RoyT

Hi All,

I have a 1999 ML320 with 94,700. Runs like a champ. However, the battery needed replacing. I did so today. Now the car starts and runs for about 1 second then dies. Also, (as if that weren't enough) the keyless door lock doesn't work, the drivers side door is in the unlocked position (in New York City) and the panic alarm goes off when ever the before mentioned drivers side door is opened. I guess that last one is a plus considering I can't lock the door.

I've read many post that walk you through the re-syncing of the key-fob, and have tried it, but to no avail. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Aar Sto

Did you change battery with the key in the ignition? Be specific with your vehicle model and year and message this person and he will help you. He is a fellow New Yorker and will help you and tell you where to take it if you need service, i.e. a new key programmed to your vehicle. - https://mbworld.org/forums/members/2...aj-dundee.html

Before messaging, check to see if the led lights up to the left of the radio when you insert the key, as suggested in the following thread.

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...mediatley.html

RoyT

Thanks for the advice. I shall message Maj. Dundee as you suggest.

RoyT

Will do and Thank you

Maj. Dundee

Are you saying that after you changed the battery, all of these problems popped up?

When you changed the battery did you leave the key in the ignition?

Turn the key to pos. #2, all the time looking at the LED, does it blink once?

RoyT

Are you saying that after you changed the battery, all of these problems popped up?

With the exception to the car not turning over, (which I attributed to the dying battery).

When you changed the battery did you leave the key in the ignition?

No

Turn the key to pos. #2, all the time looking at the LED, does it blink once?

Blinks constantly I'm afraid.

Thanks

Maj. Dundee

Are you sure you are doing this correctly?

Turn the key to pos. #2, all the time looking at the LED, does it blink once?


Why did you change the battery?

RoyT

The car was doing the rrr...rrr... thing before starting. Eventually, after it sat for a day or so undriven, the rapid clicking. The battery was quite drained. Funny thing is the key fob locked/unlocked the doors right up until I changed the battery.

Also, I checked for the blinking light in every key position just to be sure, turning it off and removing it between each. There is a constant blinking of the red light each time.

Thank you

Maj. Dundee

Roy, something must have gone wrong with the changing of the battery or the key left in the ign.

RoyT

I've basically resigned myself to towing it to my MB dealer here in LIC. I'm positive the key was still on my belt hook during the battery change, and I followed the directions for the battery change. A mystery I guess.

Thanks for your time though...

RoyT

One last thing though, if you could Major. Is this definitely a dealer issue? Are there any MB mechanics/technicians in New York outside of a dealership that could deal with this? My searches have just led to dealerships.

Thanks as always

Maj. Dundee

If everything was connected properly, then the problem is with the AAM.

With that said, 98-99 MLs had the AAM married to the ECM, and according to the dealer both must be replaced and the cost is in the thousands.

RoyT

Oy gevalt!

Thanks for everything...

Maj. Dundee

There is a work-around. If you can find a 98-99 ML in a junk yard, you must get the ECM and AAM and steering column w/key from that veh and that veh. only.

Remove you present ECM, AAM and install the replacement components. Then remove your ign. lock cyl. and install the ign. lock cyl. from the donor car. And the car will start and run.

The only drawback is, if it only comes with one key and if you lose that key or it becomes inoperable, you will have to go through the process all over again.

Aar Sto

Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery is worth a try.

If I were you I would skip the dealer for now and ask around some of these mechanics - https://newyork.craigslist.org/searc...cedes+mechanic

You might find someone that can repair your AAM board as I've seen a few threads where it has been suggested that they are repairable and even reprogammable.

RoyT

You guys have been a wealth of information. I appreciate it greatly!

Maj. Dundee

What have you decided to do?

You should try buying what is called a "spare key" from any dealer. This key will be made according to your vin#. It will start the car but it does not have the anti-theft abilities as the reg. key fob and you will have to lock the car manually using the door lock cyl.

To do this, the registered owner will have to personally appear at any dealer and provide registration, title, & license. It will take approx. 5 days to be sent to the dealership.