Hello, new to the board. I have a 2005 ML 350 (last of the originals) that we have had since new in '04. We went on holiday over cxmass and the car sat idle at home for 12 days. When we returned, my wife was unable to shift out of park once the engine started. The BAS /ESP light is also staying on. After reading the manual, I was able to use the recommended method to shift into Drive with a pen inserted where instructed. I drove around for 20 minutes or so, and everything seemed fine, except the light stays on and once placed in Park, you must use the pen insertion. I am wondering if its a low voltage problem from sitting around for 12 days, outside. Battery is 2 and half years old. I have read here that it may be a faulty brake switch, but the combination with an inability to shift out of Park and being idle for 12 days makes me wonder. It started right away. Dealer says to bring in, appointment is on Saturday. Maybe drive it longer, see if battery charges longer?

 

Had the same issue with a friend's ML, it turned out to be a bad brake light switch (located around the brake pedal area) which also triggered the BAS/ESP light.

 

Bought brake pedal switch, went to car to remove old and replace with new, long and behold this ML does not have a brake pedal switch. Its been moved to somewhere else. Anyone know where it is. One dealer said over the phone, that by using my vin number their computer showed there was no brake pedal switch, but couldn't tell me if it has one somewhere else. yikes

 

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