Check coolant level light on cold starts.
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300D Turbo 1984
Check coolant level light on cold starts.
Check coolant level light on cold starts.
The level is factory perfect normal. Is there anything I am missing.
The light comes on if I turn the car to ON without starting the engine or right when I first start the engine.
The level is factory perfect normal. Is there anything I am missing.
The light comes on if I turn the car to ON without starting the engine or right when I first start the engine.
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300D Turbo 1984
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beater with a heater
this happened to me yesterday also. 44 degrees out and parked on a slight incline
was anything added to your vehicle lately or modified? been to the dealership and they changed something?
was anything added to your vehicle lately or modified? been to the dealership and they changed something?
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300D Turbo 1984
Just an oil change. Had the vehicle on jackstands in the front for about 30 minutes.
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X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
It happened to me a few times on the W164. I opened the lid, visually saw the level was okay, then closed the lid. The warning went away. 
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His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
It's history repeating itself.
Common issue when the W164's came out also.
With the diesels, my theory is that the coolant system has several air pockets that do not get filled properly at the factory. As you drive and the engine goes through normal heat cycles, the coolant eventually fills these areas. When the temps start to drop due to winter, and you park the vehicle overnight, the system draws from the reservoir bottle to refill the engine. This triggers the low coolant message as the stupid hyperactive sensor is in the bottle. It will look like a normal level, but it is actually 2-3 oz low.
Add about a half cup of Xerex G-05 or Mercedes brand coolant, and your problem is solved. You will need to do this about 4 or 5 times over the next 2 years at the onset of winter, or if you drive from sea level to the top of the Colorado Rockies. (Ask me how I know that one)
After that the system should be fully "burped".
Common issue when the W164's came out also.
With the diesels, my theory is that the coolant system has several air pockets that do not get filled properly at the factory. As you drive and the engine goes through normal heat cycles, the coolant eventually fills these areas. When the temps start to drop due to winter, and you park the vehicle overnight, the system draws from the reservoir bottle to refill the engine. This triggers the low coolant message as the stupid hyperactive sensor is in the bottle. It will look like a normal level, but it is actually 2-3 oz low.
Add about a half cup of Xerex G-05 or Mercedes brand coolant, and your problem is solved. You will need to do this about 4 or 5 times over the next 2 years at the onset of winter, or if you drive from sea level to the top of the Colorado Rockies. (Ask me how I know that one)
After that the system should be fully "burped".
Last edited by dgiturbo; Nov 1, 2012 at 04:20 PM.
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X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
Digiturbo, that sounds like a load of .... But then my problem IIRC occurred when we were in the Victorian Alps. Okay that's still pretty low compared to Colorado.
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His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
It is what it is.
Unless you actually have a coolant leak and seeing a puddle, that is the fix.
The cool, high altitude mountain air would definitely do it. Vehicles I had before had a factory bleed screw or a larger reservoir and a more forgiving sensor. Oh well. Guess the engineers at MB must have some reason.
By the way, depending on your before and after altitude and temperature, the tire pressure warning may have triggered also.
Real fun waking up on a cold crisp mountain vacation in the middle of nowhere, and upon starting your ML to go get breakfast, see see 2 big warnings that say you are low on coolant and may have tire pressure issues...
Unless you actually have a coolant leak and seeing a puddle, that is the fix.
The cool, high altitude mountain air would definitely do it. Vehicles I had before had a factory bleed screw or a larger reservoir and a more forgiving sensor. Oh well. Guess the engineers at MB must have some reason.
By the way, depending on your before and after altitude and temperature, the tire pressure warning may have triggered also.
Real fun waking up on a cold crisp mountain vacation in the middle of nowhere, and upon starting your ML to go get breakfast, see see 2 big warnings that say you are low on coolant and may have tire pressure issues...
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From: Australia
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
Or when you have the breakfast makings with you, and you find the milk bottle has burst and spread it's contents over the potato crisps, whose packets had also burst.
And this is only at 5500 feet. How do you cope in high altitudes?
And this is only at 5500 feet. How do you cope in high altitudes?
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300D Turbo 1984
Took it in for service !
Service Liason told me that the washer fluid was low and that triggered the check coolant level warning.
So I called "B-S"
Service manager came over pacified the situation said he would do "research" called me back an hour later and told me that COOLANT and WASHERFLUID both run on the same "circuit board."
"The vehicle noticed that SOME fluid level is at a critical low and therefore triggered the most critical warning so that you would come into the stealership and get it checked out."
(if this is true I just lost all respect for German engineering)
I am not embellishing but this what he attributed it to.
So I called "B-S"
Service manager came over pacified the situation said he would do "research" called me back an hour later and told me that COOLANT and WASHERFLUID both run on the same "circuit board."
"The vehicle noticed that SOME fluid level is at a critical low and therefore triggered the most critical warning so that you would come into the stealership and get it checked out."
(if this is true I just lost all respect for German engineering)I am not embellishing but this what he attributed it to.
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MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Service Liason told me that the washer fluid was low and that triggered the check coolant level warning.
So I called "B-S"
Service manager came over pacified the situation said he would do "research" called me back an hour later and told me that COOLANT and WASHERFLUID both run on the same "circuit board."
"The vehicle noticed that SOME fluid level is at a critical low and therefore triggered the most critical warning so that you would come into the stealership and get it checked out." (if this is true I just lost all respect for German engineering)
I am not embellishing but this what he attributed it to.
So I called "B-S"
Service manager came over pacified the situation said he would do "research" called me back an hour later and told me that COOLANT and WASHERFLUID both run on the same "circuit board."
"The vehicle noticed that SOME fluid level is at a critical low and therefore triggered the most critical warning so that you would come into the stealership and get it checked out."
(if this is true I just lost all respect for German engineering)I am not embellishing but this what he attributed it to.
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2012 ML 350 BlueTec
+
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's Manual

