O Dogg

I find that, lately, I have to really pull up hard on the switch to get my driver's side window to roll up on my '01 ML430. The auto-down feature is flawless, so I am wondering if it is possible for one "gear" to go out...that is, can the "up" component burn out, while the "down" component shows no sign of wear? Or could it simply be a contact issue with the switch? Something as simple as realigning the switch or cleaning off a contact, etc.? Can anyone help with this? Thanks.

O Dogg

The "Search" feature is a beautiful thing. I found this in another thread...

http://www.grill.org/rodney/mclass/mlswitch/index.html

Any other suggestions, or does this just about cover it Thanks!

paulzale

Same symptoms for me, actually wouldn't roll up one day, replace the switches and everything works again!

O Dogg

What did that run you, paul? Thanks for the info.

Also, for anyone who has performed the aforementioned task...on a scale of 1 to 10, how hard is the repair? The reason I ask is that I am good at taking things apart and fixing them...not so much at getting them back together.

O Dogg

Okay...I must be an idiot. I followed the directions indicated in the link above and I can't even get past one of the first steps. The directions indicate that the shift knob should just lift up after removing the trim ring. I tried to pull it up, twist it, etc. It isn't moving...what am I missing? This is very frustrating.

GregW / Oregon

Okay,, you're an idiot! Just kidding--I just followed those instruction to replace my switch module a few days ago. For the shift knob, rotate the ring below the knob counter clockwise (about 90 degerees, looking down) then pull up on the knob. it should just slip off.

I purchased the switch module for just under $90 (my mirror switch came apart, so I could not use the window switch repair outlined). The only problem I had was getting the wood panel out--I had to carefully pry with a screwdriver on one edge to get one of the clips released.

O Dogg

That's what I figured...however, my shift knob does NOT want to come off. I'll have to try again tomorrow...

ML God

If your shift knob is wood it could be kinda hard to take off...just leave it on and put the shifter in "N" The shift wood will clear it

O Dogg

Thanks. I didn't realize the wood knob would be a different situation. I will attempt again today.

rizwan

Dont' worry about the shift knob, leave it on. Just take out the plastic trip around the gearbox, and then just lift up the wood, it will go cleanly over the shift knob. I had this exact same problem and following the directoins was able to fix it quickly.

Riz

Militant-Grunt

heh I have exactly the same problem, its really annoying how I have to apply so much pressure. Will the warranty cover this, since it is technically a defect.

O Dogg

You know...I was thinking that the removal of the shft knob seemed unnecessary. Hopefully, I can get this done tonight.

GregW / Oregon

You could probably lift the console panel enough with the knob in place to do it, but would be a whole lot easier to take it out. Knob should not be that hard to get off.

O Dogg

Well, I made the repair with the knob on (in Neutral position...thanks, ML God.) The window is better, although not 100%. Still better than paying the, undoubtedly, painful repair bill from the dealership. Took me a little over an hour. I did manage to lose the spring for my door lock mechanism and my light for the rear defroster is now off permanently (not sure if it is just the light or the defroster itself.) Oh well, it solves my problem temporarily. Besides, since it is summer I'll have the whole season to look forward to fixing that issue. The locks I can deal with...I just need to get another spring/cap combo. The main thing is that I know it is a relatively easy repair and that I can get into it at will now. Thanks for all the guidance everyone!

ML God

99ML320

I have to say thank you once again forum members for saving my bum. It was Saturday night rain was coming Sunday morning and my window would not go up. Tried the plastic bag thing -- NO its a BENZ! -- tried the I will just leave it down thing -- HELL NO its a Benz! -- Tried the not think about it thing -- You guessed it -- NO its a Benz. I was at the end of my stick it was not 1am and I was tired. I knew there was nothing open Sunday to do the repair. An eBay purchase would arrive in aw 30 days! So I went online to see if there was a manual way to roll the windows up like the Llamella Roof, NONE. I found this posting and within 30 minutes my window was up and running again. Woke up at 6am just to make sure I was not dreaming started the car and it still worked. THANKS GUYS!!! Just as a heads up, if you do this repair and want it to be permanent as opposed to a temp fix try to push a small bit of tissue paper between the hook shape in the prongs it will keep it from bending inwards too much (thats what caused the up switch to fail no contact on the prongs) Since down actually pushes down the metal will always contact but going up there must be contact with that hook.

My time chart:

5 minutes prep time
5-7 minutes disassembly of the center console (no need to remove shift knob)
5 minutes to open switchbox and recontact the prong (with tissue insert)
5 minutes re-assembly
5 minutes testing all features (locks, front and rear windows, defrost, cig lighter)

bcaese

I followed the same tutorial and it worked. but I had a problem with the power lock button it doesn't work properly now

Does anyone know the answer? I tried adjusting the plastic socket many times and it seems it works fine before on put on the black plastic cover on.

I don't mind taking it apart but I just need to diagnose the problem before I do all the work.

Pottie

I finnaly did this window and when i look at it...it s simple cheap material that wont last long...i fixed the window now but will see how long it ll last
Thanks for the tip buddy i owed u one for this...