I got in my 1999 ML430 a couple days ago and noticed that when I cranked the engine, the radio did not come on. The radio comes on and works fine when you push the power button, but when you turn the engine off, the radio stays on until you physically turn it off by pushing the power button again.

I also noticed on the same day that the over-head trip computer was not working and was not lit up either. I'm thinking that this issue and the radio issue might be connected. The dash cluster display is working normal as it should.

Does anyone have any recommendations to potential solutions for these issues? Any and all recommendations would be great!

 

Burned out back light for trip computer is a very common issue on any age ML. It may be still working but you are not able to see the digits unless you will take a flashlight to it. On your radio, I would take it out and check the electrical connections, maybe previous owner altered the wiring for aftermarket radio and didn't connect it all back as it should be installing back the original radio before he sold it. Is your radio also loosing preprogramed stations? It could have somthing to do with ignition switch and relays there should be power to at all time and you should also be able to turn it ON and OFF even without the key in the ignition.