ML 430 - Electrical Issue
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
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2013 GL 450
ML 430 - Electrical Issue
Was driving my 2000 ML430 all over town, best car I've had, till yesterday, made 1 last stop before going home. On starting the ignition gave 1 click and then died, no panel dash lights, no life, cant close the windows or lock the car. Battery is relatively new, shows 12 v. Cant read OBD codes as there is no system power. Fuses look good. Can't find a thread where this has happened to another MLer. Where do I start? 
Last edited by Danny12; Jul 6, 2016 at 07:19 PM.
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
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From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
1. Turn the key to pos. #2 and at the same time look at the red LED light and see that it blinks once. If it doesn't then you have a DAS (Drive Authorization System) problem described in the pdf below. If it blinks go to #2.
2. Fashion a 6" piece of 12 ga. wire with spade terminals attached at both ends. Spade terminals must be the same size as 30 & 87 shown on the photo; trim to fit. DO NOT USE BARE WIRE.
3. Remove starter relay K8 and locate slots 30 and 87. With the key out of the ignition, insert jumper wire into slot 30 & 87. The engine should crank. If so immediately remove the jumper wire.
4. If there is no sound from the starter then there is a good possibility the starter itself is bad or there is corrosion at the starter. Either way the starter must be replaced.
Post back with results.
2. Fashion a 6" piece of 12 ga. wire with spade terminals attached at both ends. Spade terminals must be the same size as 30 & 87 shown on the photo; trim to fit. DO NOT USE BARE WIRE.
3. Remove starter relay K8 and locate slots 30 and 87. With the key out of the ignition, insert jumper wire into slot 30 & 87. The engine should crank. If so immediately remove the jumper wire.
4. If there is no sound from the starter then there is a good possibility the starter itself is bad or there is corrosion at the starter. Either way the starter must be replaced.
Post back with results.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
2013 GL 450
Thanks Maj. I will try these options as soon as I can get back home, hopefully over the weekend and report on my findings. Maybe I'm not looking in the right place, where was the link to the DAS description pdf? Appreciated!
Last edited by Danny12; Jul 7, 2016 at 05:02 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Danny, if the light blinks once you do not have a DAS issue.
Your main task is to find where the problem lies, not to be concerned about an issue that might not exist.
Your main task is to find where the problem lies, not to be concerned about an issue that might not exist.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
2013 GL 450
Maj. Absolutely right, just wanted to get a head start on a potential issue while I had the time to do some reading. As it turns out I have solved the problem, I cleaned the battery terminals and that's it. Had the battery tested and its good. Often we look for problems where there aren't any. Start with the simple stuff then do systematic diagnosis. Thanks for the info all the same.
