2009 ML63 – ESP & Check Engine After Engine Wash (Throttle Actuator Error)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
2009 ML63
2009 ML63 – ESP & Check Engine After Engine Wash (Throttle Actuator Error)
Hi everyone,
I’m seeking advice on an issue that arose after routine maintenance.
Vehicle is a 2009 ML63.
Both valve cover gaskets were leaking, including oil around the front camshaft sensor. This oil leak damaged my alternator. I replaced all valve cover gaskets and installed another alternator which is used, not brand new.
After the repair, the engine initially ran poorly. A scan showed bad ignition coils on cylinders 5 and 7. I replaced those coils and the engine then ran smoothly.
After that, I took the car for an engine wash. This is something I do routinely after servicing or when the engine bay gets dusty, and I have done it many times before without any issues.
Immediately after starting the car post wash, the ESP light and Check Engine light came on. I scanned the vehicle right away and found multiple ECM and ESP related errors.
I have not driven the car and plan to have it towed home to avoid causing further damage.
I checked the connector close to the MAF sensor and it is tight and properly seated.
Fault codes present after the wash
3699
Fuel Pressure Control
The upper limit value is reached
OBD code P0191
Status current and stored
3619
M16 4 Rear Throttle Valve Actuator
Actual value potentiometer 1 fault
Status current and stored
0186
M16 3 Front Throttle Valve Actuator
Output stage fault
Status current and stored
0200
M16 3 Front Throttle Valve Actuator
Throttle valve position fault
Status current and stored
374A
Internal data could not be stored in the control unit
Status stored
Has anyone experienced similar issues after an engine wash on the ML63?
Any guidance on where to start checking would be greatly appreciated.
I’m seeking advice on an issue that arose after routine maintenance.
Vehicle is a 2009 ML63.
Both valve cover gaskets were leaking, including oil around the front camshaft sensor. This oil leak damaged my alternator. I replaced all valve cover gaskets and installed another alternator which is used, not brand new.
After the repair, the engine initially ran poorly. A scan showed bad ignition coils on cylinders 5 and 7. I replaced those coils and the engine then ran smoothly.
After that, I took the car for an engine wash. This is something I do routinely after servicing or when the engine bay gets dusty, and I have done it many times before without any issues.
Immediately after starting the car post wash, the ESP light and Check Engine light came on. I scanned the vehicle right away and found multiple ECM and ESP related errors.
I have not driven the car and plan to have it towed home to avoid causing further damage.
I checked the connector close to the MAF sensor and it is tight and properly seated.
Fault codes present after the wash
3699
Fuel Pressure Control
The upper limit value is reached
OBD code P0191
Status current and stored
3619
M16 4 Rear Throttle Valve Actuator
Actual value potentiometer 1 fault
Status current and stored
0186
M16 3 Front Throttle Valve Actuator
Output stage fault
Status current and stored
0200
M16 3 Front Throttle Valve Actuator
Throttle valve position fault
Status current and stored
374A
Internal data could not be stored in the control unit
Status stored
Has anyone experienced similar issues after an engine wash on the ML63?
Any guidance on where to start checking would be greatly appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 472
Likes: 239
From: New Hampshire
ML 63 AMG
Originally Posted by Samuelseggss;[url=tel:9252720
9252720[/url]]Hi everyone,
I’m seeking advice on an issue that arose after routine maintenance.
Vehicle is a 2009 ML63.
Both valve cover gaskets were leaking, including oil around the front camshaft sensor. This oil leak damaged my alternator. I replaced all valve cover gaskets and installed another alternator which is used, not brand new.
After the repair, the engine initially ran poorly. A scan showed bad ignition coils on cylinders 5 and 7. I replaced those coils and the engine then ran smoothly.
After that, I took the car for an engine wash. This is something I do routinely after servicing or when the engine bay gets dusty, and I have done it many times before without any issues.
Immediately after starting the car post wash, the ESP light and Check Engine light came on. I scanned the vehicle right away and found multiple ECM and ESP related errors.
I have not driven the car and plan to have it towed home to avoid causing further damage.
I checked the connector close to the MAF sensor and it is tight and properly seated.
Fault codes present after the wash
3699
Fuel Pressure Control
The upper limit value is reached
OBD code P0191
Status current and stored
3619
M16 4 Rear Throttle Valve Actuator
Actual value potentiometer 1 fault
Status current and stored
0186
M16 3 Front Throttle Valve Actuator
Output stage fault
Status current and stored
0200
M16 3 Front Throttle Valve Actuator
Throttle valve position fault
Status current and stored
374A
Internal data could not be stored in the control unit
Status stored
Has anyone experienced similar issues after an engine wash on the ML63?
Any guidance on where to start checking would be greatly appreciated.
I’m seeking advice on an issue that arose after routine maintenance.
Vehicle is a 2009 ML63.
Both valve cover gaskets were leaking, including oil around the front camshaft sensor. This oil leak damaged my alternator. I replaced all valve cover gaskets and installed another alternator which is used, not brand new.
After the repair, the engine initially ran poorly. A scan showed bad ignition coils on cylinders 5 and 7. I replaced those coils and the engine then ran smoothly.
After that, I took the car for an engine wash. This is something I do routinely after servicing or when the engine bay gets dusty, and I have done it many times before without any issues.
Immediately after starting the car post wash, the ESP light and Check Engine light came on. I scanned the vehicle right away and found multiple ECM and ESP related errors.
I have not driven the car and plan to have it towed home to avoid causing further damage.
I checked the connector close to the MAF sensor and it is tight and properly seated.
Fault codes present after the wash
3699
Fuel Pressure Control
The upper limit value is reached
OBD code P0191
Status current and stored
3619
M16 4 Rear Throttle Valve Actuator
Actual value potentiometer 1 fault
Status current and stored
0186
M16 3 Front Throttle Valve Actuator
Output stage fault
Status current and stored
0200
M16 3 Front Throttle Valve Actuator
Throttle valve position fault
Status current and stored
374A
Internal data could not be stored in the control unit
Status stored
Has anyone experienced similar issues after an engine wash on the ML63?
Any guidance on where to start checking would be greatly appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 472
Likes: 239
From: New Hampshire
ML 63 AMG
Originally Posted by Samuelseggss;[url=tel:9253976
9253976[/url]]Yes, I just left the car overnight and the next day it started working
