2013 Mercedes-Benz ML400

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11010818Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy It is important that LI54.15-P-057373 is processed before replacing any component parts (transmission 722.9). After processing and complying with the above documents, perform a reset on the transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (VGS) (ignition reset), check that the transmission connector is seated correctly and inspect the PINs for concerns. If communication with the VGS cannot be established afterwards, the component part 'electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS)' must be replaced, as it is not possible to transfer the valve characteristics under the above-mentioned conditions. Installation of a VGS repair kit is not permitted in this case.
• 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
• 11008880Complaint After a control unit replacement of "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" or the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the Digital Extras (previously Mercedes me) cannot be activated. The DTC B15CE00 is active or active+saved. In vehicles with "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)": The message "SOS - service not activated" permanently lights up in the instrument cluster AND the actual value "Error when replacing certificate (CEP.36)" is displayed in the actual values for the activation status under "Registration status" (see picture 1). In the control unit log of the "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)", the registration error "CEP Invalid VIN/UniqueID combination" is displayed. In vehicles with "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)": The actual value "Error when replacing certificate (CEP.36)" is displayed in the actual values for the activation status under "Registration status" (see picture 1). In the control unit log of the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the registration error "CEP_ VIN_UNIQUEID_INVALID" is displayed. The emergency call is not impaired. Cause In the event of a control unit replacement, sporadic problems in the back end could result in data from the new control unit not being updated in the back end system. Remedy Please create a TIPS case. In some cases, the problem rectifies itself on its own after a little while.
• 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
• 11008064In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance and quality of your vehicle, we are writing to inform you that on certain Model Year 2011-2018 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, G-Class, CL, CLS, ML, GL, GLE, GLS, GLC, SL, and AMG GT vehicles with 6 and 8 cylinder gasoline engines, the software of the engine control unit may not meet current specifications. Under certain conditions, the catalyst heating might not work. Therefore, an Emission Service Campaign is being conducted to remedy the situation. Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.
• 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
• 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
• 11006658Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (MY) C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, G-Class, CL, CLS, ML, GL, GLE, GLS, GLC, SL, and AMG GT (204, 205, 207, 212, 213, 217, 221, 222, 463, 216, 218, 166, 292, 253, 231, and 190 platforms) vehicles with 6 and 8 cylinder gasoline engines, the software of the engine control unit may not meet current specifications. Under certain conditions, the catalyst heating might not work. MBUSA will conduct an Emission Service Campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the engine control unit software on the affected vehicles. Affected customers will be notified via First Class letter to have the update performed on their vehicle.
• 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
• 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
• 10208744Complaint The touchpad dimming function does not work and the search lighting is either at maximum brightness or fully off (dependent upon dimming signal). Note: The dimming functions of the instrument cluster and head unit display are not affected and remain fully functional. Cause Touchpad (A105) hardware Remedy The serial numbers of the potentially affected parts can be found in the attached list. The serial number can be found on the touchpad itself or in Vedoc (Vedoc -> control units -> TPAD -> serial number). If the serial number listed in VeDoc or on the part (these numbers should be identical) matches one of the serial numbers in the attachment and the described complaint is present, then the touchpad may be replaced.
• 10205234Software update of COMAND Online control unit.
• 10205233Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
• 10202531Touch pad: Search lighting does not dim or does not turn on.
• 10187793Mercedes-Benz AG (?MBAG?), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain Model Year (?MY?) 2013-2017 B-Class, C-Class, CLA-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, GLA-Class, GLC-Class, GLE-Class, GLK-Class, GLS-Class, GT-Class, M-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, and SLK-Class (117, 156, 166, 172, 190, 204, 205, 207, 212, 217, 218, 222, 231, 242, 253, 292, and 463 platform), the software for the PASS control unit does not meet current series production configuration and therefore the possibility exists that a correct GPS position cannot be determined in the control unit for location based services, and an incorrect vehicle position may be displayed. Please note the E-call feature is not impacted by this issue. What We?re Doing MBUSA will conduct a Service Campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the PASS Control Unit Software
• 10186145Creaking noise from fixed glass section of panoramic roof in area of rear passenger compartment grab handles
• 10184799Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (?MBUSA?) has entered into an agreement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the California Attorney General?s Office (CA AG) regarding the emission control system in certain Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles. As part of this agreement, MBUSA will offer field measures referred to as the Approved Emission Modification (?AEM?) for the affected vehicles. As a result, certain vehicles covered under this notification cannot be sold or caused to be sold, or leased or caused to be leased, or introduced into commerce, or exported from the United States to another country, until after the AEM described in this notification is performed.
• 10184797Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (?MBUSA?) has entered into an agreement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the California Attorney General?s Office (CA AG) regarding the emission control system in certain Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles. As part of this agreement, MBUSA will offer field measures referred to as the Approved Emission Modification (?AEM?) for the affected vehicles. As a result, certain vehicles covered under this notification cannot be sold or caused to be sold, or leased or caused to be leased, or introduced into commerce, or exported from the United States to another country, until after the AEM described in this notification is performed.