The coolant level is too low.
! Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
X Add coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so (Y page 367).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
This is right from page 299 of the owners manual. It doesn't mention the washer level at all.
This is from page 314:
¥
Check Washer Fluid

The washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped below the minimum.
X Add washer fluid (Y page 368).
Seems that, at least according to the owners manual, that each system is separate. You were right to call BS on the dealer.
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's Manual

The coolant level is too low.
! Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
X Add coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so (Y page 367).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
This is right from page 299 of the owners manual. It doesn't mention the washer level at all.
This is from page 314:
¥
Check Washer Fluid

The washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped below the minimum.
X Add washer fluid (Y page 368).
Seems that, at least according to the owners manual, that each system is separate. You were right to call BS on the dealer.
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so please ask them what fluid has to be low to trigger the low washer fluid warning.
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From: Lake Ozark, MO
SL65 - ML63
Def a problem which MB is going to have to figure out and issue a software and/or sensor update.
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300D Turbo 1984
) and let us know if the problem resolves~?! 
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S550, SRX, ML550
Hit me, what happened to you in the Rockies? I drove my brand new ML550 from Denver (6000ft) over Loveland Pass (12000ft) as well as Kenosha Pass (10000ft) this weekend with no issues...
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From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
Left the Chicagoland area (800+-ft) in 90F summer and drove to a remote part of the Rocky Mnt Nat Park. (12000+-Ft). After bear proofing the ML (no food, snacks, wife's lipstick etc) and turning in for the night, temps dropped to near freezing. Next morning, started the ML and low coolant and tire pressure warnings are on. (Thanks Boyle for your law.)
The main issue was that we were in such a remote bear roaming area, not where you want warnings of possibly having flat tires or overheating.
Yes in those instances, you think the most extreme.
Other than a quick trip to a well stocked gas station, all was well. The turbo diesel motor loved the hill climbs and pulled excellent.
The main issue was that we were in such a remote bear roaming area, not where you want warnings of possibly having flat tires or overheating.
Yes in those instances, you think the most extreme.
Other than a quick trip to a well stocked gas station, all was well. The turbo diesel motor loved the hill climbs and pulled excellent.
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S550, SRX, ML550
Queue sad trombone sound... happened to me too when I started mine up at Denver airport after standing in the parking garage for 24 hours. Am hoping it's just "gas" in the system as a previous poster suggested.
The "hot" level seems to be totally full, while the "cold" level seems to be about an inch from the top of the black plastic. I don't see any "fill to here" marks on the side of the reservoir, but I wouldn't imagine that the level warrants a warning light?
Oh well, warning hasn't come on since - I'm planning to drive for a another week or so to check warning light behaviour before topping her up with additional coolant.
The "hot" level seems to be totally full, while the "cold" level seems to be about an inch from the top of the black plastic. I don't see any "fill to here" marks on the side of the reservoir, but I wouldn't imagine that the level warrants a warning light?
Oh well, warning hasn't come on since - I'm planning to drive for a another week or so to check warning light behaviour before topping her up with additional coolant.
Last edited by Thimee; Dec 2, 2012 at 04:51 PM.
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2012 ML 350 Bluetec
Just happened to me too
My diesel was parked at the airport for 3days. Outside temp in low 40s when I started it and got that warning message as well. As I needed my 10000 oil change I had them check coolant and top off. I don't expect to get that warning again but if I do I'll be sispicious and repost here.
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From: North Cyprus
2012 ml-250
My car is also at 7500 km, 4 months old. I got a warning saying "Top up the coolant, see owners manual". I did so and filled it completely up to the lid. The warning is gone now. The dealer told me that the reason may be they forgot to top up the fluid when the car arrived from the factory before they delivered to me. Otherwise, if this happens again, there is a leak.
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300D Turbo 1984
