure.

Maj. Dundee

Well you will still have to replace both locks or repair the tailgate lock, because someone could easily enter via the trunk.

chris-holland

Yes, i will replace both...will be on ebay later !

Thanks for all of the help, much appreciated.