• 10181195Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (?MBUSA?) has entered into an agreement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the California Attorney General?s Office (CA AG) regarding the emission control system in certain MercedesBenz diesel vehicles. As part of this agreement, MBUSA will offer field measures referred to as the Approved Emission Modification (?AEM?) for the affected vehicles. As a result, certain vehicles covered under this notification cannot be sold or caused to be sold, or leased or cause to be leased, or introduced into commerce, or exported from the United States to another country, until after the AEM described in this notification is performed. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will install the AEM at a later date at no cost to the Owner/Lessee.
• 10179966Incorrect time and/or instrument cluster message "SOS, service not activated" and/or Mercedes Me connect services nonfunctional
• 10176670To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to alleged mold and mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system in certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles. As part of the settlement, MBUSA has agreed to offer sliding-scale warranty coverage for certain vehicles diagnosed as having mold or mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system?although that coverage will not take effect until the settlement is judicially approved and other events occur; likely not until December 7, 2020 at the earliest (see below). If the settlement becomes effective, coverage will include cleaning of the evaporator and replacement of the HVAC filters
• 10167577Since 12/2012 (model 166) and since 06/2013 (model 242) the glass breakage loops are no longer in the side windows and rear window. Suitable interior protection ensures that the interior monitoring function continues to operate correctly.
• 10167565A flapping/rattling noise can be heard from the area of the center console towards the rear.
• 10167564Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery replacement.
• 10167563The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30).
• 10167554Engine diagnosis warning lamp activated. Fault code P045600 "Very fine leak" or P044200 "Fine leak" stored in engine control unit.
• 10167550Single, throttle lift-off, clunking noise from the side shaft when starting off (audible at the wheel). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa).
• 10167549Thumping noises at the front axle when driving over road bumps
• 101675481. In vehicles up to VIN 166 ### #A 097760 without code 803, the following fault code is logged in the quick test: P1C9B00. The control unit 'Roll control' has a malfunction. 2. In vehicles up to VIN 166 ### #A 097760 with code 803 or vehicles as of VIN 166 ### #A 097761, the following fault code is logged in the quick test: P1C9564. The rotation direction valve of the torsion bar ''Front axle'' has a malfunction.
• 10167546FC 2783 (Friction power of torque converter lockup clutch is too high) or FC 0741 (Actuation of torque converter lockup clutch not possible) stored in transmission control unit. One possible additional customer complaint could be "poor acceleration" e.g. due to engine intervention. This can affect all NAT2FE+ (7G-TRONIC PLUS) vehicles with engines OM651, OM642LS and M278 in the production period from 04/2011 to 02/2012 and with more than 10,000 km. The two fault codes can also occur in combination with rpm sensor faults (see also GI27.50-P-035556). The rpm sensor fault is not connected with this complaint.
• 10167535Update Injector Coding
• 10167532A production fault means that the telematics DVD A 166 827 14 00 cannot be used. Because of this the previous telematics DVDs A 204 827 03 65 and A 204 827 10 65 must continue to be used for control unit programming. If required, these are still available for ordering. With XENTRY DVD 03/2014 a new telematics DVD with part number A 166 827 21 00 is being shipped. This telematics DVD replaces the previous telematics DVDs.
• 10167525Apple products (iPhone or iPod) are not charged via the serial USB interface of the COMAND Online control unit (A40/3) in the stowage compartment of the center console.
• 10167524Sound system: Intermittent loss of sound after engine start
• 10167521Cracking noises or squeaking noises at the doors in the area of the window frame while driving, especially when driving on rough roads.
• 10167519Belt holder/ retaining tab on side paneling in trunk is broken
• 10167504Brake linings on rear axle exhibit differential wear
• 10167502ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM malfunction in instrument cluster in combination with the following fault codes in the ACS control unit: P100000: The oil pressure at the front axle is too low. (Veh. up to approx. 7/2012) P100200: The oil pressure at the rear axle is too low. (Veh. up to approx. 7/2012) P1C9C00: The oil pressure at the front axle is too low. (Current veh.) P1C9E00: The oil pressure at the rear axle is too low. (Current veh.) In addition, the following complaints may occur depending on symptoms: Gushing/flow noises from the front or rear axle area when cornering. Oil leaking via the ACS reservoir.
• 10167501Rumbling noises from the area of the front axle.
• 10167487Minor leaks at the oil duct of the left or right cylinder head of engines 157, 276 and 278. 1. Left cylinder head: Oil passage plug hole on left beside mechanical vacuum pump. 2. Right cylinder head: Oil passage plug hole below high-pressure pump housing.

Every Mercedes-Benz ML400 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.