lkgonzales

My 2009 ML350 4Matic showed the telltale signs of a major timing. After determining the cause (balance shaft and camshaft gears) and replacing the parts, we restarted the vehicle. after warm up it starting misfiring and shut off. Same result after repeated attempts. A scan showed the following errors: 1337, 0228, 0217. I know these are danger signs of a possible ECU problem. My question is. Cold the ECU just conk out like that after repairs? I never got these errors before the timing repair. Cold it be something else?

My technician says that the ECU needs to be repaired, and i'm being charged $1,000 for the repair.

Need help and professional advice. Here are some photos:

E55Greasemonkey

2009 is beyond the production range for balance shaft/timing gear failure. How many miles? Did you see the worn idler gear yourself after it was removed? Is this the original engine from the car?
I've yet to see a "repaired" ECU work. Only option is a reman from the dealership.

lkgonzales

worn balance shaft gear, worn camshaft adjusters. All started with the P0016 P0171 P0174 errors that kept returning. Misfiring. Only around 56k miles. This vehicle was imported as a second hand unit from Japan to the Philippines here I am from. This is the original engine, yes.

Maj. Dundee

If these new codes were not present prior to the repairs, then you have revisit your re-instalation of the Alternator and the Throttle Valve.

As per code 1337, read below.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...e-warning.html

lkgonzales

Currently having ECU problems after this costly balance shaft and camshaft adjuster replacement. It ran smooth after the replacement but started misfiring after 10 minutes and eventually shutdown. STORED Errors were 1337, 0228, 0217. My mechanic told me that this points to a bad ECU.

I live in the philippines and anything out of the dealer will cost easily $4000 up...crazy, I know.

Can anyone point me to a reliable and dependable shop that can program a new or remanufactured ECU at a fair cost? Can they program an ECU remotely based on my VIN number? Do I need to send my existing ECU to them beforehand?

im quite desperate already I’ve spent way too much on this merc but need to get it fixed.

Your urgent response is greatly appreciated. I hope I’d have a few shops to choose from. Thanks again, guys!

Maj. Dundee

Questions:

1. Before you made repairs, was the eng. running? Yes or no?

2. Were there any other codes other than the camshaft codes? Yes or no?

3. When you removed the ECM, did you first disconnect the BATTERY? Yes or no?

4. How did your mechanic come to the conclusion that your ECM was faulty?

Copy and paste the questions and answer alongside each question.

lkgonzales

SEE ANSWERS BELOW, PARDON THE CAPS

1. Before you made repairs, was the eng. running? Yes or no? - YES

2. Were there any other codes other than the camshaft codes? Yes or no? - NONE. JUST THE TIMING-RELATED CODES

3. When you removed the ECM, did you first disconnect the BATTERY? Yes or no? - YES

4. How did your mechanic come to the conclusion that your ECM was faulty? AFTER REPLACEMENT OF TIMING RELATED PARTS, ENGINE WOULD RUN SMOOTH BUT WOULD MISFIRE THEN CUTOFF AFTER AROUND 10 MINS OR IT HITS OPERATING TEMP. STORED ERRORS ARE 1337, 0228, 0217

Thanks!

Maj. Dundee

You & your mechanic are barking up the wrong tree with replacement of the ECM. The ECM is almost bullet proof if it isn't probed or accidentally damaged.

Your new codes are specific for two components, the alternator and the Throttle Valve. Did you replace the seal as per the PDF? Was the vent hose properly put in place?

Here is some info on the alternator.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...e-warning.html

lkgonzales

yes, we did everything as they should be done. No shortcuts.

Maj. Dundee

Why did you take 3 days to respond to my last post? Why, because you posted your problem in a different forum and waited for responses.

Again, if those new codes were not originally present, how in God's name could the ECM become miraculously damaged? Think about it, it's common sense.













why

lkgonzales

Hmm.. you don’t have to have that arrogant tone in your words, sir. And why the need to be presumptuous about any so-called delay in my responses? And what is so wrong about seeking advice elsewhere? All your inputs are all well taken but there are also other views out there, just as valuable as yours. And if I don’t get a broader range of ideas and inputs from any single forum, it makes sense, and I believe that I have all the right to make inquiries about them elsewhere too.

I assume you are one of many Benz experts here and in other fora and I thank you for your inputs. But also, please do not assume that I do not have common sense. Lastly, please be less abrasive with your words. I am open to all support and ideas as I am no expert, but it’s much easier for one to be respected as an expert if one’s isn’t too bossy.

You may or may not be an admin in this forum, and you can probably easily get me blocked or kicked out. Your choice. As I said, there are equally valuable views and inputs from all over. Thank you, sir.

If you haven’t yet kicked me out of this forum by then, I will provide an update on the steps I have taken and result of my actions to get this car fixed. Cheers!

E55Greasemonkey

All I see are stored codes. We don't care about stored codes at this point. Clear them, and see what comes back as CURRENT codes. Leave the engine running if needed while checking the codes.

Maj. Dundee

Nothing was arrogant, it was the truth. If you feel that your mechanic is correct, why haven't you replaced the ECM/ECU?

To do so, you would have to tow it to a M/B dealer who will tell you that the ECM will cost $2,500+ which does not include replacement and coding charges.

You cannot use a used ECM because each and every ECM is locked into its' own vin#. Hence, if you install a used one you will have hundreds of additional codes to deal with.

lkgonzales

Replaced my ECU. Very costly. But it did the trick. W164 back to running like new.