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Mercedes-Benz ML430 Repair and Maintenance

Image for Mercedes Benz 1999 2001 Mercedes Benz ML430

Mercedes-Benz ML430 Questions and Answers

dmusick, 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Houston, TX

when i start to drive, around 10mph my doors lock and unlock and lock again. evertime i stop and go. is this due to a bad door acuator. are they all connected, is it because it sees the door unlock...

dmusick, 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Houston, TX

hello there, can anyone tell me how to unprogram the vehicle to not lock my doors when vehicle drives over 10mph?

zeny, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Skokie, IL

we reprogram the radio and it says wait only, how can we have the radio work ?

Dathon, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Springfield Gardens, NY

the doors are not locking i thought it was the relay changed the relay and the problem still exists someone told me it could be the module but i dont know where this module is located or if this is...

Time2Decide, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Maplewood, NJ

can u please tell me the problem, the sound is driving me crazy. thanks

allea, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Elk Grove, CA

why my fuel gauge dont work when i fill gas.

allea, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Elk Grove, CA

how will cost to fix and the parts

earl, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Fredericktown, MO

bought a nice vehicle and have owners manual, but can't find when to service, lube and oil change..nearest dealer 100 miles away, need to have this done local!
but don't know how many miles betwee...

aaak, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Sacramento, CA

My 1999 ML-430 has a problem with air conditioner. When it’s hot outside my air conditioner won’t work and it also makes clicking sound inside when I turn my climate control to cool. But when weath...

vitaminfix, 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Merrick, NY

Replaced with after market pads (all wheels) twice within 2000 mi.because of squeel(pads looked new) refaced rotors applied pounds of anti squeek greese & cannot stop squeel at any speed- do i ...

benzgirly, 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Saint Paul, MN

Help me with my NOISY ML door locks!!!!!!!!!! I got quoted months ago for this to be fixed, but I decided to wait on that repair @ a cost of $675 on top of my $2500 repairs that couldn't wait. I ...

chase94, 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Rye, NH

My hazard signal is blinking at take off and when just idling up to a light. I am not taking off quick or slipping not sure why it blinking.

chase94, 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Rye, NH

to blindsquirel, you are correct it is the ETS/ESP warning that is blinking. It just seems more frequently then I have noticed before. What does this mean?

chase94, 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Rye, NH

Blindsquirel, yes I have had new brakes, but that was late Fall or winter when that completed.

manny86, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Bolingbrook, IL

what is the drive cycle for this car. i just erased the codes so now i need to run the driving cycle

Majyk1, 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Clifton, CO

I recently took my 2000 Mercedes ML430 in for stalling while driving, would always restart (sometimes took several hours of sitting though). The repair shop replaced the fuel filter, I still had th...

kewldave55, 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Mountain View, CA

my check engine lite just came on---so i checked the gas cap..its still on..and can i run with a 1/2 quart of oil low...??63k

state, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Pocatello, ID

my white back up lites work jsut fine if the shifter is two the left of the revers on the automatic shifter but when the shifter goes to the right where it is supposed to for revers the lites turn off

John from Maine, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Scarborough, ME

Does anyone know where to get replacement seat heater pads online vs dealer purchase? Trying to save a few bucks! Thanks

rutddy, 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430, Troy, NY

ive removed the cover but im not really sure what else to do

Mercedes-Benz ML430 Car Reviews (2)

2000 Mercedes-Benz ML430, nicey, Columbia, MD, February 14, 2010 09:24

I wouldn't recommend this car to my friends, family or enemies. Ive owned two cars in my life and its this one and a 1989 toyota corolla. I thought I was moving up to a more reliable car. however this ML430 has been giving me problems since I bought it in 2007. Within the first week the sunroof wouldn't close. From then on, Every month it was something different. Sensor lights Ive never seen would come on, brakes would still squeak even after you get them done not to mention I need new brake pads every half a year, I needed a new crank shaft because the car had to be cold to crank up, I need a new part for my transmission I couldn't change gears and many more problems. Ive tried to for get rid of it but can not because Im stuck with this hunk of junk. Please others DO NOT BUY this vehicle. Oh yeah whats my current problem for this month the caliber converter is busted...dealership states it was already replaced. so now I have to pay an average of $2000 to get it fix.

2000 Mercedes-Benz ML430, ceasaragustus, Sault Sainte Marie, MI, January 02, 2009 01:54

I have been very happy with my purchase.

