Hiya! New to the forum. Owner of a 2004 ML350 for 10+ years--175k miles. A couple weeks ago, while driving home, dash lit up like an xmas tree w/ the bells/whistles outta nowhere and then strong burning smell behind dash (no smoking). I get home/park. Next day, truck won't start. Long story short...its not the battery (new) or starter. What's known is something is burning out the BCM--1st the original part and then a used part in 1st round diag). Both times, issue charred one of the harness connectors to BCM, while the others appear fine. No burning in fuse box. Mechanic was able to get truck started in 1st diag after installing the used BCM, ran for a few mins, more burning and again truck won't start. Mechanic can't exactly pinpoint cause, but suggested I find used harness/connector for next series of diag which so far none available at local junkyards, ebay, etc. Results of next round of testing will help determine if this situation is a lost cause. I know little about vehicles (ex used to handle these things...divorce sucks, but I digress. lol). Aside from this issue, with regular maintenance, my ML has been a gem--hella reliable and great to own! Was hoping to pass onto my kid next year after HS graduation. Any ideas/thoughts on issue causes or next course of action? Pics attached. Thanks in advance for any assistance!

 

The burned part of the board is the wiring to SV4 as per the PDF.

In all probability a live wire is contacting to ground caused by a mouse eating the wire covering.

Remove the fuse box module (PDF) and inspect the wiring related to SV4.

 

Thanks a million! Will take a look and share info with the mechanic.

 

The fuse box under the hood may be bad, it's not common but it does happen. Inside are layers of flexible circuit boards that can burn/short just like the module you are showing.

What you are showing is called the EAM - extended activity module.

The cartridge that slides out needs to be transferred to the new module, as it contains your DAS (drive authorization system) info that allows the key to start the car.

 

I believe this is a EAM shown, not AAM but I could be wrong as I forget which model years had both installed.

AAM attaches directly to the fuse box and EAM is under the dashboard drivers side.

 

Nae2004ml350, did you find the problem?

And was the damage in the AAM or EAM?

 

BIG QUESTION: SNCE THE DEALER SAID MY AAM is not communicating and they can not replace it (obsolete), can I replace all my computers with a used set from another car including the key, will that work since everything is synchronized/proprietary. No one in the Dallas area has any good news for me about the 2004 ML350 being able to be repaired.