docs427

OK 1 last shot at this before I take a hammer to it
98 ml320 american
Starts and stalls after 1-2 sec
Looked to be key related
Bought new keys @mb 2x, keys were ordered by vin
Still the same (both keys + the one that came with the car)
note: red led next to radio does not light at all
Should it light/flash even if key/transponder is bad?
If it doesnt light and key is good, does that mean transponder ring is bad? or could it be worse (ecm)?
Is there any way to be sure without towing it to MB?
Dont want to spend another $170 on this thing based on a blind guess (this is getting expensive)
Any help out there?

Maj. Dundee

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but whenever this happens you need a new AAM. This has been a problem on most of the 98 & 99 ML's. And for that reason M/B designed a new system and transferred the DAS (replaceable) module to the EAM starting with the year 2000.

dudecz190

I may have this same issue but not sure. I turn the key and hold it turned and the engine will crank and stop crank and stop with a starter zing in between and the tach jumping way up. Eventually the engine will start but I never know how many cycles it will take. In the mean time the starter keeps kicking out and zinging the flywheel, ouch. I have pulled the starter relay and jumped it and the starter cranks over and over just fine. I found a video that shows exactly what the truck is doing.

I also pulled the starter and lubed the gear and shaft but that didn't work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7bks...ature=youtu.be

Is this the AAM problem you described?

Thanks for any suggestions.