M-Class (W164) Produced 2006-2011: ML280CDI, ML320CDI, ML420CDI, ML350, ML500, ML550

1998 ml320 no start

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Old May 25, 2018 | 06:33 PM
  #1  
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1998 ML320
1998 ml320 no start

1998 ml320 no start. power to insturments and doors, etc but engine will not turn over or fire.

Ran until recently, then was parked and battery was low. Battery was boosted car started, but since then car started for a few seconds then would shut down...and did this repeatedly.

Now engine will not turn over or start whatsoever.
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Old May 26, 2018 | 04:07 AM
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1998 ML320
Exclamation 1998 ml320 no start

Battery charge is good.
Is it possible the boosting caused an issue with the security system?
Headlights are strong, radio, doors, roof, everything functions...but no clicking or cranking from starter.
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Old May 26, 2018 | 07:22 AM
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You are on the wrong forum.

When you insert the key in the ign. and turn it to pos. #2, does the LED light blink once?
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Old May 26, 2018 | 07:26 PM
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1998 ML320
Exclamation 1998 ml320 no start

Hello and thanks.
No, there is no single blink from the LED when key is in position 2.

When unlocking and first getting in to vehicle red LED is on, solid and unblinking.
When locking vehicle red LED blinks rapidly.

Regarding the wrong forum, I found this site and was looking for relevant threads when a pop up appeared and said 'ask a question'. It had a few areas to fill out, with question, vehicle and detail...but nothing regarding where the question would be filed. When I hit the 'send' button another pop up appeared, telling me I needed to register with the site to ask a question. I then filled out those details, and then went through the email verification process, and only then was able to see if the question was even posted, having been given no choice in the initial pop up screen as to where to post it, ie. which group. Had I been given that option, I am aware that my '98 is a W163 model. The site itself sorted my question into the W164 group.
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Old May 26, 2018 | 09:34 PM
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1998 ML320
Exclamation 1998 ml320 no start

I have not tried that as yet.
I will try to rig something up to be able to do that.
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Old May 27, 2018 | 04:31 PM
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1998 ML320
Exclamation 1998 ml320 no start

What is the significance of the LED light flashing once or not?
Does it mean something with regard to the security system in the vehicle?
I am new to both the vehicle and Mercedes in general. I am open to any and all advice.
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Old May 28, 2018 | 05:12 PM
  #7  
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1998 ML320
Exclamation 1998 ml320 no start

I am unable to apply direct current to the starter, as I cannot even see it.
It looks like the only way to access it is to remove the front passenger tire and the fender wall, which I will certainly do if/when I need to replace it.
Is there a way to apply current directly to the starter without these steps...eg. applying current to a fuse or terminal block that is more readily accessible?
Thank you.
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Old May 29, 2018 | 04:47 AM
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Originally Posted by JHS
Hello and thanks.
No, there is no single blink from the LED when key is in position 2.
If you are absolutely sure that it does not blink once, I would suggest that you perform the test once again.

Insert the key into ign. and turn to pos. #2 all the time watching the LED. Does it blink once?
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Old May 29, 2018 | 08:10 PM
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1998 ML320
Exclamation 1998 ml320 no start

Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
If you are absolutely sure that it does not blink once, I would suggest that you perform the test once again.

Insert the key into ign. and turn to pos. #2 all the time watching the LED. Does it blink once?
Yes, I am absolutely certain there is no single blink when turning the ignition to position 2.
There is no blink whatsoever. I just repeated the test 5 times, staring at the LED the entire time, to be certain.

The LED does work however, as I noted previously. When locking the vehicle the LED blinks repeatedly.
When first opening/unlocking the vehicle the LED is on, solidly.

Could you please tell me what the significance of the LED light blinking once is?
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Old May 30, 2018 | 05:28 AM
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Then there are three possibilities:

1. the key is faulty. Try another key

2. the AAM is faulty

3. the transponder ring/with module (around the key lock) is faulty

So there is no guessing, the codes must be read to pinpoint the problem.
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Old May 30, 2018 | 06:57 AM
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1998 ML320
Exclamation 1998 ml320 no start

Only have 1 key.
I will see about getting it towed to a shop...but no Mercedes Dealers anywhere close.
Thanks.
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Old May 30, 2018 | 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by JHS
Only have 1 key.
I will see about getting it towed to a shop...but no Mercedes Dealers anywhere close.
Thanks.
If you plan to keep the car you should get yourself a reader that works correctly with all the systems in your car and understands MB codes,
like this one like this one
. It'll save you from getting scammed with code reading charges.
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Old Jun 1, 2018 | 04:20 AM
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1998 ML320
Exclamation 1998 ml320 no start

Originally Posted by flybd5
If you plan to keep the car you should get yourself a reader that works correctly with all the systems in your car and understands MB codes, like this one. It'll save you from getting scammed with code reading charges.
I ordered the Autel Code Reader. Should get it tomorrow/Monday. Hopefully will get some answers.

