Electrical System Disaster
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: NY
2015 ML350 4Matic
Electrical System Disaster
HELP
The car just freaked out on me.
I drove about 35 miles in this lousy weather. Parked the car for about 20 minutes, then all hell broke loose.
First I noticed that the remote unlock function stopped working.
Next I saw from outside that the dash display was flashing several error messages and the high-beam indicator was flashing.
I used the manual key to get in and then the alarm started ringing and wouldn't stop.
The car started but none of the electrical pieces would work. No lights, no wipers, no heat, no windows, no radio. Nothing electrical.
Lucky thing that I was home already when it happened, but I have no idea what is happening.
The display is still showing a bunch of wierd error messages.
Any help is appreciated!
The car just freaked out on me.
I drove about 35 miles in this lousy weather. Parked the car for about 20 minutes, then all hell broke loose.
First I noticed that the remote unlock function stopped working.
Next I saw from outside that the dash display was flashing several error messages and the high-beam indicator was flashing.
I used the manual key to get in and then the alarm started ringing and wouldn't stop.
The car started but none of the electrical pieces would work. No lights, no wipers, no heat, no windows, no radio. Nothing electrical.
Lucky thing that I was home already when it happened, but I have no idea what is happening.
The display is still showing a bunch of wierd error messages.
Any help is appreciated!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: NY
2015 ML350 4Matic
Do I need to remove both terminals or just the positive?
Will this just reset everything?
I called roadside.
The guy showed up within 10 minutes. - Amazing service.
He took a look at the car and immediately said that the fuse box in the trunk is defective.
He recommended having the car towed in to the local dealer to have the part changed out.
Will this just reset everything?
I called roadside.
The guy showed up within 10 minutes. - Amazing service.
He took a look at the car and immediately said that the fuse box in the trunk is defective.
He recommended having the car towed in to the local dealer to have the part changed out.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
Originally posted by EDC320
He took a look at the car and immediately said that the fuse box in the trunk is defective.
He recommended having the car towed in to the local dealer to have the part changed out.
He took a look at the car and immediately said that the fuse box in the trunk is defective.
He recommended having the car towed in to the local dealer to have the part changed out.
Um with a diagnosis like that I wouldNT trust this guy with anything. defective fuse box? Wtf. I always disconnect the negative cable. Just dont let the + and - touch..ever.
Last edited by s4iscool; Jan 28, 2004 at 08:32 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: NY
2015 ML350 4Matic
I am going to give it a try, but it won't make much of a difference today, there is so much snow on the ground that even if I do get it started, I am not going anywhere.
Right now I could use a G Class.
Right now I could use a G Class.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 0
From: Houston,TX-moving to The Woodlands,TX SOON!!!
Toyota Tacoma & Lexus IS250
Originally posted by EDC320
I would do the same but the car is a 2001 with 36,500 miles.
Can't send it back.
I wonder which car to look at.
Any ideas?
I would do the same but the car is a 2001 with 36,500 miles.
Can't send it back.
I wonder which car to look at.
Any ideas?
2. buy a japanese brand...Lexus reliability just crushes MB...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: NY
2015 ML350 4Matic
Battery removal did not do the trick.
The reason I am relcutant to send it in to the dealer is that I can't be without the car for almost a week. That is what happened when I had a problem with a faulty ignition switch.
The nearest dealer is not the one that I use for my service and it is not where I got the car, therefore I don't think that they will be providing a loaner, but I am calling them now.
The dealer I use for service is 40 miles from my house.
The nearest dealer is 5 miles.
The reason I am relcutant to send it in to the dealer is that I can't be without the car for almost a week. That is what happened when I had a problem with a faulty ignition switch.
The nearest dealer is not the one that I use for my service and it is not where I got the car, therefore I don't think that they will be providing a loaner, but I am calling them now.
The dealer I use for service is 40 miles from my house.
The nearest dealer is 5 miles.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
Originally posted by EDC320
Battery removal did not do the trick.
The reason I am relcutant to send it in to the dealer is that I can't be without the car for almost a week. That is what happened when I had a problem with a faulty ignition switch.
The nearest dealer is not the one that I use for my service and it is not where I got the car, therefore I don't think that they will be providing a loaner, but I am calling them now.
The dealer I use for service is 40 miles from my house.
The nearest dealer is 5 miles.
Battery removal did not do the trick.
The reason I am relcutant to send it in to the dealer is that I can't be without the car for almost a week. That is what happened when I had a problem with a faulty ignition switch.
