Multicontour seats option not working
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
Likes: 20
GL550
Multicontour seats option not working
My wife and I have a 2010 GL550 and recently the multi-contour seat function stopped working on both the driver and passenger seats. I know, I know the obvious answer is a fuse, but it checks out fine (assuming it is the fuse in location 66 in the rear cargo area).
What else could this be? I also checked fuses 27 & 28 and they are both fine too. If it were just one seat, I'd suspect wiring/motor/switch...but it is both seats.
What else could this be? I also checked fuses 27 & 28 and they are both fine too. If it were just one seat, I'd suspect wiring/motor/switch...but it is both seats.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
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GL550
I could REALLY use some help. So, just picked up the 550 from the Dealer. $380 for a new battery/labor, plus $500 for replacement rear door handle/labor. I opted NOT to do the multi-contour seat function repair, as I was quoted $750. They stated that the pneumatic pump has failed (one pump for both seats).Where is this pump located? Several Internet searches come up with pump locations, but for different model MB (S class, E class, etc.).
I really want to get this fixed but there's no way I'm spending another $750 to do it.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
Epc is a service of Mercedes where you can look up parts and get the options that your car came with its a free service
http://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/
http://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
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GL550
So we've been using the vehicle without the ability to adjust the multi-contour seats (yes I know, how terrible), but I'm back on my kick to get them fixed.
Can anyone tell me where the air compressor/pump is located?
Can anyone tell me where the air compressor/pump is located?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
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GL550
Well, I think I have this problem beat!! It's definitely the vacuum/air pump. It's located in the rear compartment, behind the first aid kit. It's amazing how expensive, yet how cheap the pump actually looks. Gets voltage just fine, but no motor rotation. Hit it with a screw driver handle and away it goes. Most placed wanted $250-325 for a replacement, but I found a rebuilt one for $95. It should be here within a few days. It will be a super easy fix, once the pump unit shows up (less than ten minutes).
The dealer wanted over $700 for this repair...unbelievable!
The dealer wanted over $700 for this repair...unbelievable!
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 10
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From: SW PA
2011 GL550
Can you give me an idea where (web/vendor) you found the rebuilt pump? I recently got a GL that neither multifunction seat adjustment works on. Probably worth a look at the compressor if that was as simple of a fix for you.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
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GL550
This is going to sound silly, but I assure you it will work. To troubleshoot, remove the pump from the insulated padding, but leave it plugged in. With the ignition turned on, have someone sit in one of the front seats and hold down one of the multi-contour buttons.
Give the pump housing a good "pop" (I used a screwdriver handle). Not too hard, but hard enough. I am quite certain you will then hear the motor/pump start working. It seems that the pump motors go bad very frequently. This is just to test to make certain it's the pump. This will NOT be a long-term fix, lol.
I am under the impression that the part number for the pump is the same for quite a few MB vehicles.
Give the pump housing a good "pop" (I used a screwdriver handle). Not too hard, but hard enough. I am quite certain you will then hear the motor/pump start working. It seems that the pump motors go bad very frequently. This is just to test to make certain it's the pump. This will NOT be a long-term fix, lol.
I am under the impression that the part number for the pump is the same for quite a few MB vehicles.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 2
Mercedes GL 420 (2008)
Issue Fixed
Dear all, thank you for the posts. Thanks to that I was able to locate the problem and fix it.
I repaired the pump motor myself.
I disassembled the pump, opened the engine, cleaned the commutator and brushes with a fine sandpaper.
Also cleaned the commutator gaps with needle.
Then all put together and pump just works fine.
All went really easily.
I repaired the pump motor myself.
I disassembled the pump, opened the engine, cleaned the commutator and brushes with a fine sandpaper.
Also cleaned the commutator gaps with needle.
Then all put together and pump just works fine.
All went really easily.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 11
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gl 350
Mine turned out to be some sort of electric short circuit because the cap from the head light was off and water was getting in. It was also giving me light errors on the dash. Once I replaced the light and put the cap the seats worked and have been working fine since.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Gl350
Dear all, thank you for the posts. Thanks to that I was able to locate the problem and fix it.
I repaired the pump motor myself.
I disassembled the pump, opened the engine, cleaned the commutator and brushes with a fine sandpaper.
Also cleaned the commutator gaps with needle.
Then all put together and pump just works fine.
All went really easily.
I repaired the pump motor myself.
I disassembled the pump, opened the engine, cleaned the commutator and brushes with a fine sandpaper.
Also cleaned the commutator gaps with needle.
Then all put together and pump just works fine.
All went really easily.
Thank you.!!!!!!!! Sooooo much.!!!!!
you have no idea you have really made my day..!!!!
$0 spent..
1. knocked the air pump with a screwdriver after turning the ignition on- motor started and stopped.
2. so I knew it is the air pump.
3. I opened the black and gray compartment and disconnected the motor.
4. I did open the motor up with the screwdriver to pull the magnet core out.
5. I did clean the carbon deposit on the commutator (the copper piece on the core with sand paper)
6. I also used a brush to remove any other deposits or copper powder or carbon graphite powder left on that copper piece and the gaps within commutator.
7. I also cleaned a little too magnet squares with sandpaper and toothbrush.
8. Reinstalled it back.
amazingly easy to do.!!
Last edited by amitosr; Feb 28, 2021 at 09:07 PM.
