bpatterson007

I have a few problems with my ml350 that I believe are DIY projects, but I have a few questions. I grew up using Haynes repair manuals, but could not find them for Mercedes-Benz. Is there an ideal manual to fix my problems? The car runs great, but has a lot of small issues and I'm still a poor college graduate (it was a gift). It's a 2009 ML350 4matic with about 130k miles. Issues:

1. Command unit displays the logo and the only button that works is ON/OFF. It is stuck on the logo and a local FM channel and reboots every 120 seconds like clockwork. ($3400 quote from dealer to repair, yikes)

2. The moonroof when sliding to close almost fully closes then starts backing up again about halfway and stops. It will close properly on the second attempt. (No quote asked for yet)

3. One automatic lock is weak and is 50/50 on whether it pops up or down. One never works and has to be manually locked/unlocked. (No quote asked for, but I imagine well over $1000)

4. The rear door latch will not disengage to allow the door to swing up about 90% of the time. I have to use the lever manually on the inside of the hatch to open it. ($700 quote from dealer)

Maj. Dundee

You have to give a little history. Did these problems all occur at the same time or inidvidually?

Did you just buy this truck? Did the problems come with it?

bpatterson007

My girlfriend's boss had his father drive from New York last winter and he slid off the road into guardrails in the snow. She was owed a bonus, so basically he gave us the car and paid for the repairs, which at the time were cosmetic only. It was front right and left damage, very superficial.

The radio worked completely fine for about two months and it just suddenly didn't work one morning when I started the car. It hasn't worked properly since.

The moonroof and locks had these issues since we've had the car.

The rear latch problem started about two weeks ago. I think it is just getting stuck. Knowing it wasn't a permanent fix, I sprayed a bunch of wd40 on it and it worked fine for a few days.

bpatterson007

Replied below, learning the forms, sorry.

kombifan

For the navigation I would try pulling the fuse or battery and see if resetting it helps.

The sunroof is common. You just need to add lube or grease to the rails.

The rear hatch, I believe the lock actuator fails. It needs to be replaced but if spraying helps with wd40 just try doing that for now.

The door lock actuators are probably defective.

Mbwholesalepartsonline.com

Try using this site for parts diagrams and part lookup.

bpatterson007

What fuses do I try to pull? I noticed the battery is an a very odd place under the passenger seat. Is that the only place to disconnect it?

The moon roof slides pretty smoothly and doesn't stop necessarily. It closes about 80% of the way, then backs up to halfway open. Then it just closes properly once I hit the switch again. It is like it's memory positioning is off and needs to be reset somehow?

As for the door locks and rear hatch, I would love to buy 3rd party parts and repair them, but I believe I would need detailed repair instructions or I may end up breaking things during the repair.

kombifan

Yes. It's under the passenger seat. Otherwise you can look in the fuse box and there should be a fuse diagram there which will tell you which fuse ti pull for the head unit.

Yes. I'm aware of the moonroof issues. Mine does this intermittently too. It's because it encounters drag or thinks something is blocking it so it reopens. Try a teflon grease spray. Try searching in amazon for teflon spray for cars.

If you post your vin Maj Dundee can be of help when it comes to the doors andinstructions . Ask nicely 😊😉.

Maj. Dundee

All your problems are attributed to a possible/probable rain water damaged rear SAM. The rain water enters the veh. because of faulty tail lamp seals which were incorrectly installed on the assembly line.

Remove the right rear tail lamp and see if the foam seal is glued to the tail lamp. If it is, do not touch anything, and reinstall the lamp. Then you must order updated seals and the new seals are to be installed on the tail lamp body opening and NOT ON THE TAIL LAMP.

Post your results.

bpatterson007

Thanks so much for the help. Looks like I can work on the radio and moonroof issues today at least. 😁

bpatterson007

Oh wow, I never would have guessed that as a possibility at all! I will certainly have a look at that today. Thanks for the help and insight, it's very appreciated! 👍

Maj. Dundee

Maybe you didn't understand. All of the components that are not working properly are controlled by the rear SAM. Forget about the radio and moon roof , the first order of business is to remove the tail lamp to check the gasket, then we will go to the next step.

bpatterson007

Read you loud and clear. I will check the gasket today, thanks!

Maj. Dundee

Did you remove the tail lamp?

bpatterson007

Yes sir and sorry for the delay. School and work weren't too cooperative this week! I ordered the seals. Once they come in, what's next?

Maj. Dundee

Were the seals attached to the tail lamp?

bpatterson007

Yes they were and I ordered (it was hard to find)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Genuine-Mer...691/1625322475

Maj. Dundee

I assume that you ordered both.

bpatterson007

I did not. I thought it was the highlighted in yellow one only. Do I need to order the other as well?

kombifan

No. Both bud. Are you in the uk?

if you throw the part number into google you could probably find plenty of us mb online part stores.


https://www.mbwholesalepartsonline.c...ing-1648261591

i don’t want to discourage you, but at this point maj Dundee usually checks if you need a new Sam (computer for car electronics signal acquisition module I think it’s called)

bpatterson007

If that is what is required, so be it. Not a big deal. Just want it all fixed.

kombifan

Ok. No worries. I get that.
This video will help you find it.
This thread will help you deduce if you have a front Sam or rear Sam issue. https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w16...front-sam.html

this is the part number for Rear Sam.
https://www.mbwholesalepartsonline.c...r-164900540180


im sure when Dundee has the time he’ll chime back in 🤓

Maj. Dundee

This is why I did not give you the next procedure. If the new seals are not installed first, water will enter the truck again.

kombifan

How are you getting along bud?