Regarding recall by MB for ML trucks
2 years ago, I almost ended up in an accident with my 2000 ML55 where my cruise control would not disengage pressing on the brake pedal. I almost died as I paniced and I hit the cruise lever and it disengaged. This fault also
locks up the gears of the transmission, once you move the gear from D to P, then you cannot move back to D. However, there is a small hole next to the gear shifter (in the center console), and you need like a pen and push it down and allows one to shift the gear to D.
I summary, a faulty brake switch will cause the following:
1. Cannot disable active cruise control
2. Will lock up the gear shifter where once it is in P, you cannot move the shifter.
3. Rear brake lights will not work.
I wrote a strong letter to National Hwy safety 2 years ago about this complaint. The problem is the way the cruise and brake electronics is wired.
I also talked to engineers at MB plant in Vance, Alabama when i visited this plant 2 years back. They agreed that it is a bad design and since 2003 (i believe) they have changed the electronics on ML trucks.
I have replaced the brake switch twice in the last 2 years and I would never buy an aftermarket brake switch. I always carry a spare in my glove compartment. Replacing the brake switch is a band aid. What MB cannot do for 2000-2002 ML trucks, is have a permanent fix. If this switch fails and it will, you better be have the presence of mind of how do disengage the cruise control. I paid a lot of money back in 2000 for my ML55 and this is a design flaw.



