ticking in '98 ML - climate control related?
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 72
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From: Lilburn, GA, USA
1998 ML320
ticking in '98 ML - climate control related?
I have 108,000 miles on my '98 ML320. Yesterday I noticed a ticking or pumping sound from somewhere in the console. It sounds like it's coming from behind the radio or the climate control knob. I hear it whenever the climate control knob is set all the way over to maximum cold. The ticking is the same speed no matter what fan speed I use, plus it's independent of engine speed. It stops whenever we set the temperature a little warmer than maximum cold. But... it makes the noise even if the A/C is turned off. Any ideas what's causing this? Thanks.
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 84
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From: San Diego
ML500
My 2003 ML500 makes the same noise. It's a mid frequency dat dat dat dat dat dat dat kind of noise somewhere behind the dash. It's unrelated to engine speed, fan speed, any of the climate control settings, or radio settings.
I've yet to be able to figure it out.
I've yet to be able to figure it out.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 72
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From: Lilburn, GA, USA
1998 ML320
It continues indefinitely until I turn the knob "up" from maximum cold. At maximum cold the air is also recirculated, but pushing the (separate) recirculate button has no effect on this noise, which is strange.
The dealer says they've never seen this before (and they're a large dealer - Atlanta Classic Cars). I'm taking it to them next Tuesday so they can look at it.
The dealer says they've never seen this before (and they're a large dealer - Atlanta Classic Cars). I'm taking it to them next Tuesday so they can look at it.
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Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 72
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From: Lilburn, GA, USA
1998 ML320
problem was the "blend air flap motor"
Just got the car back from the dealer. The problem was the blend air flap motor inside the dash; it was going bad. This motor operates a flap that controls the blend of outside and recirculated air coming into the passenger compartment.
The motor cost about $71, but the 6 hours of labor to take the dash apart cost $606. Ouch.
The motor cost about $71, but the 6 hours of labor to take the dash apart cost $606. Ouch.
Last edited by shkeller55; Jul 9, 2004 at 05:15 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
Likes: 8
From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
So my ML430 just started making this noise today. Tapping noise coming from right behind the climate control area. Stops when I turn the knob to a higher temp. I guess its the "blend air flap motor" thanks to this thread. I hope the independent shop up the road is cheaper than $606!
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2000 ml430
I'm having the same issue with my 2000 ML430. The Dealer quoted this:
For A/C blowing warm air and ticking sound.
Needs new climate control stepper motor.
Part $99.54
Labor $1458.00
Total with tax $1657.54 - DIagnostic fee is $135.00 plus tax if repairs are declined.
Is there anyway to DIY for this part? I really dont want to spend a summer with heatstroke and 5000lbs of empty water bottles in my car.
Thanx guys.
For A/C blowing warm air and ticking sound.
Needs new climate control stepper motor.
Part $99.54
Labor $1458.00
Total with tax $1657.54 - DIagnostic fee is $135.00 plus tax if repairs are declined.
Is there anyway to DIY for this part? I really dont want to spend a summer with heatstroke and 5000lbs of empty water bottles in my car.
Thanx guys.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
I'm having the same issue with my 2000 ML430. The Dealer quoted this:
For A/C blowing warm air and ticking sound.
Needs new climate control stepper motor.
Part $99.54
Labor $1458.00
Total with tax $1657.54 - DIagnostic fee is $135.00 plus tax if repairs are declined.
Is there anyway to DIY for this part? I really dont want to spend a summer with heatstroke and 5000lbs of empty water bottles in my car.
Thanx guys.
For A/C blowing warm air and ticking sound.
Needs new climate control stepper motor.
Part $99.54
Labor $1458.00
Total with tax $1657.54 - DIagnostic fee is $135.00 plus tax if repairs are declined.
Is there anyway to DIY for this part? I really dont want to spend a summer with heatstroke and 5000lbs of empty water bottles in my car.
Thanx guys.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
Likes: 8
From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
I'm having the same issue with my 2000 ML430. The Dealer quoted this:
For A/C blowing warm air and ticking sound.
Needs new climate control stepper motor.
Part $99.54
Labor $1458.00
Total with tax $1657.54 - DIagnostic fee is $135.00 plus tax if repairs are declined.
Is there anyway to DIY for this part? I really dont want to spend a summer with heatstroke and 5000lbs of empty water bottles in my car.
Thanx guys.
For A/C blowing warm air and ticking sound.
Needs new climate control stepper motor.
Part $99.54
Labor $1458.00
Total with tax $1657.54 - DIagnostic fee is $135.00 plus tax if repairs are declined.
Is there anyway to DIY for this part? I really dont want to spend a summer with heatstroke and 5000lbs of empty water bottles in my car.
Thanx guys.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
1999 ML320
Ticking.
There is a video on Utube that shows you exactly what to do. If you don't have the time you can remove the glove compartment (after actuator completely fails) and move the white lever back for heat or forward for cold.