Mercedes-Benz ML430 Problems

Brakes Pad life varies and is dependent upon driving style and terrain. One common problem our technicians report is that motorists will drive with the parking brake applied; this burns up the parking brake lining and wears out the brake rotors.
Engine
  • Oil leaks from the PCV vent housings on the valve covers and inspection plates on the front of the engine are common.
  • The rubber bond in the harmonic balancer can decay, which causes the balancer to move and work its way into the timing chain cover. If the balancer comes into contact with the timing cover while the engine is running, it will fracture and damage the timing case and potentially other surrounding parts. The harmonic balancer should be inspected at every service.
  • Oil leaks from the oil level sensor are common.
  • The crankshaft position sensors tend to fail.
Exhaust & Emissions
  • The welds tend to crack on the front catalytic converter. Replacement of the catalyst is required; re-welding of the catalyst is discouraged because it is an emissions device.
  • The mass air flow (MAF) sensor tends to fail. The engine air filter should be replaced when the mass air flow sensor is replaced; a dirty filter can allow debris to damage the new sensor.
  • As the spark plug wires age and are exposed to heat cycling, they start to develop micro cracks in the insulation around the resistors, which causes misfires and poor fuel economy.
Suspension & Steering
  • These vehicles have torsion bar-type springs for the front suspension. If the vehicle appears to be lower on one side (in front), the hard plastic insulator for the torsion bar may have cracked and split. There may also be a squeaking noise (when driving over bumps) from below the front seats if this insulator has broken.
  • The power steering return hose leaks at the radiator cooler fitting. If the clamp is not properly tightened, the hose can blow off, causing high steering effort and a mess under the hood.
  • The power steering rack develops fluid leaks.
Drive Train
  • High mileage or older vehicles develop leaks at the differential seals and cover; the whole unit needs to be resealed to repair the leaks.
  • The wire connector on the transmission leaks fluid into the wiring harness. If not repaired, the oil will migrate through the wiring harness and damage the transmission control module. A new harness and control module are required to fix the problem.
  • Due to slipping clutches in the transfer case, a shudder or rumbling from the center of the vehicle may occur, especially when turning at slow speeds. If the clutches are not too badly worn, changing the fluid will fix this problem. Otherwise, the transfer case will need to be disassembled to change the clutches.
Electrical & Lights
  • Brake light switch failure can cause the ESP and BAS warnings to illuminate.
  • The power window switches tend to fail and the windows will not raise. The main switch at the front center console should be replaced.
  • Drive authorization fails to recognize the keys, causing a "no start" condition. A new module and keys will be needed.
  • The "all activity module" can cause multiple electrical malfunctions.
Heating & Air Conditioning
  • The heater blower motor can become abnormally noisy.
  • AC system leaks and bad evaporator temperature sensors can cause poor AC cooling. The bad sensors can prevent the AC compressor from coming on and leaks cause a low refrigerant level, which lowers the ability to cool.

Mercedes-Benz ML430 Recalls and TSBs

Mercedes-Benz ML430 Recalls (Recent)

Body, Interior & Misc.: SEAT BELTS
Campaign Number: 00V352000
Dates Manufactured: 09/1999 to 01/2000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 16,246
Model Years Affected: 2000
Date Owner Notified: 10/2000

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR IN THE REAR FOLDING MIDDLE SEATING POSITION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH OUT-OF-TOLERANCE HARDWARE.

Consequence Summary: IF THIS IS THE CASE, THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATE.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 17, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Body, Interior & Misc.: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Campaign Number: 99V328000
Dates Manufactured: 01/1997 to 11/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 85,970
Model Years Affected: 1999
Date Owner Notified: 12/2000

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE LATCHING MECHANISM ON THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS NOT ASSEMBLED CORRECTLY. IF THE PLASTIC COVER IS LOOSE DURING THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE BUCKLE TONGUE TO THE LATCH MECHANISM, THE BUCKLE COULD UNLATCH.

Consequence Summary: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES. IF EITHER THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, IT WILL BE REPLACED.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 29, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Body, Interior & Misc.: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
Campaign Number: 00V203000
Dates Manufactured: 09/1999 to 10/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 4,354
Model Years Affected: 2000
Date Owner Notified: 11/2000

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." AN AUDIBLE SEAT BELT BUZZER WARNING SOUNDS FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO SECONDS WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION IS TURNED TO THE ON OR START POSITION AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT IS FASTENED. THIS BUZZER ACTIVATION EXCEEDS THE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH IN THE STANDARD.

Consequence Summary: DRIVERS MAY BECOME CONFUSED REGARDING THE PURPOSE OF THE CHIME.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME SYSTEM.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 17, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Campaign Number: 01V061000
Dates Manufactured: 01/2001 to 02/2001
Number of Vehicles Affected: 377
Model Years Affected: 2001
Date Owner Notified: 02/2001

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN ALL ACTIVITY MODULE II (AAM II) COULD HAVE A SUB-COMPONENT THAT COULD CAUSE THE MODULE TO INTERMITTENTLY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE AAM II CONTROLS A NUMBER OF SYSTEMS INCLUDING THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, DOOR LOCKS, AND WIPER SYSTEMS.

Consequence Summary: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE AN INTERMITTENT NON-FUNCTIONING OF THESE SYSTEMS.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AAM II. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 16, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Suspension & Steering: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Campaign Number: 03V121000
Dates Manufactured: 05/1998 to 12/2002
Number of Vehicles Affected: 211,000
Model Years Affected: 1999, 2000, 2001
Date Owner Notified: 06/2003

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION.

Consequence Summary: THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HOSE CLAMP ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING COOLER. DURING CLAMP REPLACEMENT, THE POWER STEERING COOLING HOSE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 16, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2003-040005.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Mercedes-Benz ML430 Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

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Most Common Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

Maintenance Service B
$353 - $664