hello all, I posted at the tail end of another thread--that probably was the wrong place to post. This 2008 gasoline ML350 was my mom's car up until about 3 weeks ago when she suddenly died, so I'm not super familiar with the options and systems (e.g., I don't have the data sheet for it).

It's giving the "active headlamps inoperative" message on the console. Full module scan with an Innova 5610 shows from the right XALWA-R xenon headlamp a 6023 "The sensor for curve illumination is defective or blocked" -- no other codes on anything.

I've scoured the boards, internet, and parts vendors for a location, fix, or part and have come up empty on where this sensor is exactly and what replacement part is needed. I've searched for tech or repair data--looks like the STAR Service DVD for 2008 DVD is no longer available. STARtek is available for 24 hour access. Any recommendations on that?

I even went so far as to pull the right front wheel. Does anyone have experience with this that can point me in the right direction?

Working on this vehicle is helping to keep me sane in this difficult time. Thank you in advance.

 

I believe you have made a typo with the code #6023. Please check the code again as it should be 9023.

If so, you must check the RIGHT (passenger side) level sensor for damaged wiring or replace.

2020-05-01_020625.pdf

 

Maj, thank you! You are correct--It is 9023. That pic confirms the spot.

Wiring and connection looked good. The rubber armature it's linked with seems wobbly?

Looks like it is

Suspension Ride Height Sensor - Mercedes-Benz (010-542-77-17)

Is it something that needs an MB calibration after install?

 

Point to this rubber armature.

 

Check the left side and see it wobbles.

 

Check the left side and see it wobbles.

Everything is blocked out bu the red. I still don't know what you mean by rubber armature Can't you take another photo.

Also post your full vin#.

 

Thank you, Maj!

VIN 4JGBB86E28A361381

New photo -- Rubber armature has orange tag on it. The vertical black piece in the photo that connects sensor on frame to mount point on control arm. Probably not rubber but a flexible plastic. It looks to have ball joints top and bottom so that it rotates slightly along its axis which seems to be by design. I think it is part 164-320-24-32

Front right level sensor ... orange tag on sensor link connecting sensor (chassis-mounted) to control arm.


There is not a similar sensor on the front left for comparison. There are mounting screws and holes and a spot where one could go, but no sensor or wiring harness or other hardware (maybe that is another option).

Thank you!

 

According to your vin#, these are the part/s that you might want to replace. After installing, codes must be erased.

 

Thanks. That's super helpful! I'll remove the link and inspect it. Definitely will replace the sensor. Do you have a go to site for parts?

 

Yes EPC costs $75 a year.

https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/subscribe.jsp

 

That's great. STARtek is $60 for 24 hours. Does EPC give build sheets?

where do you like to buy parts?

 

The only thing you get is in post $8.

 

Whenever I'm shopping I like to do a general search of the part number. I've bought directly from different MB dealerships, ebay, and other online stores. I do like FCP Euro for their lifetime guarantee. Just a nice thing to offer to customers and to me it indicates that they stand behind their sales. I found a1643200832 on ebay for $17 and at FCP for $30. My money isn't being spent here so you can decide what's right for you.
FCP Euro
Above is the link for one of the part numbers from Maj. post. I just pulled the parts number and google searched it. FCP happened to come up but you can search by part number on their site as well. Another site I've used is mbpartshq.com. While I have no affiliation with either if you wanted to use mbpartshq you can usually put items in your cart and leave then receive an e-mail for 5% off. I can't remember the code or I would just tell you but I recently used it to get some cross rails and a smartphone retrofit for my GLE.
MBPartsHQ
When I just got my order from them it was from a dealership in FL but I don't remember which one.
Good luck!

 

Just looked up a0105427717 really quickly and same thing. Looks like you can even order one from amazon for $20 however it is a month out on shipping. Others had it for more but you can use the google machine to your own liking. I also just searched my e-mail and found the discount/promo code for mbpartshq.com if you want to use them. It's "SAVEMYCART" and it should give you %5 off. Good luck with the project, hope it all works out easily for you.

 

Thanks, that's super helpful.

Given the "blocked" in the error code, I pulled the arm and cleaned the ***** joints to restore full easy motion. Cleared the error, but it came back.

So ... sensor is on the way from FCP Euro. The lifetime warranty is amazing! Perhaps pay a little more up front, but then return parts *after* purchase of a new one for credit? Wow. They sell genuine Mercedes filters and such for those who want to maintain that way.

 

Yeah they are really good from a customer service standpoint. If you look at the blog they have, there are people that have returned $12,000 turbo's for their porsche and FCP sent them new ones for free...or well for shipping. Same goes for a filter or windshield wiper. Crazy policy and you have to decide if paying to send an item back is actually worth it but on bigger stuff it makes a ton of sense.

 

Yeah, I saw those pictures! Crazy!

Air filters are light. A lot of things that are heavier will fit in a flat rate box :-)

 

I replaced the sensor with a new part.

Tried to erase 9023. That wouldn't clear.

It still reports 9023 the sensor for curve illumination is defective or blocked.

I previously cleaned and checked the link arm. It seems good with free movement as the suspension moves.

Link arm removed and ball joints cleaned


Is this a code that has to clear itself? Any ideas or suggestions?

 

I know this is a little old but....

SistineKid,

Were you ever able to fix your Headlamp Inoperative error? I am having the same error at this time and would like to remedy this. Thanks!

08 ML350

 

As is often the case on this forum, members are being given bad information. The pictures shown above are for the leveling sensor:

Normal headlamp
The outer control ring. The 9023 code is for the inner curve illumination motor:

9023 Active Headlamp Inoperative
These bi-Xenon headlamps (with curve illumination) are very expensive (I think around $970 new) and even used ones on eBay sell for $450-600. I have heard of people taking the headlamp apart and replacing the defective motor.