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

2009 ML350W4 Starting Issue

Old Oct 7, 2019 | 09:00 PM
  #1  
James Lowell's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2009 ML359W4
2009 ML350W4 Starting Issue

Hello,
I have a 2009 ML350 4Matic with an odd starting issue. I went out to the vehicle last week and click, click, click... dead battery. Took to local MB dealer and replaced battery. Drove the car Monday through Friday early morning to work, and later at night home.
Over the weekend, I started the car and drove to multiple locations without issue. I left the car in a sunny parking lot for 30 min. While coming out of the grocery store, I pressed the button on the FOB to open the trunk. The trunk opened about 6 inches then froze in place. Then, when putting the key in the ignition to start the car, the car would crank but not start. After multiple attempts, the car cranked and ran for 1 second before dying. No codes or error lights on dash (including the suspected EIS failure - “key does not belong in vehicle”). After waiting 5-10 minutes, the car started as it should and I drove home, but with limited functionality of both key FOBs. I had the car towed to the local dealer and of course, now it is starting and running fine. Any ideas as to what could be causing this? I don’t want to throw an $1100 EIS module at it without being sure.
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2019 | 10:06 PM
  #2  
chassis's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
MBWorld Ambassador

5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Try replacing all key fob batteries.

There should be an auxiliary battery, in addition to the main vehicle battery. Was the auxiliary battery replaced? It is located in the same general space as the main battery, under the passenger seat.

Last edited by chassis; Oct 7, 2019 at 10:11 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 07:50 AM
  #3  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by chassis
Try replacing all key fob batteries.

There should be an auxiliary battery, in addition to the main vehicle battery. Was the auxiliary battery replaced? It is located in the same general space as the main battery, under the passenger seat.

Chassis, the key fob batteries are obviously working as they opened the door/s and the tailgate.

The only function of the Auxiliary Battery is to supply voltage to the Servo Module so that the shifter can be placed in "Neutral" so it may towed, if the main battery is dead.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 08:01 AM
  #4  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by James Lowell
Hello,
I have a 2009 ML350 4Matic with an odd starting issue. I went out to the vehicle last week and click, click, click... dead battery. Took to local MB dealer and replaced battery. Drove the car Monday through Friday early morning to work, and later at night home.
Over the weekend, I started the car and drove to multiple locations without issue. I left the car in a sunny parking lot for 30 min. While coming out of the grocery store, I pressed the button on the FOB to open the trunk. The trunk opened about 6 inches then froze in place. Then, when putting the key in the ignition to start the car, the car would crank but not start. After multiple attempts, the car cranked and ran for 1 second before dying. No codes or error lights on dash (including the suspected EIS failure - “key does not belong in vehicle”). After waiting 5-10 minutes, the car started as it should and I drove home, but with limited functionality of both key FOBs. I had the car towed to the local dealer and of course, now it is starting and running fine. Any ideas as to what could be causing this? I don’t want to throw an $1100 EIS module at it without being sure.
Have you visually checked to see that you received a new battery? All dealers are thieves.

If you are getting that message in the Inst. Cluster, there will be a corresponding code stored in EIS Control Module.

Additionally, you probably own a cheap code reader that will only read engine codes and nothing else. You must own your own scanner.

Amazon Amazon
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
DTC EIS Elec. Ign. Sw. All.pdf (52.4 KB, 289 views)
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 08:20 AM
  #5  
James Lowell's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2009 ML359W4
Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
Have you visually checked to see that you received a new battery? All dealers are thieves.

If you are getting that message in the Inst. Cluster, there will be a corresponding code stored in EIS Control Module.

Additionally, you probably own a cheap code reader that will only read engine codes and nothing else. You must own your own scanner.

https://www.amazon.com/Autel-MD802-D...ateway&sr=8-3/
All,
Thanks for the ideas. The batteries in both key fobs are new. The main battery is a new MB battery. There are no lights or error codes present.
The rear hatch was replaced with a used hatch 2 years ago due to minor cosmetic damage. Am I being paranoid to think that there could be an issue with the rear hatch wiring harness thats causing the system to ‘short out’ when opening the trunk?
The vehicle has been issue free until now.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 08:53 AM
  #6  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by James Lowell
All,
Thanks for the ideas. The batteries in both key fobs are new. The main battery is a new MB battery. There are no lights or error codes present.
The rear hatch was replaced with a used hatch 2 years ago due to minor cosmetic damage. Am I being paranoid to think that there could be an issue with the rear hatch wiring harness thats causing the system to ‘short out’ when opening the trunk?
The vehicle has been issue free until now.

What system is shorting out?
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 09:04 AM
  #7  
James Lowell's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2009 ML359W4
Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
What system is shorting out?
Good question... immobilizer possibly?
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 12:52 PM
  #8  
chassis's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
MBWorld Ambassador

5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Liftgate latch defective? Not communicating electrically that it is closed and locked?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 02:21 PM
  #9  
James Lowell's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2009 ML359W4
Liftgate latch is new as of 6 months ago
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2019 | 03:41 AM
  #10  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by James Lowell
Good question... immobilizer possibly?
Do you own your own scanner? If not get this one and check for codes in the DAS (Drive Authorization System]

Amazon Amazon
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2019 | 05:55 PM
  #11  
James Lowell's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2009 ML359W4

Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
Do you own your own scanner? If not get this one and check for codes in the DAS (Drive Authorization System]

https://www.amazon.com/Autel-MD802-D.../dp/B078WTHK1L
To everyone who contributed to this post, thank you for your help and ideas. This was the culrpit:

Checking the amps/fuses lead me to this. Replaced and the problem is solved. Controlled all power going to rear fuse box. Car now runs 100%

Hope this helps someone in the future!
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2019 | 07:17 PM
  #12  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by James Lowell


To everyone who contributed to this post, thank you for your help and ideas. This was the culrpit:

Checking the amps/fuses lead me to this. Replaced and the problem is solved. Controlled all power going to rear fuse box. Car now runs 100%

Hope this helps someone in the future!


Where is that fuse located?
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2019 | 08:58 PM
  #13  
chassis's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
MBWorld Ambassador

5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Congratulations, well done. Is that a one hundred amp fuse?
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 02:47 PM
  #14  
shawndh's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA, USA
2011 ML350
Originally Posted by James Lowell


To everyone who contributed to this post, thank you for your help and ideas. This was the culrpit:

Checking the amps/fuses lead me to this. Replaced and the problem is solved. Controlled all power going to rear fuse box. Car now runs 100%

Hope this helps someone in the future!

Nice work man! Don’t know where that is located though. I’ll take a look at mine.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:17 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE