Problem Reports
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2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500
Shutter or Rumbling When Truning at Slow Speeds
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.
Oil Leaking From Oil Level Sensor
An engine oil leak may develop from the oil level sensor. Replacement of the leaking sensor will commonly correct this concern.
Stalling and/or "Crank no Start" Due to Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor
The engine may develop a stalling and/or no start condition due to a failed crankshaft position sensor.
The Differential May Develop Leaks From the Seals or Cover
Leaks may develop from the differential cover and/or seals on high mileage or older vehicles. Our technicians recommend a complete reseal of the differential unit if these leaks are addressed.
Engine Oil Leak From PCV Vent Housing and/or Engine Inspection Plate
An engine Oil leak may develop from the PCV vent housing on the valve cover and/or the inspection plate on the front of the engine.
Harmonic Balancer May Fail and Damage Timing Cover
The rubber bond in the harmonic balancer can decay, which causes the balancer to move and work its way toward the timing cover. If the balancer comes into contact with the timing cover while the engine is running, it will fracture and damage the cover and potentially other surrounding parts. The harmonic balancer should be inspected at every service.
Mass Air Flow Sensor May Fail
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor may fail, resulting in drivability issues and/or illumination of the Check Engine Light.
Problem With Ball Joints May Cause Creaking Noise
A problem with the ball joints can cause a creaking noise. There is an updated part to remedy this problem.
Updated design to address faulty positive battery cable
The brake light warning message me be displayed
The brake light warning message for a bulb out may be displayed. Our technicians tell us the tail lamp housing may melt and distort causing a poor connection at the bulb. The lamp housing should be replaced to correct this condition.
Rough Shifting of Automatic Transmission
Vehicles equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission may develop a rough shifting condition, most commonly going up from first to second gear and going down from third to second or second to first gear. Our technicians tell us this is due to an internal component failure. Mercedes has released updated parts; the transmission will need to be removed and disassembled to complete the necessary repairs.
Inspect Mounting Bolts if Noise Occurs When Raising/Lowering Tailgate
Bolts that connect the automatic tailgate actuator lever to the tailgate can break. The broken bolts need to be drilled out and the holes re-threaded before a new bolt can be installed. If you hear any unusual noises when raising or lowering the power tailgate, have the mounting bolts inspected to make sure they are tight so the problem can be repaired before the bolts break.
Tailgate Latche may Stick Causing Battery Drain
The tailgate latch may stick causing a drain on the battery while the vehicle is parked.
Spark plug wires causing misfire
Bad spark plug wires can cause misfires; the Check Engine Light may illuminate.
Airmatic Pump Relay May Stick and Cause Dead Battery
On vehicles with airmatic suspension, the airmatic pump relay can stick, causing a dead battery, because the pump continues to operate when it should be shut off. Eventually, the pump will fail; the pump, fuse, and relay will need replacement. After parking and exiting the vehicle, the airmatic pump should only run for a few seconds before turning off. It should not come back on until the driver's door is opened.
Plugged drains in HVAC system intake may cause dead battery
After a heavy rain storm, the drains for the heating, ventilation and AC (HVAC) system intake can be plugged with leaves and other debris, causing a dead battery. Water fills the intake cavity and overflows into the vehicle, directly onto the blower motor and its regulator. This causes the regulator to short out and the blower motor will continue to run, despite the key being off and removed from the vehicle. Usually the carpet at the right front passenger floor will be wet too. If the carpet is saturated, the passenger seat may need to be removed to dry out the battery storage area before water or moisture reaches the relay and fuse holders. To prevent this, do not let leaves and twigs accumulate at base of windshield. If there are leaves or debris below the wiper blades, clean the area.
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