M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

Time to throw in the towel?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 25, 2012 | 05:46 PM
  #26  
RCorney17's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Salinas, Ca
2007 GL450, 2003 BMW 325i
Where is this?

Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
One last thing you should do before getting rid of the truck. Separate the 13 pin connector on the right side of the transmission and see if there is fluid there. The new part is less than $20 at the dealer.
I'm under the car and cannot locate this. Passenger side, at the tranny, but is this photo from underneath? Or on top, or through the fender well? I'll keep looking...
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2012 | 06:13 PM
  #27  
RCorney17's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Salinas, Ca
2007 GL450, 2003 BMW 325i
my fingers are crossed...

Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
One last thing you should do before getting rid of the truck. Separate the 13 pin connector on the right side of the transmission and see if there is fluid there. The new part is less than $20 at the dealer.
Ok, found it (hiding behind a protective plate) and separated it. There is a fair amount of oil on the orange part to disconnect which looks to be a leaking tran pan. Upon disconnecting it, there is oil around the part that gets plugged in but not necessarily "swimming" in oil. It definitely does not look like your photo posted.

Is it this what it is supposed to look like? Or is it shot? My fingers are crossed that I can replace this and it solves the ETS, ABS, ESP lights.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2012 | 07:10 PM
  #28  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
There is a small heat shield that protects the side of it.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2012 | 07:27 PM
  #29  
RCorney17's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Salinas, Ca
2007 GL450, 2003 BMW 325i
Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
There is a small heat shield that protects the side of it.
Thanks. I ended up finding it, took that part off and unscrewed the pin connector. There's a bit of fluid on the cylinder. Is that the tell-tale sign of it needing to be replaced?
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2012 | 08:02 PM
  #30  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by RCorney17
Thanks. I ended up finding it, took that part off and unscrewed the pin connector. There's a bit of fluid on the cylinder. Is that the tell-tale sign of it needing to be replaced?
Yes it must be replaced.

Buy the part from the dealer.

Drain off approx. 1 Qt. of trans fluid.

Remove #26 and clean With Elec. Contact Cleaner or Brake Parts Cleaner.

Make a conspicuous mark on #21 and the housing it fits into. Loosen 7mm screw and remove.

Transpose the mark onto the new part, insert and only tighten screw to 3Nm. Do not over tighten. Then pour the fluid in through the dip stick tube. Snap the top part off then push the remainder down with a small screwdriver and pull off cap.

You will then have to have all codes cleared from the ECM. Then the codes will have to be cleared from the Trans. Control Module. Then the codes will have to be cleared from the ETS/Traction Control Module. Three separate and distinct clearances. This must be done by an independent mechanic who has a professional grade scanner.

If this is not done, then the truck will continue to show problems even though the proper repair has been made.
Attached Thumbnails Time to throw in the towel?-trans.-13-pin-connector-2.jpg   Time to throw in the towel?-r-i-trans.-dip-stick-lock.jpg  
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
R&I 13 Pin Connector.PDF (93.1 KB, 598 views)

Last edited by Maj. Dundee; Feb 25, 2012 at 08:36 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2012 | 06:02 PM
  #31  
RCorney17's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Salinas, Ca
2007 GL450, 2003 BMW 325i
Outstanding. Thanks Major. Your advice, photos and steps are invaluable.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2012 | 07:11 AM
  #32  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by RCorney17
Outstanding. Thanks Major. Your advice, photos and steps are invaluable.
Since you are going to pay a mech. to clear the codes, have him document all the codes in each module (only the number is sufficient) and then clear the codes.

Then you will have to test drive it and if any problems arise then you will have to return to him to get the new codes from each module.

Maybe it would be a good idea to invest in a scanner of your own; one that can read eng. codes and ABS codes.
Reply
Old Jun 7, 2012 | 08:58 PM
  #33  
nikkoo10's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
ml320
need help with ml320 2000 have all three light on esp/bas lights check fuse and relay their are ok check abs pump module all connection ok check the red wire from the 15 pin connection there is no power coming out turn the car on and there is still no power showing where do i check for this ?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 8, 2012 | 03:41 AM
  #34  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by nikkoo10
need help with ml320 2000 have all three light on esp/bas lights check fuse and relay their are ok check abs pump module all connection ok check the red wire from the 15 pin connection there is no power coming out turn the car on and there is still no power showing where do i check for this ?
You are not even saying if there is a driveability problem.


You will have to at least get the codes read and then post them and we will try to help.

In the mean time you should at least see if there is fluid between the 13 pin connector.

Where did you get the idea that there had to be voltage at the RED wire?
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:56 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE