ML320 start problem
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From: Lake Ariel Pa.
2000/ML320 2005/Subaru Baja
ML320 start problem
2000 ML320
First time this happened, My wife went to work, When she went to leave the car wouldn't start,
We left it over night, And the next morning it stared right up.Yesterday it happened to me,
I went to the store and drove home, It sat for 2 hr. went to start it it just kept spinning over,
I had to turn the key off to make it stop turning over, Left it over night it stared right up.
I never owned a Mercedes, I am a retired Mechanic and never ran into this kind of trouble,
Any one have this problem and what was the cause?
First time this happened, My wife went to work, When she went to leave the car wouldn't start,
We left it over night, And the next morning it stared right up.Yesterday it happened to me,
I went to the store and drove home, It sat for 2 hr. went to start it it just kept spinning over,
I had to turn the key off to make it stop turning over, Left it over night it stared right up.
I never owned a Mercedes, I am a retired Mechanic and never ran into this kind of trouble,
Any one have this problem and what was the cause?
Try checking the fuses in the engine bay. Mine wouldn't start yesterday after a trip over rough roads. Looked in there pulled and reinserted all fuses related to the engine systems and voila, car started! Sometime this weekend I am going to pull each fuse to see what effect it has on the car, in regards to indications and other problems. Then I will publish a table of my results
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From: Lake Ariel Pa.
2000/ML320 2005/Subaru Baja
Sweeper, Thanks for the info, Hope your not where the flooding is happening, I'll check the fuses tomorrow the car starts now so I'll change the fuses and hope for the best. Thanks again Gene Terenzio Sr. P/S good idea checking fuses& post results
Last edited by Geno777; Jan 19, 2011 at 07:08 AM.
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From: Lake Ariel Pa.
2000/ML320 2005/Subaru Baja
Well I checked all the fuses and I WD 40 where the fuses go, So far so good, Ill let you all know if this worked, As it only happens so often. Geno
Driving about in 37+ Celsius temperatures and after stopping, my ML has started this bad habit, obviously heat soak. Now looking up how to replace this sensor is not a worry, but, the advice is that the computers have to be "recalibrated" is this true, or is it just a matter of driving until the computers sort themselves out? I have an OBDC scanner and it reports a stored fault "P0335" a crcuit malfunction, but also states that the check engine light is on. On my dash the light isn't on, (it is on when you turn the key to position 2 as normal), does this indicate it is only an intermittant fault?
Last edited by sweeper; Jan 23, 2011 at 12:55 AM. Reason: add more details
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From: Lake Ariel Pa.
2000/ML320 2005/Subaru Baja
Here in Northeast PA. USA, its been below freezing for the last 4 days
( 32 fah.) I haven't had the problem since i sprayed WD 40 in the fuse box ( soaked all of it ) Gene
( 32 fah.) I haven't had the problem since i sprayed WD 40 in the fuse box ( soaked all of it ) Gene
Last edited by Geno777; Jan 23, 2011 at 08:03 AM.
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From: Lake Ariel Pa.
2000/ML320 2005/Subaru Baja
Problem still their, sounds like its not getting fuel, but if the fuel pump was bad it would not start at all? could it be the fuel filter?
Heres an articel i just found. I wonder if i put som fuel injector cleaner in the tank will it clean the pump?. © 1998-2005 Harald Pietschmann
M-Class fuel pump failure
I filled up in Los Angeles after a fuel pump replacement and added fuel on
I-5 (Chevron on both occasions) drove 450 miles to Georgetown/California. The next morning (June 2000) the vehicle did not want to start anymore. What a surprise after a new pump and some other new goodies (new AAM, new fuse board etc). I immediately talked to an engineer at MBUSI in Tuscaloosa and he recommended the "hammer-treatment" - it worked. My M stated up and I took it to the closest dealer to get yet another fuel pump.
Here is the inside scoop:
The pump failures have very little to do with bad pump design. Pump
failures are only known in the US . MB engineers at MBUSI told me (my
replacement pump had failed one day after installation) that operators
of US gas stations rarely ever stick to the recommended filter change intervalls (to save money) and we ML drivers end up with contaminated gas.
Here is what happens according to MB research: The gas inside some
underground tanks dissolves the protective liner. The liner ends up as a
gooey substance in our tanks. As long as the pump is running there is no
problem. After shutting down the substance hardens inside the pump and
freezes it. Have someone hit the bottom of the tank with a big hammer
while someone else is starting up at the same time and most likely
you'll get the vehicle running again - then drive to the dealer as soon
as possible to get the pump replaced.
