Low Range Repair DIY
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Newbie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 7
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Low Range Repair DIY
I had the same problem as many of you, the low range light flashing several times at start up and could not engage the low range as when pressing the low range button the light flashed several times and nothing happens.
I visited a Mercedes specialist and did the following easy (DIY) repair:
1-Lift the car ( although you can easily access the transfer case motor (lowrange) without lifting the car
2-Located the motor and drill a small hall on the plastic cover
3-Spray inside with a good Anti-Corrosion Spray
4-Cover the small hall with a silicone and let it dry
5-After removing the car try again to engage the low range several times pressing the switch wile the gearbox in "N" position
6-If it does not work you can hit the metal (can shape) motor with an hammer wile somebody is pushing the low range switch several times
This worked fine in my car and is still running well, I recommend exercising the LR selector motor every now and then
Hope this helps somebody with the attached pictures
I visited a Mercedes specialist and did the following easy (DIY) repair:
1-Lift the car ( although you can easily access the transfer case motor (lowrange) without lifting the car
2-Located the motor and drill a small hall on the plastic cover
3-Spray inside with a good Anti-Corrosion Spray
4-Cover the small hall with a silicone and let it dry
5-After removing the car try again to engage the low range several times pressing the switch wile the gearbox in "N" position
6-If it does not work you can hit the metal (can shape) motor with an hammer wile somebody is pushing the low range switch several times
This worked fine in my car and is still running well, I recommend exercising the LR selector motor every now and then
Hope this helps somebody with the attached pictures
Last edited by nogy; Feb 4, 2009 at 07:20 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
ML B and C
thank you. I know this is an old thread but just confirming point #6 above worked for me (medic website pointed me here). I was hesistant to drill the motor (#2 above), so tried #6 first.
I just used a rubber mallet and hit the motor a couple of times giving it a good shake. Started the car, no bliking, low range engaging again
So if anyone out there cannot engage low range, do not replace the motor right away without trying the above (assuming no other electronic faults). These motors are rarely used so they are likely just stuck.
I just used a rubber mallet and hit the motor a couple of times giving it a good shake. Started the car, no bliking, low range engaging again
So if anyone out there cannot engage low range, do not replace the motor right away without trying the above (assuming no other electronic faults). These motors are rarely used so they are likely just stuck.
Last edited by trendy08; Apr 18, 2021 at 11:11 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 69
Likes: 11
From: Sedbergh, England
ML320 W163 2000
My low range motor gets plenty of use! These cars are huge fun off road, but you need to assume you won't necessarily get home and take provisions with you and plenty of water, bog roll and a sleeping bag etc.... My record so far is getting stuck for three days!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 4,570
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Good advice to exercise low range. I had a 4Runner with a two speed transfer case and some owners reported the range selector motor seized due to lack of use. The recommendation for that vehicle is the same as W163, to exercise low range regularly.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 3
Ml 270 cdi
Thankyou guys, my low range light on my 2002 ml has been flashing upon start up since I bought it 10 years ago, I just learned to live with it as I thought it was an expensive fix. After reading this thread I went outside, layed on the floor and hit the motor with a rawhide mallet about 10 times and it now works perfectly, I can't believe it.....so definitely worth a try!
