99 ML430 Start Error
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, OH
1993 Mercedes 190e 2.6, 1999 Mercedes ML430, 1998 Mercedes C230, 1986 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
99 ML430 Start Error
Car will start and run for 1-2 seconds. I took the car to the dealer (towed it there) and they told me i would need a new ECU (that is programmed to my vin number meaning cant replace with used one unless I replace all of the modules with a used set of VIN specific parts) meaning i would replace my ECU, AAM, Immobilizer and Key? So far that is what i have done. I purchased a used ECU/AAM/Immobilizer/Key off a parted out 99ML430 and installed them all in mine. I have posted 2 videos of my problem on youtube ill post links soon. I also have pics that i took of parts that i installed. The Key is synced to the AAM module (it locks and unlocks the car) it just doesnt stay running which i am guessing is the immobilizer killing the car but im not sure. 
In the second pic is the Immobilizer and Key barrel. To get the new key to work ( was shipped with steering column i removed the key barrel out of the new steering column and installed it into my steering column. Also used the matching immobilizer. also i forgot to mention that i didnt change out the old ABS module that sits next to the ECU. I do have the matching one to the ECU that i installed but i didnt think that the ABS module would keep the vehicle from running but who knows it could be giving a bad signal on startup?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imUUhikiprw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4Nd9cdCLDY
In the second pic is the Immobilizer and Key barrel. To get the new key to work ( was shipped with steering column i removed the key barrel out of the new steering column and installed it into my steering column. Also used the matching immobilizer. also i forgot to mention that i didnt change out the old ABS module that sits next to the ECU. I do have the matching one to the ECU that i installed but i didnt think that the ABS module would keep the vehicle from running but who knows it could be giving a bad signal on startup?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imUUhikiprw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4Nd9cdCLDY
Last edited by dagavelin; Dec 22, 2010 at 12:09 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
You are shooting in the dark...
The first dealer diagnosis of ECU problem sounds a bit unusual. Dealer should be able to hook up STAR diagnostics & pinpoint the root cause of shutdown.
Such a problem usually involves a multitude of systems/sensors. Hard to tell until tested by STAR diagnostic software..
That's why no body is replying...
Such a problem usually involves a multitude of systems/sensors. Hard to tell until tested by STAR diagnostic software..
That's why no body is replying...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
I totally agree with mihir. It is very doubtful that the ECU is the cause of the problem.
After you towed it to the dealer, they must have provided you with a bill that listed the codes(s). What were they?
Was fuel delivery ruled out completely when this problem first occurred?
After you towed it to the dealer, they must have provided you with a bill that listed the codes(s). What were they?
Was fuel delivery ruled out completely when this problem first occurred?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, OH
1993 Mercedes 190e 2.6, 1999 Mercedes ML430, 1998 Mercedes C230, 1986 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
I never received a list of codes or anything, they told me they could replace the ecu with a new one for somewhere around $3k which i opted out of knowing i couldnt pay that much to fix the vehicle (still charged around $150 for diagnosis fee then had to push the suv back on the trailer myself no assistance from them whatsoever), when i asked him what my other options where thats when he told me that the 3 modules are vin specific and if u where to go the used route that I would need to buy all the modules off the same vehicle and replace them which is what i did. The dealership i took it to was in houston tx, since then ive been tinkering with it towed it up to wisconsin when i moved there. and now it is still siting in a friends garage while im about 4-5 hours away from it. i could get him to see if he can get the obd II to pull up any codes on it.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, OH
1993 Mercedes 190e 2.6, 1999 Mercedes ML430, 1998 Mercedes C230, 1986 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
Not sure what they did to say it was the ecu. I assumed (we all know what that turns out to do) that the fuel delivery was fine since i could get it to start but it would shut down as soon as it starts. I havnt worked on the vehicle in a while due to it being at a friends house in WI and i now live in northwest ohio. If anyone has any ideas on anything to try as far as fuel delivery issues i could pass them along to him and see what he has to say we are both basicly shade tree mechanics.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, OH
1993 Mercedes 190e 2.6, 1999 Mercedes ML430, 1998 Mercedes C230, 1986 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
he did say he put a set of resisters on the immobilizer and that allowed it to run for a about 30 seconds before it melted the resisters, i wasnt there so i could say exactly what the resisters where put between.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
This is not good news for you. When the resistors melted, something of great necessity was also damaged. Who knows and what is a crap shoot.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, OH
1993 Mercedes 190e 2.6, 1999 Mercedes ML430, 1998 Mercedes C230, 1986 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
so basicly take my rims/tires off and send it on its way to the junk yard for $400 vs several thousand dollars at the dealer for a car that can be picked up on ebay for around 6-8k
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
ECUs can't be that expensive to replace...
Firstly any ECU can be reprogrammed to your car's VIN. How else can the dealer sell you a replacement ECU for $3k?
It sounds that there are indeed a multitude of systems/sensors damaged in your case.
More than likely junking it would be your best option...
MBs can get herrendously expensive to fix...this kind of fix is not worth pursuing on a 10+ year old ML..
It sounds that there are indeed a multitude of systems/sensors damaged in your case.
More than likely junking it would be your best option...
MBs can get herrendously expensive to fix...this kind of fix is not worth pursuing on a 10+ year old ML..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
I wouldn't go that far, but the immobilizer is directly wired to the Eng. Control Module and in turn to the AAM, both for key recognition.
Please answer the questions:
After you switched ECM, AAM etc. from donor car to yours, did the exact problem remain as originally?
After he fried the immobilizer, was the truck able to start and shut off like it did before?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, OH
1993 Mercedes 190e 2.6, 1999 Mercedes ML430, 1998 Mercedes C230, 1986 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
after switching the modules the problem did remain the same
after he fried the immobilizer i have no idea if he was able to do anything else with it, thats all he told me about and i guess for a good reason all he told me was he was able to get it to run for about 30 seconds
after he fried the immobilizer i have no idea if he was able to do anything else with it, thats all he told me about and i guess for a good reason all he told me was he was able to get it to run for about 30 seconds
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, OH
1993 Mercedes 190e 2.6, 1999 Mercedes ML430, 1998 Mercedes C230, 1986 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
ive even entertained the idea of an aftermarket ecu/fuel control system but i doubt anything like that would exist or even if it did and would work for the car, it would probably cost just as much as taking it to the dealer and replacing whatever it needs. Even considered droping in a 350 sbc
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
after switching the modules the problem did remain the same
after he fried the immobilizer i have no idea if he was able to do anything else with it, thats all he told me about and i guess for a good reason all he told me was he was able to get it to run for about 30 seconds
after he fried the immobilizer i have no idea if he was able to do anything else with it, thats all he told me about and i guess for a good reason all he told me was he was able to get it to run for about 30 seconds
If you don't want to can the truck, you might have to change everything back to your original equipment and start from there.
Last edited by Maj. Dundee; Jan 29, 2012 at 07:24 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
1999 ML430, 2008 GL450
Sorry to resurrect, but have you tried anything like this service on eBay?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-ML3...FWLYLZ&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-ML3...FWLYLZ&vxp=mtr
