Hi guys,
I just want to share some thoughts about the situation I´m having with my ML350 (2003). I also own two ML´s 320 (99 and 2001) and never had this problem that is keeping me a little concern about reliability of the ML´s.
To make a long history short, I´m currently living in La Paz, Bolivia (South America), very close to Titicaca Lake and some Ancient ruins, which are allegedly constructed by Ancient Aliens a long time ago (I assume, most of us have watched this show on History Channel).
Well, 2 weeks ago, I visited the ruins of Puma Punku with some Japanese friends driving my ML350, and everything was just fine. While driving at 70 MPH, I accidentally pushed the LOW RANGE bottom and nothing happened.
2 days later, I drove a few miles, then made a short stop and later I couldn’t turn on the engine. Symptoms were: I was able to crank the starter, but the engine didn´t run. From previous experience, I try to turn on the engine with the other key of the car (thinking that maybe the transponder or something related with the key was wrong) but it didn´t run either.
I had to call road-side assistance to take the SUV to my home. Two hours later, I try to run the engine and it stared…I was confused, so I began researching on the MBWorld website and found a trend related with CPS (Crankcase Position Sensor) failure. Next day my mechanic changed the CPS and the engine started fine (So I thought, everything´s cool). However, as soon as the engine reached normal operation temperature, the engine stalled, and all the vehicle was without any power except with the headlights which automatically turn on as soon as I turn the ignition from 0 to position 1 or 2. That was awkward!!! Never seen it before!!!
I continue researching different trends on the website and found a similar situation and the conclusion was to buy a new battery, because faulty batteries tend to (if you guys may allow me to say that) “confuse” the different electrical components. So, I bought the battery and the engine cranks, runs for 15-20 minutes and then, it stalled again…; What a f….
Not knowing what else to do, I visited the Official MB site (www.mbusa.com) and bought the 24 hour pass to obtain all the possible documentation and information related with the W163 model. Just in case the website is: www.startekinfo.com ; I definitely recommend it.
In addition, after scanning the vehicle the ODBII, the Scan reported the code “P260C”, which I couldn’t find it in the MB website, but it referred to the TAKE-OFF POWER. After scratching my head for a long time I realized that the error code was referring to the TRANSFER CASE CONTROL UNIT (Part # A163 545 7932).
So far, the mechanic couldn’t find any other issue with the wiring, grounds, and the fuse box.
At the weekend we will switch the Transfer Case Control Unit from my other ML 320 and see what happens.
Final comment. ¿Does any one of you gentleman had a similar situation? Would you be so kind to share it?
Thank you and greetings from La Paz,
Jose Miguel Fabbri

 

Have your transmission and engine checked out PROPERLY. They might be damaged. The low range should only be switched on or off when the revs are not higher then 1500rpm. The car should be at a complete standstill.

 

Have your mechanic check fuel pressure too,especially when it stalls. This way you eliminate anything fuel related... What if he checks fuel pressure when the car stalled and only cranking and there's none...? You start checking the fuel pump circuit to see if the fuse and/or relay are not acting up(there have been relays that work intermittently). Could also be a weak fuel pump,clogged fuel filter...
Doesn't sound right to me that the engine wouldn't run because of a transfer case control unit...

Good luck!

 

Thank you Neanicu888!; Today the mechanic found one faulty relay in the fuse box. He changed it and the SUV is running fine. He is currently testing it. He will drive it for a few miles and see what happens. The mechanic also confirmed that the Transfer Case Control Unit is working properly.
Well, I´ll keep you posted.
Thanks again!

 

Thank you for your reply art_arev. I´ll follow your advice and contact the MB Dealer this comming Monday.
Best of luck!
JMF

 

If your car is starting and running fine, you don't need to do any more checks in relation to the low range button. If you press it while the car is moving, the light may blink a few times but no damage will be done. The control module assesses your request and ignores it in this case.

 

Thank you for your reply DrX. Appreciate your concern! So far; I´ve been driving the SUV for 3 days and everything seems fine. However, I feel a little worry when turning-off the engine in public places, like the Gas Station and similar. I guess, I´m simply traumatized!!!.
Thanks again!!!

 

[QUOTEThe control module assesses your request and ignores it in this case.[/QUOTE]

I hope for JMFC's sake you are right