JHS

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.

Plutoe

Sounds like you don't have enough starting amps to crank---get the battery and or charging system load tested.

JHS

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.

Maj. Dundee

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?

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.

Plutoe

Can you apply voltage directly to the starter-----does it turn!

JHS

I have not tried that as yet.
I will try to rig something up to be able to do that.

JHS

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.

JHS

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.

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?

JHS

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?

Maj. Dundee

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.

JHS

Only have 1 key.
I will see about getting it towed to a shop...but no Mercedes Dealers anywhere close.
Thanks.

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, . It'll save you from getting scammed with code reading charges.

JHS

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

Thanks

flybd5

You're welcome.

JHS

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!

Maj. Dundee

JHS, you are on the wrong forum.
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w163-10/

JHS

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

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.

JHS

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

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.