Frozen pumps sent for evaluation to Stuttgart did work when they arrived
there - without the presence of gas the "glue" had hardened to a point
that it got brittle and the pumps worked again.
MB is testing an additional filter inside the ML tank to keep the pump
happy. Most newer European cars BMW, Audi etc experience the same fuel pump problems. Here is the fuel pump manufacturer. Why don't Japanese cars suffer from this? Wolfgang Henke has the answer.
© 1998-2005 Harald Pietschmann
Heres an articel i just found. I wonder if i put som fuel injector cleaner in the tank will it clean the pump?. © 1998-2005 Harald Pietschmann
M-Class fuel pump failure
I filled up in Los Angeles after a fuel pump replacement and added fuel on
I-5 (Chevron on both occasions) drove 450 miles to Georgetown/California. The next morning (June 2000) the vehicle did not want to start anymore. What a surprise after a new pump and some other new goodies (new AAM, new fuse board etc). I immediately talked to an engineer at MBUSI in Tuscaloosa and he recommended the "hammer-treatment" - it worked. My M stated up and I took it to the closest dealer to get yet another fuel pump.
Here is the inside scoop:
The pump failures have very little to do with bad pump design. Pump
failures are only known in the US . MB engineers at MBUSI told me (my
replacement pump had failed one day after installation) that operators
of US gas stations rarely ever stick to the recommended filter change intervalls (to save money) and we ML drivers end up with contaminated gas.
Here is what happens according to MB research: The gas inside some
underground tanks dissolves the protective liner. The liner ends up as a
gooey substance in our tanks. As long as the pump is running there is no
problem. After shutting down the substance hardens inside the pump and
freezes it. Have someone hit the bottom of the tank with a big hammer
while someone else is starting up at the same time and most likely
you'll get the vehicle running again - then drive to the dealer as soon
as possible to get the pump replaced.
Frozen pumps sent for evaluation to Stuttgart did work when they arrived
there - without the presence of gas the "glue" had hardened to a point
that it got brittle and the pumps worked again.
MB is testing an additional filter inside the ML tank to keep the pump
happy. Most newer European cars BMW, Audi etc experience the same fuel pump problems. Here is the fuel pump manufacturer. Why don't Japanese cars suffer from this? Wolfgang Henke has the answer.
© 1998-2005 Harald Pietschmann
Last edited by Geno777; Jan 30, 2011 at 10:55 AM.
Just replaced the CPS in the car, no issues so far and it has been hot plus a couple of long heat soaks. The cps was replaced easily, just cost $52.00 for the sensor and $30.00 for a socket set to fit
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Geno
replace the cps crank sensor www.autohausaz.com
42 or 60 bucks confirm clip style before ordering.
Stop chasing what it is not and replace what it it is
Congrats sweeper
Often the clue is the cps throws no code at all nor a cel.That is the tip off to the issue.
A clear code indicating cps circuit leaves no doubt. That is why a scanner is always handy to have in the tool box.
Only 60 bucks at harborfreight tools.
42 or 60 bucks confirm clip style before ordering.
Stop chasing what it is not and replace what it it is

Congrats sweeper
Often the clue is the cps throws no code at all nor a cel.That is the tip off to the issue.
A clear code indicating cps circuit leaves no doubt. That is why a scanner is always handy to have in the tool box.
Only 60 bucks at harborfreight tools.
Yes a scanner is essential when the globe for the cel is blown! So that is the next thing on the repair list. Do you know (or anybody else) what led's can be used to replace the globes? Specifically a T5 or T10 type?
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From: Lake Ariel Pa.
2000/ML320 2005/Subaru Baja
replace the cps crank sensor www.autohausaz.com
42 or 60 bucks confirm clip style before ordering.
Stop chasing what it is not and replace what it it is
Congrats sweeper
Often the clue is the cps throws no code at all nor a cel.That is the tip off to the issue.
A clear code indicating cps circuit leaves no doubt. That is why a scanner is always handy to have in the tool box.
Only 60 bucks at harborfreight tools.
42 or 60 bucks confirm clip style before ordering.
Stop chasing what it is not and replace what it it is

Congrats sweeper
Often the clue is the cps throws no code at all nor a cel.That is the tip off to the issue.
A clear code indicating cps circuit leaves no doubt. That is why a scanner is always handy to have in the tool box.
Only 60 bucks at harborfreight tools.
Thread Starter
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From: Lake Ariel Pa.
