ML 270 CDI 2001 Noob, seeking urgent help, radiator fan not working, fuses, etc

[DexterML]

Hi all

Happy to join the club. I have now got a 2001 ML270 CDI (has an AMG logo at the back, but I don't think it means much) and has a few issues.

1. Coolant warning light on
2. Radiator fan not working (?)
3.BAS ESP light on
4. Locks don't work
5. FOBs don't work
6. Water leak... from somewhere possibly massive sunroof (?)

I read the forum posts, I located the battery inline square fuse (75A) . It was blown. I changed that and the coolant warning light seems to have gone (although I didn't let the car run for too long)

Is the radiator fan meant to spin up immediately when you start the engine ? If not, is the car in limp mode? How can I test the fan is not actually broken? I cannot tell if the car is in limp mode.

I cannot locate the hidden fuse underneath the fuse box. My fuse box removes to badge and I don't know how to remove it to look for the other fuse. Any instructions anywhere ?

BAS ESP light on, was not fixed with the inline fuse change as some suggested.

Anyone got any info on the FOBs and locks? Driver door lock won't turn at all! passenger door will lock all doors except driver's .. driver's door only unlocks from the inside (I think)
Is there a FOB module/ecu somewhere in the car I can check if it works fine?

Anyone got any experience with the massive sunroofs having leaks ? Or could it be the quarter panels ?

Any help, especially with the radiator fan will be massively appreciated ...

 

[DSM10000]

Generally the radiator fans only run when the coolant temperature reaches a preset level and /or the AC is switched on. The temperature sensor can fail or there may be other causes

Try lubricating the drivers door lock with PTFE spray or similar (not WD 40).

Have you changed the batteries in the remote Fobs? The RF receiver can fail on the car so the signal doesn't operate the locks.

Regarding checking the fan, you could rig a jumper cable from the battery to the fan supply and earth if you feel you can do this safely.

You do have an excellent MB specialist close to you and can help and advise on the problems. Good luck

Mercedes Benz & Smart Specialists | Prestige Car Service | Horndean, Hampshire

www.prestigecarservice.co.uk

 

[DexterML]

Generally the radiator fans only run when the coolant temperature reaches a preset level and /or the AC is switched on. The temperature sensor can fail or there may be other causes

Try lubricating the drivers door lock with PTFE spray or similar (not WD 40).

Have you changed the batteries in the remote Fobs? The RF receiver can fail on the car so the signal doesn't operate the locks.

Regarding checking the fan, you could rig a jumper cable from the battery to the fan supply and earth if you feel you can do this safely.

You do have an excellent MB specialist close to you and can help and advise on the problems. Good luck

Mercedes Benz & Smart Specialists | Prestige Car Service | Horndean, Hampshire

www.prestigecarservice.co.uk

Thank you very much for your reply and your helpful pointers DSM.

Just to get this right if you don't mind. So, when I turn the ignition on, the main radiator fan is not supposed to start spinning on a W163 CDI ? I just want to be clear.

 

[DSM10000]

Thank you very much for your reply and your helpful pointers DSM.

Just to get this right if you don't mind. So, when I turn the ignition on, the main radiator fan is not supposed to start spinning on a W163 CDI ? I just want to be clear.

I cannot see why it would. When starting from cold you want the coolant to reach operating temperature as quickly as possible for emissions and economy reasons.

It would be counter intuitive to try to immediately cool down a cold cooling system.

My E 320 CDI doesn't engage the fans from cold.

The leaking sunroof may be due to blocked drains. If you have access to an airline this will often unblock them. The seals may have also hardened with age. If so there are ways to regenerate the rubber sometimes.

Olly at PCS and his team are excellent, friendly and will not rip you off

 

[DexterML]

I cannot see why it would. When starting from cold you want the coolant to reach operating temperature as quickly as possible for emissions and economy reasons.

It would be counter intuitive to try to immediately cool down a cold cooling system.

My E 320 CDI doesn't engage the fans from cold.

The leaking sunroof may be due to blocked drains. If you have access to an airline this will often unblock them. The seals may have also hardened with age. If so there are ways to regenerate the rubber sometimes.

Olly at PCS and his team are excellent, friendly and will not rip you off

Thank you mate. Sounds reasonable. I have an awesome mechanic who is truly brilliant, but I am not one to pass up a good recommendation for a specialist. I will try to sort out as many things as I can by myself -mainly because I like to - and head to them for the rest. I was concerned about the coolant warning light and the fan as you can understand.

 

[DSM10000]

Thank you mate. Sounds reasonable. I have an awesome mechanic who is truly brilliant, but I am not one to pass up a good recommendation for a specialist. I will try to sort out as many things as I can by myself -mainly because I like to - and head to them for the rest. I was concerned about the coolant warning light and the fan as you can understand.

PCS use the MB Star computer for diagnostics. Some electrical issues may be difficult to trace without Star especially if the fault is in one of the SAM units that control the CAMBUS functions

 

[DexterML]

PCS use the MB Star computer for diagnostics. Some electrical issues may be difficult to trace without Star especially if the fault is in one of the SAM units that control the CAMBUS functions

I hear you. I've already made up my mind to pay them a visit next week.

 

[Magpie5678]

Sorry guys after having a good school through I now found the photo I needed. My problem now is where do I buy the fuse from in the photo. Its the white thing withe the black strip on the middle I need right? I've tried searching but I don't know what to type in, someone please help a girl out here

 

[DSM10000]

It is much better if you start a new thread with a new problem rather than just tag on to an existing thread.

Starting a new one will let others see it rather than find it by chance

Have you tried your local Mercedes parts Dept for the fuse?

 

[Larkone]

Sorry guys after having a good school through I now found the photo I needed. My problem now is where do I buy the fuse from in the photo. Its the white thing withe the black strip on the middle I need right? I've tried searching but I don't know what to type in, someone please help a girl out here

Battery Terminal (Cube) Fuses

Battery terminal (or cube) fuses that mount directly into a battery terminal clamp, eliminating any unprotected section of cable. For auto & marine use.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

 

[DexterML]

Sorry guys after having a good school through I now found the photo I needed. My problem now is where do I buy the fuse from in the photo. Its the white thing withe the black strip on the middle I need right? I've tried searching but I don't know what to type in, someone please help a girl out here

Hello

I bought 2 of them from the local MB dealer (they are quite expensive) but in the meantime I had fixed the one that was blown. I bought blade fuses from Halfords for like a a few quid and enlarged the holes in the nearest one in terms of Amps and then bend it in place in the plastic fixing where the old blade went.

worked like a charm and a fraction of the cost.

Also MB dealers have no clue which fuse is for your car. They list both 75A and 120A as suitable and will tell you take either one.... anyone can tell this is a massive difference.