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

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Old Apr 24, 2016 | 07:12 PM
  #1  
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ML350
ML350

Just bought a 2003 ML350 which has a couple of faults.
The radio plays AM, Weather and CDs just fine but FM is silent or extremely quiet. I found a YouTube video that might help but I'm hoping there's an easier fix or at least a way to diagnose whether it is indeed a faulty occ8001-02 chip (see link below).
Secondly, the rear passenger doors will not open from the outside with either the electronic key or internally via the central locking. You have to physically reach round and pull the door release lever from the inside, so it's not child locks, but perhaps an over zealous anti-theft feature? I doubt whether both actuators have failed.
If anyone has experienced and found fixes for these problems, I'd appreciate the advice.


Last edited by Darren Adkins; Apr 27, 2016 at 12:45 PM. Reason: Found more useful help.
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Old Apr 25, 2016 | 09:06 AM
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Old Apr 26, 2016 | 05:51 PM
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Old Apr 27, 2016 | 03:46 AM
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That video only applies to a radio with no sound whatsoever and that is not your case.

You must inspect your tailgate glass to see if there is any break in the defroster grid. You must also inspect the coax cable that runs form the radio to the tailgate to see if it is broken or frayed.

On the door lock issue, did you just purchase the truck with these issues or they were working before.
Attached Thumbnails ML350-radio-am-fm-antenna.jpg   ML350-radio-am-fm-amplifier-test.jpg   ML350-radio-coax-cable-broken.jpg  
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Old Apr 27, 2016 | 12:47 PM
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ML350
Rear doors won't open by handle from the outside.

I bought it like this. I got it for a decent price knowing that I'd have to tinker with it.
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Old Apr 28, 2016 | 05:24 AM
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Your theory of both rear door actuators failing is not realistic. Since you are the new owner, you have no no idea what the previous owner did or didn't do. They could have failed at different times, not together.

When you lock the truck with the remote, do the lights in the exterior mirror blink three times?
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Old Apr 28, 2016 | 05:34 PM
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Rear Doors

I just tested it and yes, the exterior side mirrors do blink 3 times when locking it with the remote.
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Old Apr 28, 2016 | 05:43 PM
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You seriously need to get rid of that super outdated MCS. The cheapest cars made - Kia's - have better head units than the MCS now. Spend the money and get an updated head unit that has all the modern comforts.
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Old Apr 29, 2016 | 03:29 AM
  #9  
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Relay #23 opens the right front door and both rear doors. So if the right front door opens when using the remote it would seem that the previous owner disconnected the wiring harness connectors to both rear doors at one time or another.

Remove a rear door of your choice and check to see the status of the 4 wire connector located up towards the door handle. If it is disconnected, then you will have to replace both rear door locks.

Use the proper tool to save breaking the clips.
Attached Thumbnails ML350-door-panel-tool.jpg  
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
R&I Rear Door Liner.pdf (387.8 KB, 148 views)
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Old Apr 30, 2016 | 05:51 PM
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ML350
MCS Replacement

Care to recommend one? Do you have a link, perhaps?
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