M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

02 ML320 W163 Mirrors (un-commanded) Folding inn (closing) during starts ups

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Old Nov 8, 2015 | 10:17 AM
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02 ML320 W163 Mirrors (un-commanded) Folding inn (closing) during starts ups

Hi guys,

so just noticed recently that my mirrors on my ML320 started to fold inn (closing) during start ups. More so when the car has been sitting for a while (+1hour or cold mornings) rather than during every start up. So If I park at the grocery store and come back and start it back up after 10-15 mins it's fine and it stays out (open position) where it was at last.
But when parked for an extensive time (+1 hour) then I do the start up the mirrors starts to fold inn (closing), and when it does fold inn it seems like it's having a hard time and hesitating folding inn. It's not folding inn like it would normally do like a smooth cycle, it's more like of mini baby steps at a time almost like vibrating or jerking towards the closed position. It takes up to a whole 30 seconds or so for the folding process to be complete.
Also during this process by me pressing any of the mirror buttons in the center panel to possibly help it fold inn or back out does not interrupt or stop any of the process, it will ignore all my commands thru the mid console control panel until it has completes it's cycle and even then sometimes have to wait up to 5 mins or so for it to get it's act together and start behaving like normal again. So once it's done acting up it works like a charm. It's just during start ups (noticeably cold mornings, don't think that has anything to do with it) that it starts acting up.

I read that possibly lubing the gears in the mirror might fix the issue (how you do this? Just stick the WD-40 straw in the gap underneath the folding part and assembly?), but it shouldn't start to fold inn during start ups to begin with. Unless without my knowledge or intention I programmed it that way, which I doubt. And if so, how do I re-program it to stay back out (open) during start ups?

Also read someone re-setting a Fuse under the hood which solved a similar issue (not sure which fuse).

So if anyone have any expertise, experienced the same or similar issues I would appreciate if you could share your experience and outcome on this.

Thanks guys looking forward for some constructive feedback. Thanks again.

Last edited by dparsi88; Nov 9, 2015 at 11:45 PM.
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Old Nov 9, 2015 | 11:44 PM
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Latest lead I have is that the MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH which is located in the center console has to be replaced. Once you remove the panels (search on you tube: master window switch replacement) you'll see it's a squared assembly which consists of all 4 power window switches, the door lock/open switch and Mirror switch all assembled on this rectangular looking peace wrapped around the gear shift handle. I am in the process of replacing that MASTER SWITCH and see if that solves the issue.

On an different note, when I disconnect the cables from this unit prior to starting the car, the mirrors and windows stay where they are and won't act up or get any signal to close/open which leads me to believe there is something (possible short) going on with this MASTER SWITCH sending a bad signal to the different units.

Last edited by dparsi88; Nov 9, 2015 at 11:48 PM.
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Old Nov 10, 2015 | 01:50 PM
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2003 ML55,2007 ML63
Before you change the switch, replace relay K14 with a similar one from the fusebox & see if it fixes the issue.
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Old Nov 10, 2015 | 04:12 PM
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I just swapped the K14 (Comfort relay Window/Roof/Mirror) with a similar one from the fusebox but the issue is still there. I also tried swapping F31 (Hinged Window switch / Mirror lights 15A fuse) with a similar one, but still same issue. So far it still leads me to believe the whole "Master Power Window Switch" needs to be replaced, it's kinda pricey Brand new runs about $585, used between $200-300.

If there is other possible solutions or trouble shooting techniques please feel free to share.
Thanks again guys.



Last edited by dparsi88; Nov 10, 2015 at 04:28 PM.
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Old Dec 18, 2015 | 11:33 PM
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Replaced MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH. Brand new $699, Used $2-300. Problem solved!
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Old Dec 20, 2015 | 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by dparsi88
Replaced MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH. Brand new $699, Used $2-300. Problem solved!

Prior to this problem, did you spill any liquid on the console?
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