2006 ML 320 CDI W164 - Please help with some electrical gremlins!

[-AJC-]

Finally able to collect our new purchase yesterday.......

It had been repossessed after the previous owner failed to pay a parking ticket!! Managed to contact the previous owner who was incredibly upbeat considering the circumstances and was kind enough to supply the keys, V5c and paperwork.

The car has been stationary for some 4 months and needed some help from a power pack but then started first time.


Then made a start today working through some of the electrical issues.

First job was to fit the battery correctly and replace all of the trim pieces which were lying in the boot.

The battery is brand new but there was evidence of a previous leak and residue all around the terminals and over some of the wiring. I've managed to clean this all up and it looks much better.

Then began working my way through the error messages on the dash...

1. SRS Restraint system defective - drive to workshop

2. ESP defective - Visit workshop

3. Run Flat indicator unavailable

4. Active light system inoperative

I can't access any of the menus as the steering wheel switches don't work and neither does the horn?

I've checked fuse 13 on the side of the glove box which is good but don't think the switches are getting power as they don't illuminate when you turn on the headlights?

Any suggestions here??


I've checked every fuse in the car (engine bay, side of the glove box, right hand boot compartment) and nothing has blown?


However, I have found three electrical connectors that are not connected to anything?


a) This one is in the offside front wheel arch and I can't see anything to connect it to?

b) This one was taped up to the side of the radiator hose and close to the wiring for the front offside headlight.

c) And then this white connector is taped up to other wiring near the nearside front wing.

Can anyone help identify what any of these are for?

I'm hoping some of the error messages can be reset by a visit to someone with STAR diagnostics and may be from older problems that have since been fixed.

Otherwise the plan is to tackle as many of the jobs myself as can't justify spending £180 hr + VAT on main dealer servicing on a 12 year old car!

Cheers

Andy

 

[-AJC-]

Been on some other forums and it seems the connectors in the steering module switches can work loose and require soldering.

Others report changing the clock spring solved power issues and ESP / SRS faults.

Anyone here experienced this?

Any ideas what the three loose connectors are for??

 

[AMGeed]

Make sure the battery is fully charged (24hrs min at 6 amp). I say this as I don't know if you used the booster to start it without fully charging it afterwards.
A battery that is either failing or has low charge can cause all sorts of electrical malfunctions.

 

[-AJC-]

Car is booked in to have a STAR diagnostic session to establish the faults that need addressing.

The second loose electrical connector appears that it might connect to a washer pump. I've found one lying around in the boot that is exactly like this....

Part number A164 860 0021.

Didn't think there was a washer pump situated in the offside front bumper? Thought they were attached to the washer reservoir inside the front nearside wheel arch??