GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

2012 GL550 issue

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Old Aug 7, 2021 | 06:00 PM
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From: Greenwich Twp, NJ
2007 ML350 and 2012 GL550
2012 GL550 issue

Purchased a 2012 Gl550 w/ 42k several months ago. Started it today and heard chirping which sounded like it was coming from the fan. After letting it run a couple minutes the fan would then run high for like 30 seconds then stop and so on. While driving it the low coolant indicator came on. Luckily I was just in town so I drove home and just drove my ML. When I got home I checked the coolant and level seemed to be fine. What could be the issue? Thank for any advice in advance.
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Old Aug 8, 2021 | 12:15 AM
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Sounds like you have a squeaky bearing somewhere in your accessory drive and maybe a malfunctioning coolant level sensor.

does it overheat?
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Old Aug 8, 2021 | 08:33 AM
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From: Greenwich Twp, NJ
2007 ML350 and 2012 GL550
Originally Posted by Max Blast
Sounds like you have a squeaky bearing somewhere in your accessory drive and maybe a malfunctioning coolant level sensor.

does it overheat?
I'll drive today to see. Didn't yesterday in the short time I drove it. As far as the chirping, it only does it when the fan comes on at normal speed. But when it's on high (sounds like a jet engine) the chirping goes away.. I'll check the coolant sensor today as well.
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Old Aug 8, 2021 | 10:59 AM
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Top of the coolant if needed or make note of where it is level wise if not - then run it up to temperature and check the gauge readout and the coolant level.

if the coolant level in the expansion tank drops you may have more serious issues - headgasket failure, while very rare in the x164 is one of those conditions that make coolant temporarily disappear from the tank, and makes the engine run hot, which triggers the fans to work overtime.

the squeak is not the real issue here.
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Old Aug 8, 2021 | 04:49 PM
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From: Greenwich Twp, NJ
2007 ML350 and 2012 GL550
Originally Posted by Max Blast
Top of the coolant if needed or make note of where it is level wise if not - then run it up to temperature and check the gauge readout and the coolant level.

if the coolant level in the expansion tank drops you may have more serious issues - headgasket failure, while very rare in the x164 is one of those conditions that make coolant temporarily disappear from the tank, and makes the engine run hot, which triggers the fans to work overtime.

the squeak is not the real issue here.
I added some coolant and drove it.. never overheated.. kept an eye on the temp throughout my drive. Maintained between 80-100. When I got home I checked the coolant and it doesn't appear to have lost any.
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Old Aug 8, 2021 | 07:46 PM
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Good - could have been a low coolant issue. Keep an eye out for disappearing coolant by leaks or sweet smelling exhaust.

now for the squeak - if you can spin the electrical fans with the car off and hear which one it is, there’s your squeak culprit. If not a fan put a homemade stethoscope on your visible serpentine belt pulleys (on the bolt, not the rotating but) and listen for bad noises.
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