I have a 1998 ML320 with 150K miles.

Has worked great everyday until now.
Upon leaving work battery was dead, just click click when I tried to start.
I replaced the battery, and now it will almost start and then die, every time.

I can hear it fire at first, and then it instantly dies, like no fire.

If I spray starter fluid while cranking, it does not run any longer.
Making me think it is not fuel but instead electrical.
The metal fuel line bleeder seems to have pressure, if I press it as it's cranking, it sparays fuel out, like it's definetely under pressure.

I don't have a manual, and I don't know how to check my codes.

All suggestions are greatly appreciated.

How do I get a manual?
How do I check my codes?
What could be causing this start and then instantly stall symptom?
And could the dead battery have something to do with this.
Battery never had troubler before this.

Thanks in advance for suggestions/advice.

Regards, Ben

 

I have same model year truck with about the same number of miles. Few months, I have had the exact same problem. I replaced the battery myself. After I gave up, towed it to the dealer. The Fuel Pump went bad. To verify this, you will need to check the Fuel Pressure. Fuel Pumps are a known problem on these trucks. However, you can expect the Fuel Pump to go bad after 150K miles. Good Luck.

 

If your fuel pressure is good. you might have a problem with your drive autorization system. it's a security system wich enables your car to start.

 

I guess the 1998 do not have a radio code to be entered? In
the newer models, you need to enter the radio code or the
vehicle will not start. May be a good idea to check the
fuel pressure as suggested above..

Check the CPS (Crank Shaft Position Sensor), though it is
strange that it happened just after you changed the
battery.. This sensor will cause similar starting
problems and it is very common on ML's for it
to go bad..

Good luck...

AC

 

that's not true about newer models. i dont' know were your heard that. one way to check your crank sensor is when your vehicle is acting up and not starting, pay atention to your rpm gauge. the instrument cluster gets it's reading for rpm from the cranksensor. if your needle doesn't bounce around when your cranking you need a new sensor. also it is common for the crank sensor to heat up, the sensor is located in your bell housing and for the ohm, resistance in the sensor to raise to high from temp. this will cause the sensor to read as an open and will not allow comunication with me-sfi. once the engine cools down so does the sensor and your vehicle will start again.

 

Swirve, let us know when you fixed it okay ?

I am looking forwad to posting my fix on my 1999 that miss fires badly these days.

steve

 

if your key is malfunctioning your car will not start. there is a transponder chip built into the key fob. if you look at your ignition you will notice a black ring around the metal part where you put your key. that is the part that reads your key. if you have a spare key i would suggest giving it a shot.

 

How do I reset my security system?

As an update to a previous post/question.
I have since replaced my fuel pump and filter, but this did not help.


A service manager told me he was pretty sure that my key needs to be reprogrammed.
He says 1998 ML320's had a problem where the key would loose programming sometimes if the car battery went down.
He told me the key sends out rf signals that must be recieved by the cars computer inorder for the car to continue running.
That the key is not simply a cut key, but that the rf must be recieved.
He mentioned for me to try holding the remotes unarm button while pressing the arm buttin five times, and then insert key and try to start it.
That this might reprogram it.

This did not help me.
Even with fresh batteries, actually instead of this helping, since doing what he mentioned (or maybe it was my changing out the remote batteries), now the car's alarm remote does not even unlock/lock the doors remotely.

He also mentioned that if this above mentioned attempt did not work, that I could have the car towed in and the dealer could reprogram it for me, but needed both the key and the car at the dealership.

Thanks greatly for the suggestions
All suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I'm really wishing to get this back on the road.



Sounds like I need to resest my security system.
About 30K miles ago I replaced the original bose head unit with an aftermarket unit, so I can't set the stereo theft code in that fashion.
Is there another way to get my remote working again?

As well as try again to get a manual from the dealer.
As well as check my cranksensor.
I don't have another key.

You all's posts have been very helpfull.
Thanks again.

 

Check that your Alternator is working well. This is just my penny's worth.

 

Please update what happened. I have the same issue With my 1998 Ml320. I replaced the battery then no start or start then die in 20 seconds. The key is good since the red light flashes every time I insert the key. I changed the Crankshaft position sensor, the fuel pump and the filter still starts then dies or tries to start but couldn't. Thanks in advance.