Thanks
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Old Jun 1, 2018 | 05:44 AM
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Originally Posted by JHS
I ordered the Autel Code Reader. Should get it tomorrow/Monday. Hopefully will get some answers.

Thanks
You're welcome.
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Old Jun 6, 2018 | 08:36 AM
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1998 ML320
Exclamation 1998 ml320 no start

Originally Posted by JHS
I ordered the Autel Code Reader. Should get it tomorrow/Monday. Hopefully will get some answers.

Thanks
Received my Code reader and ran full system scan.
First scan showed about 20 different faults and codes.

After then using the quick erase function, and rerunning the scan only a few remained...and seemingly related.

They were:

1. ETC- Electronic Transmission control - Fault 1
(135) Communication with Engine Sporadically disturbed.

2. ME2-SFI- Engine Control Module - Fault 1
(P1570) Start enable of DAS not sent.

3. ETS- Electronic Traction System - Fault 2
(C1210) Please refer to vehicle service manual.

4. AAM- All Activities Module - Fault 4
(B1703-002) The programmed code of the transponder is o.k., the programmable code is invalid.

I'm going to research them on line, as well as purchase a service manual, but any input from others who may shed some light on these is most welcome.
Thanks!
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Old Jun 6, 2018 | 02:11 PM
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JHS, you are on the wrong forum.
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w163-10/
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Old Jun 6, 2018 | 02:37 PM
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1998 ML320
Exclamation 1998 ml320 no start

Quote: Originally posted by Maj. Dundee:
JHS, you are on the wrong forum.
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w163-10/


Originally Posted by JHS
Hello and thanks.
No, there is no single blink from the LED when key is in position 2.

When unlocking and first getting in to vehicle red LED is on, solid and unblinking.
When locking vehicle red LED blinks rapidly.

Regarding the wrong forum, I found this site and was looking for relevant threads when a pop up appeared and said 'ask a question'. It had a few areas to fill out, with question, vehicle and detail...but nothing regarding where the question would be filed. When I hit the 'send' button another pop up appeared, telling me I needed to register with the site to ask a question. I then filled out those details, and then went through the email verification process, and only then was able to see if the question was even posted, having been given no choice in the initial pop up screen as to where to post it, ie. which group. Had I been given that option, I am aware that my '98 is a W163 model. The site itself sorted my question into the W164 group.
The thread was created in this group automatically, by the web site, not by me.
If there is some way for the Admin to move the entire thread from the 164 group to the 163 group, I certainly have no issue with that.
I am new to the site still and will defer to Admin to decide how and if this is to be done, if the thread offends by having been sorted incorrectly internally.

Last edited by JHS; Jun 6, 2018 at 02:52 PM.
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Old Jun 8, 2018 | 03:02 AM
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1998 ML320
Exclamation 1998 ml320 no start

I found this instruction on another site, relating to the B1703-02 fault I am experiencing:

If you don't have another key, you can resynchronize the remote by putting it in the ignition turning the key on, then removing it.
Hold the lock button and press the unlock button 5 times within 10 seconds. Then press any other button once.
This process will resynchronize the remote that you have.
If you are still having problems after the resynchronization then I would suggest purchasing another key from the dealer.
This is one of the most common problem for the fault B1703
This was apparently the instruction from a Mercedes mechanic.
I have seen a similar, but slightly different instruction elsewhere with regards to resynchronizing a remote key.


Prior to following the above instructions, the remote key would lock and unlock doors, and the panic button functioned.
Once I followed the instructions above, and completed the sequence, the car alarm immediately began sounding, and then after several seconds the indicator lights flashed repeatedly.
Clearly, this sequence caused the vehicle to think it was being tampered with, so it either was not correct, or the fault is possibly with the key receiver or elsewhere.
The remote does not function at all now, and any door opening or hood opening, etc causes the alarm to retrigger. I have pulled the alarm horn relay and fuse, and the indicator relays.
I only have the one key, and apparently from what I have read, replacement/additional keys can no longer be purchased from Mercedes for the 98 ML models.

I can use some advice.
Is the sequence to reprogram the remote as stated above correct?
Is there a different sequence that others have heard of and/or successfully tried?
Am I even looking in the right place with regards to trying to solve my no start situation based on the Fault codes I received and noted in my previous post in this thread?
I would really love to get this ML running without it costing me a small fortune, if it's possible.

Thanks.

Last edited by JHS; Jun 8, 2018 at 03:08 AM.
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