Replace Trip Computer - MBWorld.org Forums

Feb 10, 2011 | 02:32 PM

ML 500 mz

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Joined: Jan 2011

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From: Glenmoore, Pa

2003 ML 500

Replace Trip Computer

Anybody ever replace the trip computer? How do you get to it without breaking anything? Mine does not light up & stays in one mode i.e., SW and does not change. If I pull fuse #13 & 22, then replace. Trip computer will work (but will not light up) for a few days, then go out again.
Also, I have an 03 ML500, is A163 540 81 11 the correct part # for 03 trip computer?

Thanks

Feb 11, 2011 | 05:15 PM

MissMyBenz

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Joined: Nov 2005

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From: San Carlos (SF Peninsula) CA

'03 ML500, '07 E350 Sport (wife's)

Wish I could help but mine is on the fritz as well. About 6 months ago, it started flashing and would not change modes. Low priority item, as the MPG was usually not very accurate but I used to turn it on for remaining miles to empty to remind me to get gas, something I do all the time in this, lol. Haven't paid much attention lately, but I believe it is off now and may just have dim, blank backlight visible at night but no display. Oh well. Hopefully somebody will chime in with something helpful.

Feb 11, 2011 | 07:35 PM

ML 500 mz

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Joined: Jan 2011

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From: Glenmoore, Pa

2003 ML 500

Thanks for the info. I've never had a problem with a trip computer on any other car I've owned except my ML. Seems to be an issue with a few ML'S, from what I've read.

Feb 22, 2011 | 02:39 PM

gsfent

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Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 144

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From: Palm Beach County, Fl.

W163 ML500 w/Kleeman headers (gone but not forgotten); R63

Quote:

Originally Posted by ML 500 mz

Thanks for the info. I've never had a problem with a trip computer on any other car I've owned except my ML. Seems to be an issue with a few ML'S, from what I've read.

Had mine done 3 or 4 years ago. The light went out, so it was only visible during the day. We found one relatively cheap on ebay.

He took the upper console off and if I recall, opened the sunroof, and took it out the top. It was NOT the authorized MB method! It took about an hour, and it was very tight working in there. I shudder to think of the labor on the official MB procedure for doing this repair.

BTW, neither the original or the replacement are terribly accurate. Both optimistic. Real mileage is computed by hand.

Regards,
Jerry

Feb 23, 2011 | 02:59 PM

ML 500 mz

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Joined: Jan 2011

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From: Glenmoore, Pa

2003 ML 500

Trip computer

Thanks for the info. I checked with Alldata. The console is held in place by two clips, about in the center, on both sides. Just pop out the console, unplug the connection to computer, remove four screws holding computer. To replace, just reverse procedure.
I know what to do, but I'm worried about breaking the clips on removal! I need some insight on that.
I haven't been able to locate trip computer for '03 ML 500 on line.

Dealer wanted $834.00 to replace trip computer. Part alone was quoted @ > $700.00. Whew...

Mar 3, 2011 | 05:56 PM

gsfent

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Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 144

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From: Palm Beach County, Fl.

W163 ML500 w/Kleeman headers (gone but not forgotten); R63

Quote:

Originally Posted by ML 500 mz

Well, I had trolled ebay for a while and got lucky. I seem to recall something on the order of $150.If/when you find one, order some spare clips from the dealer, that part is a no brainer.

Actually if labor is quoted at less than an hour, that is not bad at all. I can tell you it took every bit of an hour to get it done.

Regards,
Jerry

P.S. I just got on ebay, and there are bunch available, a little over $100! Just check the part number against yours unless it has the same year/model. The model changover in 2002 may have a different trip computer, i don't know.

Last edited by gsfent; Mar 3, 2011 at 05:59 PM.

Mar 5, 2011 | 07:49 AM

ML 500 mz

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From: Glenmoore, Pa

2003 ML 500

Thanks for the information. I found several on ebay, but not for '03. I think '03 has a compass, the parts I found on ebay (for earlier ML'S) don't.
I think the clips are part of the overhead console unit & not a seperate item. Mine is working after a fuse change, but it does not illuminate. I can live with that for now.

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