Every warning light Illuminates at the same time,
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 7
ML 350
Every warning light Illuminates at the same time,
While driving a 2013 ML350, I purchased two weeks ago, every warning light on the dash came on at the same time, all gauges stopped functioning, to turn signals, yes to brake lights, Drive to workshop without Changing Gears. Vehicle drove completely normal, Once in driveway, would not go into park, would not turn off. After an array of ways to turn the vehicle off, It finally turned off. Now it won't start and appears to be in park. The vehicle was in the shop last week and I was told the Rear Radar Sensors needed to be replaced at a cost of 2,000. I declined because its a simple job I can do. Could this have triggered my new problem?
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 442
From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
Can't say I know what your problem is, but Id be getting it scanned first and checking both batteries and alternator and the serpentine belt as starting point. Low voltage (below 11.7v engine off) and below 13.7 engine on, will tell you that you've got a charging/Battery issue. That alone can set off modules by having too low a voltage. Some only need a small drop on voltage to go nuts. Worst case is you knock out power supply issues as part of diagnosis.
Did the dealer scan it and give you any codes? Assume they did if they narrowed it down to parking sensors, or was that before all this? Sounds unusual that sensors would create such drama so its possible that you've got more than 1 issue to deal with. If you haven't got a scan tool, every W164 owner should have one. Search the forum for advice on those.
Check the rear SAM for water intrustion and if anyone's played around with it. I'd be on the phone to the fella you bought it from and pressure him. Nothing to lose. If he hangs up, then you know at least its an ongoing issue.
Did the dealer scan it and give you any codes? Assume they did if they narrowed it down to parking sensors, or was that before all this? Sounds unusual that sensors would create such drama so its possible that you've got more than 1 issue to deal with. If you haven't got a scan tool, every W164 owner should have one. Search the forum for advice on those.
Check the rear SAM for water intrustion and if anyone's played around with it. I'd be on the phone to the fella you bought it from and pressure him. Nothing to lose. If he hangs up, then you know at least its an ongoing issue.
Last edited by BlackML550; Nov 5, 2023 at 02:45 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 68
Likes: 16
From: West Coast US
E350 (W212)
With this info, I'm putting my money on the alternator/battery.
If you live near an AutoZone, go and get your battery and alternator tested. I've seen cars with bad voltage regulators on the alternators do this, they start fine, even run fine for a while until **** hits the fan. A surefire way to get it tested is at AutoZone, I haven't had any problems with their free battery/alternator test. Keep us posted.
If you live near an AutoZone, go and get your battery and alternator tested. I've seen cars with bad voltage regulators on the alternators do this, they start fine, even run fine for a while until **** hits the fan. A surefire way to get it tested is at AutoZone, I haven't had any problems with their free battery/alternator test. Keep us posted.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 7
ML 350
Can't say I know what your problem is, but Id be getting it scanned first and checking both batteries and alternator and the serpentine belt as starting point. Low voltage (below 11.7v engine off) and below 13.7 engine on, will tell you that you've got a charging/Battery issue. That alone can set off modules by having too low a voltage. Some only need a small drop on voltage to go nuts. Worst case is you knock out power supply issues as part of diagnosis.
Did the dealer scan it and give you any codes? Assume they did if they narrowed it down to parking sensors, or was that before all this? Sounds unusual that sensors would create such drama so its possible that you've got more than 1 issue to deal with. If you haven't got a scan tool, every W164 owner should have one. Search the forum for advice on those.
Check the rear SAM for water intrustion and if anyone's played around with it. I'd be on the phone to the fella you bought it from and pressure him. Nothing to lose. If he hangs up, then you know at least its an ongoing issue.
Did the dealer scan it and give you any codes? Assume they did if they narrowed it down to parking sensors, or was that before all this? Sounds unusual that sensors would create such drama so its possible that you've got more than 1 issue to deal with. If you haven't got a scan tool, every W164 owner should have one. Search the forum for advice on those.
