Intermittant wiper cycle
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 83
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From: Glenmoore, Pa
2003 ML 500
Intermittant wiper cycle
Intermittant cycle (wipers) not working, just a steady back & forth sweep. Wonder what the problem could be?
Also, at times w/wipers in auto... wipers will not start. Have to put in off position, then to auto (to start).
Thanks
Also, at times w/wipers in auto... wipers will not start. Have to put in off position, then to auto (to start).
Thanks
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
It's your wiper motor going bad..
Those are the first signs. It will most likely get worse from here until the wipers completely die.
MB has had wiper motor issues on their w163 MLs...it's about a $550 repair at the dealership & $400ish at an Indy shop...
$300ish if you DIY...
MB has had wiper motor issues on their w163 MLs...it's about a $550 repair at the dealership & $400ish at an Indy shop...
$300ish if you DIY...
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
Yep. The wiper motor, wiper gears & wiper speed controller are all one assembly. It is actually either the motor, gears or controller that has gone bad, but you gotta replace the entire unit.
In most cases it is the wiper motor. The motor is known to fail between 50k & 100k miles timeframe. The updated replacement wiper motor is supposedly better build quality & less likely to fail again.
I had to replace my wiper motor on the 2000 ML in 2006 at around 90k miles for the same issue.
In most cases it is the wiper motor. The motor is known to fail between 50k & 100k miles timeframe. The updated replacement wiper motor is supposedly better build quality & less likely to fail again.
I had to replace my wiper motor on the 2000 ML in 2006 at around 90k miles for the same issue.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
That is just a sensor near your central rear view mirror pointing outwards to the windshield. It detects the water droplets falling & turns on the wipers.
To isolate the wiper motor as the root cause, I would put the wipers in full manual mode & check if you have any issues. Intermittent, on/off etc.
If you can document any problem in the full manual mode, the wiper motor is the culprit.
If problems only surface in auto mode, maybe the sensor has developed a fault. I think, the actual control of the wipers in auto mode should be done by the ECU. Doubt if ECU would have developed a wiper specific fault.
To isolate the wiper motor as the root cause, I would put the wipers in full manual mode & check if you have any issues. Intermittent, on/off etc.
If you can document any problem in the full manual mode, the wiper motor is the culprit.
If problems only surface in auto mode, maybe the sensor has developed a fault. I think, the actual control of the wipers in auto mode should be done by the ECU. Doubt if ECU would have developed a wiper specific fault.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Relay K17 operates the Intermittent Wipers. Swap it with a similar relay in the box and see if that corrects the condition. Make sure you replace the swapped relay until you get a new one for the wipers.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 83
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From: Glenmoore, Pa
2003 ML 500
intermittent wipers
Thanks for the information.
Yesterday, in light rain, in auto setting, they worked fine. Today, in similar conditions may be a steady sweep in auto setting.
Think I'll try relay replacement 1st. But, aren't relay/fuses either good or bad? They work or they don't work..... no middle ground? Thanks again.
Yesterday, in light rain, in auto setting, they worked fine. Today, in similar conditions may be a steady sweep in auto setting.
Think I'll try relay replacement 1st. But, aren't relay/fuses either good or bad? They work or they don't work..... no middle ground? Thanks again.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Thanks for the information.
Yesterday, in light rain, in auto setting, they worked fine. Today, in similar conditions may be a steady sweep in auto setting.
Think I'll try relay replacement 1st. But, aren't relay/fuses either good or bad? They work or they don't work..... no middle ground? Thanks again.
Yesterday, in light rain, in auto setting, they worked fine. Today, in similar conditions may be a steady sweep in auto setting.
Think I'll try relay replacement 1st. But, aren't relay/fuses either good or bad? They work or they don't work..... no middle ground? Thanks again.
Not when it comes to relays.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Auto feature depends on having a Rain Sensor which is standard equipment on ML 500 and 55's, which you should have.
Place the stalk in the intermittent mode and drive the vehicle. If you have a rain sensor (which you should) the wipers will not work every 5 sec.s or so. It will only do so when it senses water on the windshield.
The other reason for this feature not working is the sensor is missing, damaged or for some reason not actuated by the AAM.
