98 ML320 Cranks and Shuts off immediatley
 

I Have a 98 ML320 That cranks for a few seconds and then cut's of. It all started when my wife came home and the AC Fan keep ruining and it drained the battery. So I tried to jump start it with my small 4 cylinder Mitsubishi but i did not budge. I took the battery off and toke it to auto zone to charge it and put it back in the ML but now the ML will only start for a few seconds and cuts off immediately. Now we are both stuck using one vehicle. I called the dealer and they said they will not say anything unless i tow it to them and they diagnose it. This is something that We can not afford because we are both student. Any help is appreciated I have No Clue What is wrong with it.

There is a problem with jump starting the early ML's. If you leave the key in the ignition when trying multiple restarts it will render the key useless.
The Key's RFID chip has lost synchronization with the DAS (Drive Authorizing System). The only fix is to buy a new key and have it programmed into the AAM computer which contains the DAS. For some reason the old key can no longer be programmed into the DAS. Some refer this as Frying the key's RFID chip.
The 98ML's came with 3 keys. Did you try one of the other keys? They should still work.
The AAM can only be programmed with 8 keys maximum so I hope you still have one of the 5 remaining programming spaces left if you need a new key. If not a new AAM is very expensive. This can only be done at a Mercedes dealer.

In the future if the ML does not start, immediately REMOVE the key from the vehicle, charge the battery, than return the key to the vehicle and attempt another restart.

Good luck.
Mike

Mercedes has a recall regarding auxilary cooling fan staying on.Cause: wrong guage wires cause short, which cause the fan to run until power is sucked completly.
-Replace auxilary fan wires should be under warranty
-charge or replace battery
-replace key fob battery (2) #2025 batteries and insert correctly
**program key**
1) Hold lock button down
2) while holding lock button down, hit unlock button 5 times
3) release all buttons and hit any button once
1-3 steps need to be done within 5 seconds.

In my post above it should have read ---
In the future if the ML does not start, immediately REMOVE the key from the vehicle, charge the Vehicles battery, than return the key to the vehicle and attempt another restart.

The Remote's battery has nothing to do with the DAS system. The DAS will work with a completely dead remote battery. The Remote's battery is only used for the vehicle entry & alarm system. The third Valet key that came with the early ML's doesn't even have a battery but does have an RFID DAS chip molded in the key's handle.
Mike

Mike - do you know what Year ML320's where it would be safe to jump start the vehicle (obviously with the key in?)

The answer to your question is No. I wouldn't trust charging a flat battery with the key in the ignition in any W163 ML but the later years, where the DAS function was removed from the AAM, seem to be more tolerant under this condition.
Mike

Ah ok, I think I do have one of those later years (2000), because my AAM was recently replaced and I did not have to get new keys.
I just want to be sure that if the battery is ever dead due to leaving lights on, that I wouldn't need to get it towed and could try a jump start. I read elsewhere that the important part is to not have the key in when the jumper cables are being hooked/unhooked. Not sure if that applies to both the DAS-connected to-AAM or DAS-not-connected-to-AAM models.

Most helpful ,thanks
 

:bs::bs:Bs

Trickle charging battery with a solar panel
 

Thanks for the above comments about the risks of jump starting the ML's. My battery is due for replacement and I've had to jump start it a few times (unaware of potential risks!). The car still seems fine, but the battery now won't hold it's charge for a week - just a click when you turn the key. As an experiment I've borrowed a 12V 20W solar panel (fitted with a diode etc), which I've plugged into the 12V outlet in the front (they seem to stay 'live' when the car is locked up) and propped it in the windscreen, south facing - this puts just enough charge into the battery to keep it alive enough to start the engine, albeit with three turns to fire, rather than firing first turn. Fortunately I don't seem to have fried the key yet or anything else on my 2000 ML320 W163! Better get a new battery soon! I was wondering, though if it is possible to get a heavier duty battery than the standard, or is it best just to get the standard Bosch replacement? (Thinking of camping/expedition use.)

It surprises me that new cars don't have a solar panel built in to keep gizmos running, or even just a fan to keep the air changing on a hot day!

all 8 spots have been used on my ml320
 

Quick and descriptive..
i have a 98 ML320 all 8 slots have been used and my key won't keep the vehicle running for more than 3 seconds. If I change out the AAM and the receiver ring at ignition and ignition with key from a running wrecked ml320 will this work?

. -I have this same issue and would love to know if this worked for you? And if so what exactly has to be replaced? Thank you!

The first thing to find out is if your key or keys are recognized. Insert the key into the ignition, all the time looking at the LED, turn the key to pos. #2, DOES THE LED BLINK ONCE?

No light at all...