w163 - key cannot synchronise .. need new AAM?
06-08-2014, 11:33 AM
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W210 - V6'02 / W163 - V6'02
w163 - key cannot synchronise .. need new AAM?
helo guys .. need advice please
both my keys suddenly cannot lock/unlock remotely. went to the dealer (MB authorized and independent) asking them to synchronise the keys with the car, but after some attemps and checking on test result, they said the AAM needs to be replaced, and the cost is so wow .... what exactly is this AAM ya? is it possible to search from ebay or can we rebuild / fix it? any DIY to fix this with much less cost or it has to be replace the whole unit? appreciate to get some advice
thanks.
both my keys suddenly cannot lock/unlock remotely. went to the dealer (MB authorized and independent) asking them to synchronise the keys with the car, but after some attemps and checking on test result, they said the AAM needs to be replaced, and the cost is so wow .... what exactly is this AAM ya? is it possible to search from ebay or can we rebuild / fix it? any DIY to fix this with much less cost or it has to be replace the whole unit? appreciate to get some advice
thanks.
06-09-2014, 06:30 PM
#2
Super Member
Before doing anything dramatic I would replace the old batteries in the remotes & try to sync them. Instructions are here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/5836491-post23.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/5836491-post23.html
06-13-2014, 07:56 AM
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1999 ML430
The AAM (All-Activity Module) is sometimes referred to as the body control module as it handles most functions concerning the body such as lighting, security, etc. It is located inside the under-hood fuse box. The antenna for remote control locking connects to the AAM and the connection can corrode, etc. To get to it you have to remove fuse cover then the top of the e-box (torx T-15 screws), and finally must raise the fuse block itself out of the e-box (after raising, place a towel or something under it to keep from grounding anything).
You will see the AAM attached to the right (engine) side of the fuse block, sort of hanging down. Across the lower left side there is a row of 4 multi-wire connectors. Just above the front-most connector is where the RCL antenna plugs in. Twist and pull straight out on the connector, not the cable, to disconnect.
Removing the AAM can be a little tricky. There is a tab on the left side that must be pulled down while simultaneously pulling straight out (toward the engine), and there is also a catch in the center at the top of the AAM between the AAM and fuse block.
You can replace the AAM with a used one which you can find on ebay or from an auto dismantler but there is some soldering involved as either the main processor chip (Motorola MC68HC705X32) must be transferred to the "new" AAM or the contents of its flash memory must be read then programmed into the new AAM. Transferring the chip is not difficult at all for someone with surface mounted device rework experience but better off avoided by the novice.
The chip can be read and programmed with an XPROG-M programmer available from China for under $50. The attached pic shows the 10 connections required (even the ones in yellow labeled optional). Notice that 4 of the wires have been extended with short pieces of very fine wire. This is because those connections are very tight or small, especially the one to the chip itself.
You will see the AAM attached to the right (engine) side of the fuse block, sort of hanging down. Across the lower left side there is a row of 4 multi-wire connectors. Just above the front-most connector is where the RCL antenna plugs in. Twist and pull straight out on the connector, not the cable, to disconnect.
Removing the AAM can be a little tricky. There is a tab on the left side that must be pulled down while simultaneously pulling straight out (toward the engine), and there is also a catch in the center at the top of the AAM between the AAM and fuse block.
You can replace the AAM with a used one which you can find on ebay or from an auto dismantler but there is some soldering involved as either the main processor chip (Motorola MC68HC705X32) must be transferred to the "new" AAM or the contents of its flash memory must be read then programmed into the new AAM. Transferring the chip is not difficult at all for someone with surface mounted device rework experience but better off avoided by the novice.
The chip can be read and programmed with an XPROG-M programmer available from China for under $50. The attached pic shows the 10 connections required (even the ones in yellow labeled optional). Notice that 4 of the wires have been extended with short pieces of very fine wire. This is because those connections are very tight or small, especially the one to the chip itself.
