GL450 level control malfunction
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GL450
GL450 level control malfunction
I have a GL450 with 80K miles. A couple of weeks ago, the car was leaning to one side so I took it to the dealer. They said the air suspension strut was leaking. The second day, they told me the others were also leaking. After a few days, I ended up replacing the front both air suspension structs and rear both pneumatic springs. I paid big bucks for that. Today, when I tried to raise the car by pushing the level control button, I got a "malfunction" and a pic with an arrow inside the car pointed up. The car ran fine as I could see, just could not raise up. I am wondering if this is because of the repair work or a new problem. After I struggled to have my car fixed in the dealership, I am very frustrated and do not trust them anymore. I would like to know more about this problem before I take my next step.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
This is not restricted to dealerships, by the way. When I had my transmission replaced by an indy, something had been jostled mechanically or electrically, because the system promptly threw an air pump error. That same indy diagnosed a failed air pump and relay and quoted me $450 to replace. I didn't and the error has not recurred. You really are on your own and need to keep on your toes with these vehicles.
OP this is the most likely explanation, but there are other possibilities.
Last edited by eric_in_sd; Feb 18, 2023 at 10:30 AM.
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GL450
Let me explain the problem in detail. When I pushed the level control button, the car was able to rise for some time. However, at the end a “malfunction” message showed up in the dashboard. All 4 wheels were higher than before. However, front-left wheel was not as high as the other 3. I think that was the problem.
If I turned the car off and turned it back on, the dashboard showed the car was in “Raised” position. And I was able to lower the car. Once it is lowered, all 4 wheels were leveled.
If I turned the car off and turned it back on, the dashboard showed the car was in “Raised” position. And I was able to lower the car. Once it is lowered, all 4 wheels were leveled.
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Let me explain the problem in detail. When I pushed the level control button, the car was able to rise for some time. However, at the end a “malfunction” message showed up in the dashboard. All 4 wheels were higher than before. However, front-left wheel was not as high as the other 3. I think that was the problem.
If I turned the car off and turned it back on, the dashboard showed the car was in “Raised” position. And I was able to lower the car. Once it is lowered, all 4 wheels were leveled.
If I turned the car off and turned it back on, the dashboard showed the car was in “Raised” position. And I was able to lower the car. Once it is lowered, all 4 wheels were leveled.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
I think OP does not know why.
OP, with that info, I would go back to the dealer and tell them they installed a bunk strut in the left front. They will diagnose the problem to prove it is not their fault, and you will have gained information.
Or they will agree it is their fault and fix it for you.
Next time, describe the problem in more detail from the beginning. See https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...giving-up.html for a good example of this.
OP, with that info, I would go back to the dealer and tell them they installed a bunk strut in the left front. They will diagnose the problem to prove it is not their fault, and you will have gained information.
Or they will agree it is their fault and fix it for you.
Next time, describe the problem in more detail from the beginning. See https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...giving-up.html for a good example of this.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
It might be a defective strut.In that case they can bill MB for the rework. Note this is unlikely.
It could also be a failed valve block. The valve for the LF could be clogged.
If you have the stomach for it, go back to the dship. It would be wise to do so before doing any other work, as they may point fingers at that work.
This highlights the dilemma posed by expensive work. It is a sunk cost, and you end up tied to that work. If you have the ability and means, do your own work. One visit to the dealer buys a very nice set of tools. That, or a reliable indy, is the only way to own one of these things out of warranty without going insane.
It could also be a failed valve block. The valve for the LF could be clogged.
If you have the stomach for it, go back to the dship. It would be wise to do so before doing any other work, as they may point fingers at that work.
This highlights the dilemma posed by expensive work. It is a sunk cost, and you end up tied to that work. If you have the ability and means, do your own work. One visit to the dealer buys a very nice set of tools. That, or a reliable indy, is the only way to own one of these things out of warranty without going insane.
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GL450
Thanks @eric_in_sd I am planning to go to another shop and do a diagnosis there first.
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Thanks @eric_in_sd I am planning to go to another shop and do a diagnosis there first.
If you involve another shop the dealership will simply blame them for the error.
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GL450
@Max_Blast I think you are right. I am going to take the car back to the dealer. I am expecting them to charge me $280 diagnosis fee and then say it is not their fault and need another $1500 to fix some thing else.
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Pretty standard, really. But you have a valid complaint wrt workmanship or quality of received parts. That should keep them out of your money.
