I have a ML320 CDI with about 200000km on it. It was a little hard to start a few months back and I did the repair on the glow plug controller.


After doing the repair (3 of the aluminium wires had failed in the controller - which I scraped back and resoldered copper wire in) it started heaps better.


Unfortunately the last 2 days its really bad.


I do get a code "2270 N14/3 Glow time output stage - supply voltage.


I am wondering if the controller has died (or my repair has died) or is this error code saying that the voltage is low.


The engine turns over briskly but is my battery on the way out (I have no idea how old it is).


Tomorrow (when the engine is cold) I will do a start with a volt meter and get a cranking voltage measurement. I suppose the "jump start lugs" should give me a good reading?.


Any input really appreciated.


I also see that on Ebay there are quite different looking controllers - have they been upgraded/changed?


When I did the repair I did the ohm check on the glowplugs and they all came within range (I didn't keep the figures unfortunately).


I also have a problem with the transmission being jerky at slow speeds but doubt this is related??

 

Before I replace a possibly good glow plug controller, can anyone confirm if the code

"2270 N14/3 Glow time output stage - supply voltage"

is saying the glow plug controller has supply voltage low, or is it the output to the glow plugs being low?

 

Hi,
I also have a ML320CDi (05/2008) and have been experiencing the same problem. We've just had the battery replaced yesterday and it runs smoother, with more consistent power delivery through the rev range and smoother transmission shifts (no more jerky-ness between shifts). I replaced all 6 Glow Plugs (BOSCH only) with little difference. My specialist Mercedes mechanics also cannot understand the slow cold starts as there are no fault codes showing at all. My only suggestion is to replace the Glow Plug Relay Control Module. I'll be trying this in June as I live in Australia and parts prices down under are astronomical. I'll be ordering through Ebay from Europe. I'll let you know the outcome. Hopefully when the dash glow plug light goes out, it should crank within 3-4 seconds on a cold start. A healthy battery is key. Hope this helps

 

Good seeing a fellow Aussie.
i had an 06 ml become slow starts.
Have a few of these motors. One car slow to fire but no codes and cranked quickly. I swapped its controller with another car and then codes appear that 4 plugs down. The old controller was for some reason not displaying codes.

if it is cranking slow with good battery it is probably a bad starter (solenoid probable). One car was slow to crank on first attempt but if immediately restart it would crank better. All we assume is burnt contact in solenoid making better contact when hot. Starter is hard to do on these motors. Have to take part exhaust out etc.

have you tried bringing it to glow a few times then starting straight after second or third “glow”.

there are two different Beru OEM controllers. Not sure if the second ones are fixable like first ones. There are now Chinese ones as well (never tried these).

You can do a resistance check on glowplugs. Can do from controller plug.