GL Class (X166) 2013-2015 after facelift became GLS (X166)

Heater Core or no? HELP please

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Old Oct 24, 2024 | 09:45 AM
  #1  
Gerald480's Avatar
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Mercedes GL550
Heater Core or no? HELP please

Hey guys, so since the end of winter earlier this year my heat hasnt worked properly.
It would get luke warm but only if my 13' GL550 was driven for some time.
Now its barely getting any warmth on the drivers side and cold air on the passenger side.

First MB mechanic told me I probably need a heater core flush.
Dropped it off to the dealer who came to conclusion that I need a heater core replacement and wrote this on the invoice:
"Connect battery charger and xentry, performed quick test, no faults to note, check actuators of hvac system, all functioning properly, drain coolant, remove LF wheel and fender liner, check heater core pump, functioning properly, remove hoses, remove hose at partition wall to heater core, flush heater core, very little flow coming through core. Reinstalled all components, torqued LF wheel 150NM, vacuum filled cooling system with new coolant, road test vehicle, heat is still not strong, vehicle requires a heater core replacement"

So now im calling around to see the prices because I know this is a HUGE job.
One indy MB mechanic says in his 30 years hes never seen a heater core go on a Mercedes.

So I was hoping some of you guys can give me any other alternative to how this can be fixed or if the dealer performed everything it wrote, im out of luck and need a new heater core?

Thanks guys
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Old Oct 24, 2024 | 12:12 PM
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mtm
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gl450
Did you see this thread? May be helpful as it covers everything from flushing to heater core replacement

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...l-valve-2.html
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Old Oct 24, 2024 | 08:53 PM
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
What valves are between the engine coolant loop and the heater core? I remember on my W123 there is a heater control valve that is prone to fail in the closed position; is there something similar on the X166? It would sure cause the symptoms you're feeling.
Seems like WIS would have a coolant flow circuit diagram somewhere.

What shape was the coolant in that got drained? Seems like if the core is clogged there'd be evidence of that in the coolant.

Last edited by rapidoxidation; Oct 24, 2024 at 08:54 PM.
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Old Oct 24, 2024 | 11:28 PM
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Mercedes GL550
Originally Posted by mtm
Did you see this thread? May be helpful as it covers everything from flushing to heater core replacement

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...l-valve-2.html
ill check it out, thank you


Originally Posted by rapidoxidation
What valves are between the engine coolant loop and the heater core? I remember on my W123 there is a heater control valve that is prone to fail in the closed position; is there something similar on the X166? It would sure cause the symptoms you're feeling.
Seems like WIS would have a coolant flow circuit diagram somewhere.

What shape was the coolant in that got drained? Seems like if the core is clogged there'd be evidence of that in the coolant.
I have no idea about what valves are between the engine coolant loop and heater core. Is it something you can guide me through to find?

I’ll ask the dealer tomorrow what shape the coolant was when drained.

thanks for the help
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Old Oct 30, 2024 | 10:56 AM
  #5  
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Mercedes GL550
Originally Posted by rapidoxidation
What valves are between the engine coolant loop and the heater core? I remember on my W123 there is a heater control valve that is prone to fail in the closed position; is there something similar on the X166? It would sure cause the symptoms you're feeling.
Seems like WIS would have a coolant flow circuit diagram somewhere.

What shape was the coolant in that got drained? Seems like if the core is clogged there'd be evidence of that in the coolant.
as per tech at dealer: coolant was a gold color so not the blue color the dealer uses but did not see particles or anything that would be concerning.
there was blockage though through the core.
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Old Nov 7, 2024 | 10:10 PM
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GL550
May just be the vent actuators. In my gl550 i had a leaky heater core and also a vent actuator that was stuck. The vent actuators control the flow of hot or cold air.
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