Frumpy

Hi,

I've recently completed a head gasket job on my Canadian 2011 ML63. It currently does not crank.

There is a ground cable on the passenger side of the vehicle, which I don't know where it belongs. It is currently connected to the passenger rail.

I believe the part number is 164-540-08-41. The cable is pretty short.

I'm hoping someone can let me know where it connects to, as I suspect this is preventing the truck from cranking and starting.

C43 Fun Haver

You say it's still attached to the rail? would it reach the battery perhaps? Rail ---> battery

Frumpy

I've seen that diagram and it doesn't make sense to me.

The cable is attached to the chassis and the length reaches the exhaust manifold and alternator.

It does not reach the battery, which is inder the passenger seat.

C43 Fun Haver

any chance you are willing to send your vin #? i'd like to look into this a little bit more for ya

Frumpy

Thank you, I really appreciate your help!

The VIN is 4JGBB7HB4BA655059

Joshinator99

I’ll have to see if I can find it on my ML for you. I’ll have it up on the lift Friday so will report back if you haven’t solved it by then. But you’re in good hands with @C43 Fun Haver 👍

Frumpy

Thank you @Joshinator99 !

Hopefully between @C43 Fun Haver and yourself I'll have an answer! I'm sure it's something so simple but my idiot mind can't comprehend 😅

Joshinator99

Out of curiosity… that didn’t go to the starter did it lol?

Frumpy

I was thinking that, but it's physically not long enough. I also did not touch the starter. But, then again, I don't remember anything about this cable either 😕

C43 Fun Haver

Okay Frumpy, i'm certainly not coming up with much. The description in my parts catalog states "ground line (engine support)" I'm unable to find any removal or install instructions for that ground cable, everything brings me to the battery ground cable which i think is part callout #405 in my catalog.
I'd double check if there's any possible spots on the passenger side block / engine support...

Sorry,

Frumpy

Thank you so much for your time and effort @C43 Fun Haver !

I really appreciate everything you've done!

The weekend is coming up so I hope to get under the truck and try again.

Frumpy

Spent an hour under it and it doesn't seem to fit anywhere.

I'm not sure if I'm missing a piece to this puzzle but its aggravating!

Photo taken from underneath.

Photo of the one end bolted to the chassis.

Another angle from underneath.

Another angle from underneath showing alternator as well.

Another angle from up top.

Joshinator99

So another question… the main battery ground, when that leaves the battery, where does that get bolted down to the car? I’d imagine it needs to go to the main chassis somehow…? Seems like where this is bolted to the chassis wouldn’t be far from the battery (sort of underneath it, no?)… 🤔

Frumpy

That's sound reasoning, but the cable is short and limits where it can go.

I hope the pictures help show just how short this cable is.

C43 Fun Haver

Alright Frumpy! Take a quick look at this picture my coworker has found with StarWiring. Shows a 90 degree ground being attached to the alternator casing.
Let me know what you think.

Frumpy

Thank you, @C43 Fun Haver !!

It was something obvious but utterly alien to me!

The truck cranks! It doesn't start, but it cranks!

Thank you for saving me countless hours!

C43 Fun Haver

WOOHOO! Awesome man! Best of luck with the rest!