Mercedes ML electrical issues

Has anyone encountered strange electrical problems in an ML? My 2013 Mercedes ML with a gasoline engine is showing errors sporadically. The driving mode malfunctions, random warning lights appear, and the audio/nav system goes haywire. Sometimes a control module shuts down. The OBD-II gives connection errors. I'm thinking it's the CAN bus.

4 comment(s)

Sounds like a similar issue I had with my old Volvo. Different brand, I know, but the symptoms are eerily familiar. Intermittent system failure, especially anything running through the infotainment. Was the OBD-II scanner showing anything specific regarding the control module? Did you check the ground connections?

The OBD-II codes indicate a defective cable connection to the BUS system, but it's intermittent. Where should I check the ground connections? Is there a common place?

Okay, BUS system issues are a pain. On my Volvo, it ended up being a corroded connector on the CAN bus itself. Since you're seeing audio/nav issues, check grounds related to the head unit first, then trace back from there. With those symptoms, I'd say take it to a shop to get it diagnosed properly. A flaky CAN bus can cause all sorts of headaches.

You were spot on. Took it to the shop, and it was a bad cable connection on the control module, just like the OBD-II suggested. Repair cost was 155€. Thanks for the advice!

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