Check the rear SAM for water intrustion and if anyone's played around with it. I'd be on the phone to the fella you bought it from and pressure him. Nothing to lose. If he hangs up, then you know at least its an ongoing issue.
I was not informed of any codes from the dealer. They did narrow it down to the rear radar sensors. The dealer I went to has the history of the vehicle so that will be the next stop. It still will not start so I will have to have a flatbed scoop it up. Power issues do make sense, as I was pulling in to the driveway, I noticed the steering was harder. No good power to the steering. Thank you.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 68
Likes: 16
From: West Coast US
E350 (W212)
I was not informed of any codes from the dealer. They did narrow it down to the rear radar sensors. The dealer I went to has the history of the vehicle so that will be the next stop. It still will not start so I will have to have a flatbed scoop it up. Power issues do make sense, as I was pulling in to the driveway, I noticed the steering was harder. No good power to the steering. Thank you.
You can always take the alternator out and battery out to bring them on their own to get tested, it should be fairly easy.
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 1,315
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
My theory is a failed module is killing the CANbus. Scan, look for CAN-Hi or CAN-Lo short or open. Then begin disconnecting sub-systems until CANbus stabilizes. On my car, same symptoms, it was intermittent CANbus transceiver chip in the instrument cluster. Showed up immediately with a STAR/Xentry scan and then deep dive.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 442
From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
My theory is a failed module is killing the CANbus. Scan, look for CAN-Hi or CAN-Lo short or open. Then begin disconnecting sub-systems until CANbus stabilizes. On my car, same symptoms, it was intermittent CANbus transceiver chip in the instrument cluster. Showed up immediately with a STAR/Xentry scan and then deep dive.
Please keep us informed. Would love to know what the problem turns out to be.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 7
ML 350
The ML 350 is still at the dealership, they think it might be the wiring harness that went to the rear radar sensors. I replaced both sensors in the middle of the driveway and they are still not functioning, but the vehicle did start and I was able to drive it to the dealership. Only the check engine light and the radar sensors indicator lights were on. Still waiting for parts and confirmation. Gave them the old parts and asked them to bench test all four radar sensors My money is on a ground somewhere else.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 7
ML 350
Got the ML 350 back, The reported problem was corrosion in the wiring harness for the rear radar sensors. I could see two corroded pins in the wiring harness. Seems far fetched but the problem no longer exists. I have driven the vehicle for the past three days and the problem seems to have been solved. Very suspect that the problem presented itself after I took it to the dealership to check out the rear sensors, declined the repair, problem arose about three days after I got the car back. Parked it, replaced the rear sensors myself, the car started and the cascade of illuminated warning lights were not on. Only the check engine light was on. The dealership replaced the wiring harness for the rear sensors and boom, problem gone. Just seems suspect. But it works and I saved about $1,200.00 doing the rear sensors myself. Thanks Guys. This is a great resource.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
2014 ML350, 2003 E320
Got the ML 350 back, The reported problem was corrosion in the wiring harness for the rear radar sensors. I could see two corroded pins in the wiring harness. Seems far fetched but the problem no longer exists. I have driven the vehicle for the past three days and the problem seems to have been solved. Very suspect that the problem presented itself after I took it to the dealership to check out the rear sensors, declined the repair, problem arose about three days after I got the car back. Parked it, replaced the rear sensors myself, the car started and the cascade of illuminated warning lights were not on. Only the check engine light was on. The dealership replaced the wiring harness for the rear sensors and boom, problem gone. Just seems suspect. But it works and I saved about $1,200.00 doing the rear sensors myself. Thanks Guys. This is a great resource.
Can you tell me where is the wiring harness of the rear radar sensors so I can check for corrosion.
When you said the problem went away after the first time before you found the corroded pins. Did you attempt to clean the pins or you just plug it back? I would imagine you would clean the corrosion and see.
So you solved the problem changing the wiring harness? Is that the harness with 2 corroded pins?
Thanks