2000/ML320 2005/Subaru Baja
Here's what i get when i look for a fuel filter, completly differant chassis #
zoom
Availability: In Stock
Features
Brand:MahleProduct Fit:OE replacementWarranty:12-month or 12,000-mile warranty
Description
See Catalog
Product Fit
Fit Note
zoom Availability: In Stock
FeaturesBrand:MahleProduct Fit:OE replacementWarranty:12-month or 12,000-mile warranty
Description
See Catalog
Product Fit
Fit Note
- Chas: -X754619, As originally delivered, this model was equipped with fuel filter 163 477 02 01 which is no longer available. When replacing with 163 477 07 01 fuel filter, (1) 163 470 28 64 fuel line, (1) 163 470 29 64 fuel line, and (1) 163 470 37 64 fuel line are required.
- 1998-2003: All Submodels; All Engines;
Your truck is a 2000 model. If the filter has not been previously replaced, it probably has the old filter and will require the retrofit kit with the new hoses and such. My resource shows the chassis number split as follows:
up to A289559 or X754619 came with old setup and will need retrofit kit
from A289560 or X754620 does not need the hoses replaced.
Since your chassis number is A161175, you'll need the new hoses if it hasn't already been done.
up to A289559 or X754619 came with old setup and will need retrofit kit
from A289560 or X754620 does not need the hoses replaced.
Since your chassis number is A161175, you'll need the new hoses if it hasn't already been done.
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 16
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From: Lake Ariel Pa.
2000/ML320 2005/Subaru Baja
Your truck is a 2000 model. If the filter has not been previously replaced, it probably has the old filter and will require the retrofit kit with the new hoses and such. My resource shows the chassis number split as follows:
up to A289559 or X754619 came with old setup and will need retrofit kit
from A289560 or X754620 does not need the hoses replaced.
Since your chassis number is A161175, you'll need the new hoses if it hasn't already been done.
up to A289559 or X754619 came with old setup and will need retrofit kit
from A289560 or X754620 does not need the hoses replaced.
Since your chassis number is A161175, you'll need the new hoses if it hasn't already been done.
OOOOOHHHH, Now I get It,
Thanks, I called Mercedes Of Manhattan, as they were the ones that serviced this truck, They told me all up dates and recalls were done, So I just need the new style filter? it only has 64.000 miles on it do you think they would have replaced the filter and lines? the car fax didn't report that they did?
OOOOOHHHH, Now I get It,
I missed the minus sign- in the add,
Thanks, I called Mercedes Of Manhattan, as they were the ones that serviced this truck, They told me all up dates and recalls were done, So I just need the new style filter? it only has 64.000 miles on it do you think they would have replaced the filter and lines? the car fax didn't report that they did? 
Thanks, I called Mercedes Of Manhattan, as they were the ones that serviced this truck, They told me all up dates and recalls were done, So I just need the new style filter? it only has 64.000 miles on it do you think they would have replaced the filter and lines? the car fax didn't report that they did? 
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From: Lake Ariel Pa.
2000/ML320 2005/Subaru Baja
All fixed, Sensor, Adv. auto, $59.95, Inverted torks set, $14.00, Code reader, $109.00 got it for $89.95, Plus Tax, Harb. Fright. So Far so good, Drove
it all day no problems, Sat for 3 hours, Just went and started it, It fired right up,
Thanks guys, Geno.
PS. I also put 4 oz. of marvel mystery oil in the fuel tank to keep the pump lubed.
it all day no problems, Sat for 3 hours, Just went and started it, It fired right up,Thanks guys, Geno.
PS. I also put 4 oz. of marvel mystery oil in the fuel tank to keep the pump lubed.
Last edited by Geno777; Feb 8, 2011 at 09:49 AM.
Ok I'm have a new issue which seems the same as Geno777 in his original post. For the first time, my ML didn't start, and kept cranking until I stopped it. then after 5 min or so it started up on the second try. Car is running smooth, doesn't stall. About 5k ago I upgraded the fuel pump/lines/filter. I don't have a CEL light on. Any thoughts?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 16
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From: Lake Ariel Pa.
2000/ML320 2005/Subaru Baja
Ok I'm have a new issue which seems the same as Geno777 in his original post. For the first time, my ML didn't start, and kept cranking until I stopped it. then after 5 min or so it started up on the second try. Car is running smooth, doesn't stall. About 5k ago I upgraded the fuel pump/lines/filter. I don't have a CEL light on. Any thoughts?



