Someone help please help. my 2000 ml320 is showing a start error code on the dash. i have changed the starter and battery and it wont start. tried all my keys to no avail. I dont what else to do. any suggestion as what to do. I dont really want to go to the dealer. HELP

 

start error code in the instrument cluster is a problem with the drive authorization system-on older ML's it is a horrible set up and they were not thinking when they designed this set up-more then likely its probably the ignition switch and immobilizer but i cant guarantee nothing-most shops charge a straight diagnosis fee-recomend just getting it diaged and see where to go from there

 

Try the other key. If not the immobilizer is not seeing the key and you need an immoblizet (the black ring around the ign switch).

 

Problem: my ml320 recently made me angry: I parked, came back 15 min later, turned to start, it would start but automatically shuts itself off. So, it had power to start but some security setting won't let it run more 1 second.
Cause: it was not key losing memory (first thing they say to you to buy), not battery, no no no, it was "drive authorization module"
Solution: we suspected this drive auth.module as the cause but had some doubt, so requested inspection/diagnostics. The diagnostics showed that the part we thought that needs replacement. Ordered, installed by dealer (since car was originally towed to dealer), and engine would start running as always. No problems for 1 month, and hopefully forever...