The nearest dealer is not the one that I use for my service and it is not where I got the car, therefore I don't think that they will be providing a loaner, but I am calling them now.
The dealer I use for service is 40 miles from my house.
The nearest dealer is 5 miles.
Goodluck to you in getting it fixed. maybe your insurance has some form on rental car service.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 0
From: York, PA
2003 C230K Sport Coupe, 1986 190E 2.3
Look in trunk at the fuse box and make sure all connections are good. Then pull all fuses and put them back in. Maybe some water got in there and froze thus making a good connection turn to a bad one. Check all fuses in all boxes to make sure there are none blown. Also look at battery terminals and if there is one, the distribution block that sends power to all the fuse boxes. Probably just something frozen.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: NY
2015 ML350 4Matic
Initial Diagnosis:
Critical Electrical Failure.
Cause: Uncertain - Possible Water Damage - Point of entry - Unknown.
Damaged Items:
Initial diagnosis - Rear fuse panel and electrical modules.
Still checking for other damaged components.
This does not look good.
Has this happened to anyone else?
Critical Electrical Failure.
Cause: Uncertain - Possible Water Damage - Point of entry - Unknown.
Damaged Items:
Initial diagnosis - Rear fuse panel and electrical modules.
Still checking for other damaged components.
This does not look good.
Has this happened to anyone else?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: PHILIPPINES
07' ML350
i had my REAR S.A.M. (signal acquisition module) aka rear fusebox replaced after a year, it just failed by itself. when it died, i lost wipers, turn signals, keyless entry, boot release, interior lights, etc...
Almost a Member!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
2003 C240 4matic
On my 2003 240 4Matic I had to have the rear SAM replaced twice in the first couple of weeks after delivery. The symptoms were trouble with the alarm system and a trunk light that did not work. The car has been fine since.
Originally posted by EDC320
Initial Diagnosis:
Critical Electrical Failure.
Cause: Uncertain - Possible Water Damage - Point of entry - Unknown.
Damaged Items:
Initial diagnosis - Rear fuse panel and electrical modules.
Still checking for other damaged components.
This does not look good.
Has this happened to anyone else?
Initial Diagnosis:
Critical Electrical Failure.
Cause: Uncertain - Possible Water Damage - Point of entry - Unknown.
Damaged Items:
Initial diagnosis - Rear fuse panel and electrical modules.
Still checking for other damaged components.
This does not look good.
Has this happened to anyone else?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
Originally posted by EDC320
Off to the dealer it went.
I have spent the day driving a Honda CR-V I borrowed from a friend. Pretty impressive little truck.
Off to the dealer it went.
I have spent the day driving a Honda CR-V I borrowed from a friend. Pretty impressive little truck.
From Mercedes-Benz to Honda, oh how the mighty have fallen! J/K, the CR-V is a neat little truck just don't back into anything 'cause that spare tire will do mega-damage.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: NY
2015 ML350 4Matic
If the problem is as simple as replacing the rear SAM, then why has the dealer been working on my car for over 2 days, including having the shop foreman look into it.
The dealer is unable to provide me with an estimate of when this project will be completed, last I heard from them is that they were still trying to determine the cause of this damage.
If the car wasn't under warranty, I would have taken it to my local M/B guy and I am sure he would have had this thing sorted out the same day.
With respect to the CR-V, I am just happy to have a car to use while this disaster is being sorted out. But my friend has had it for over 2 years and no problems, just oil changes. Of course they aren't complimentary oil changes. I only have use of the Honda for another couple of days, then I must obtain another car for use as my daily commuter (120 miles / day).
I hope this nightmare will come to an end ASAP.
The dealer is unable to provide me with an estimate of when this project will be completed, last I heard from them is that they were still trying to determine the cause of this damage.
If the car wasn't under warranty, I would have taken it to my local M/B guy and I am sure he would have had this thing sorted out the same day.
With respect to the CR-V, I am just happy to have a car to use while this disaster is being sorted out. But my friend has had it for over 2 years and no problems, just oil changes. Of course they aren't complimentary oil changes. I only have use of the Honda for another couple of days, then I must obtain another car for use as my daily commuter (120 miles / day).
I hope this nightmare will come to an end ASAP.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 380
Likes: 5
From: So Cal
2003 C230
Originally posted by EDC320
The usual answer when not dealing with your dealer - Sorry but none available.
The usual answer when not dealing with your dealer - Sorry but none available.
