SUV Kinda Dead
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 477
Likes: 30
From: Maricopa, AZ
2012 S63, 2013 E350 Bluetec
SUV Kinda Dead
I have a 2015 ML350 that has been very trouble-free (so far). Ran some errands this morning, everything was fine. Got home, then needed to run another errand and this happens: Car starts fine, but does sound a little different than normal -- seems to idle a little slower and the electric fan kicks on. Every light and message is on the dash -- no Distronic, traction control, etc. A/C doesn't work, but windows and seats do. Steering wheel tilt and telescope don't work. BUT the biggest problem is it won't go into gear. Press the level and nothing.
I disconnected the battery for about a half hour thinking something might get reset, but no luck. I can't get an appointment with my mechanic until next week. Any suggestions?
I disconnected the battery for about a half hour thinking something might get reset, but no luck. I can't get an appointment with my mechanic until next week. Any suggestions?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 505
Likes: 201
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
2021 AMG GLE53 | 2013 SLK350 Sport
Happened to my 2012 C-Class, same exact symptoms. Turned out water was pooling in on the driver side floor under the carpet (water was leaking in from sunroof inside headliner and down the A-pillar unsuspectingly) and a junction box had shorted out. Couldn't read any codes since the OBDII port had also been affected. Local indi shop pulled carpets and noted the issue. Replaced the junction box and fixed the main issue which was the sunroof drains on either side were plugged. Luckily, the SAM units were not affected.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 477
Likes: 30
From: Maricopa, AZ
2012 S63, 2013 E350 Bluetec
I live in Arizona and it hasn't rained here in I don't know how long, so water isn't an issue. I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner, but I believe it could be that the aux battery needs to be replaced. Watched some videos on how to replace it and it's in a bear of a location.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 477
Likes: 30
From: Maricopa, AZ
2012 S63, 2013 E350 Bluetec
Replaced the aux battery. Problem not solved. Have disconnected both the aux and the main and am going to let it sit overnight and then hook them up in the morning and try again. I really thought the aux battery replacement would solve the problem. BTW, that thing is a ***** to get out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 155
From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
I was under the impression that the main battery was the culprit for not shifting, dunno about all the other issues. Did you do a load test on the main battery? You know what the voltage reading is?
Where is your aux. battery btw?
Where is your aux. battery btw?
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Yes replace both batteries and if that doesn’t solve it do a deep dive into the rear taillamp area looking for moisture/SAM damage. Dry Arizona weather notwithstanding.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 505
Likes: 201
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
2021 AMG GLE53 | 2013 SLK350 Sport
Happened to my 2012 C-Class, same exact symptoms. Turned out water was pooling in on the driver side floor under the carpet (water was leaking in from sunroof inside headliner and down the A-pillar unsuspectingly) and a junction box had shorted out. Couldn't read any codes since the OBDII port had also been affected. Local indi shop pulled carpets and noted the issue. Replaced the junction box and fixed the main issue which was the sunroof drains on either side were plugged. Luckily, the SAM units were not affected.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Usually a failure to go into gear would point to an ISM issue. But the rest of the issues are perplexing, especially with all new batteries. I would be tempted to examine the connectors for the camshaft solenoids to make sure no oil has leaked/migrated that route as Benz engines are known to do - even though by 2015 this should no longer have been an issue.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,679
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
@ChuckinTucson how are you making out?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 477
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From: Maricopa, AZ
2012 S63, 2013 E350 Bluetec
Sorry I didn't update this earlier. It was a Steering Module. I have no idea what that is, but things are back to normal. I'm also $1,183 poorer. I take my cars to an indy place and not to the dealership. Of course, two days later the blower motors on the A/C suddenly stopped working. Leaving in AZ, not having A/C is not an option, so a new blower motor, a new blower resistor, two new cabin filers and $1,117 later, we're back with cooled air. It was an expensive week for the ML. However, with almost 200,000 miles on it, these are the only two out-of-pocket repairs that have ever been done to the truck. An alternator was replaced under warranty and something happened with this turn signals that was repaired under warranty. Just normal maintenance and two new batteries.
