Oil dripping under dash on drivers side
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4
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2002 ML500
Oil dripping under dash on drivers side
Hello, The story starts with me pulling the drivers side under dash panel to diag a problem with the defroster vent motor. In order to access you have to remove the TCM mounting bracket. Weird thing is I found some sort of oil dripping off the TCM. I dont think its oil filled, so Im guessing its wicking down the harness from somewhere. Has anyone else run into this before? Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
It's wicking up the harness from the 13 pin connector on the right side of the trans.
You will have to change the 13 pin connector, clean the harness and take apart the trans. module (very easy) and clean with electronic contact cleaner.
https://mbworld.org/forums/5830960-post2.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...lem-ml320.html
You will have to change the 13 pin connector, clean the harness and take apart the trans. module (very easy) and clean with electronic contact cleaner.
https://mbworld.org/forums/5830960-post2.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...lem-ml320.html
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,044
Likes: 5
From: Wadsworth, Ohio
2012 SLS AMG
Hello, The story starts with me pulling the drivers side under dash panel to diag a problem with the defroster vent motor. In order to access you have to remove the TCM mounting bracket. Weird thing is I found some sort of oil dripping off the TCM. I dont think its oil filled, so Im guessing its wicking down the harness from somewhere. Has anyone else run into this before? Thanks.
As others have pointed out, the transmission fluid is making its way to the TCM via the wiring harness. The fluid is getting out of the transmission because the Pilot Bushing has failed. This needs to be repaired as soon as possible to prevent damage to the TCM.
While transmission fluid is non-conductive, used transmission fluid can be conductive due to tiny metallic particles that can build up in the fluid from normal use. If a conductive fluid gets all over the board inside of the transmission control module, it can short it out, leading to a costly repair.
We offer new Pilot Bushings on our site, as well as the correct transmission fluid for you ML, so you can top-off what comes out when you replace the Pilot Bushing.
You can get to them by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the photos below.
If there is anything I can help out with, please feel free to post or send a PM!
