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

ML350 2003, Check Engine Scanner Code

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Mar 4, 2016 | 07:40 AM
  #1  
esoul16's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 ML350 Inspiration Package
ML350 2003, Check Engine Scanner Code

A scan was done on my vehicle after the yellow check engine light came on.

This is the result given to me by the guy who used the scanner;

P1876: Fault in CAN (Controller Area Network) communication with traction system

Do you know what this means and what is the resolution for this problem?
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2016 | 09:47 AM
  #2  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by Plutoe
Yes the communication area network(CAN) on the car can't communicate with the traction control module-replace the module and take the kids to the beach!!
That's a pretty bold statement without considering other possibilities.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2016 | 09:48 AM
  #3  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by esoul16
A scan was done on my vehicle after the yellow check engine light came on.

This is the result given to me by the guy who used the scanner;

P1876: Fault in CAN (Controller Area Network) communication with traction system

Do you know what this means and what is the resolution for this problem?
Having a CAN communication problem does not automatically mean the a control module is at fault.

As of model year 2003, M/B switched the location of the ESP/Traction Control Module from the fuse box to the face of the ETS Hydraulic Unit with one large 48 wire connector.

Because of its outside location, there have been many instances of corrosion at the 48 pin connector and or broken wires in the harness.

Remove the left front wheel and then the wheel liner. Remove the connector and strip the harness covering as far as you can and inspect all wires, especially WHITE wire #11 and GREEN wire #15, which are the two CAN communication wires.

If you are not handy, or have the ability , you will have to take it to a repair shop to have it checked before even thinking of replacing the module.
Attached Thumbnails ML350 2003, Check Engine Scanner Code-esp-ets-control-module-loc.-new.jpg   ML350 2003, Check Engine Scanner Code-esp-ets-module-conn.-2003-.jpg  
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
R&I Fender Liner, Front.PDF (27.9 KB, 169 views)
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2016 | 03:31 AM
  #4  
esoul16's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 ML350 Inspiration Package
I will take it to a repair shop to have it checked out. If the CAN communication wires are o.k and it happens that the control module should be changed. Where is this module located or what autopart contains this module (would that be the ABS Pump)? A picture would be so helpful. Thanks
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2016 | 06:31 AM
  #5  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by esoul16
I will take it to a repair shop to have it checked out. If the CAN communication wires are o.k and it happens that the control module should be changed. Where is this module located or what autopart contains this module (would that be the ABS Pump)? A picture would be so helpful. Thanks
Yes, I already supplied you with an illustration photo in my previous post.

But if a module is needed you can buy one without the Hydraulic Unit.
Attached Thumbnails ML350 2003, Check Engine Scanner Code-esp-ets-control-module-loc.-new.jpg  

Last edited by Maj. Dundee; Mar 6, 2016 at 06:36 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2016 | 06:57 AM
  #6  
esoul16's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 ML350 Inspiration Package
This is the problem. I am not based in the US so it may not be possible to by the module separately except if it is detachable from the device itself. Used parts dealers here wont want to do that. They will insist the whole unit that has the module be purchased. The last time I have an issue with the ESP, i think a module was the issue and I ended up buying the whole ABS pump. Please what is the hydraulic unit called and where is it located?
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2016 | 07:08 AM
  #7  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
First of all you haven't even determined if you have any broke wires. This is the main thing and if you do have a broken wire/s it is unnecessary to buy the module.

Why do you keep asking me where it is located when I have posted a photo twice. What more do you want from me?
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:40 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE