Mercedes 2002 ML-320

My daughter bought one. Now has 52,000 miles. Mechanic told her there's a problem with the 'transition'-- ( not the transmission). Anyone know what that is????? How much to repair or replace??? Thanks. My E-Mail address is snipped-for-privacy@nyc.rr.com Walter

Reply to
Walter Audubon
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Maybe they mean the "transfer case"? Are there symptoms, or did the shop just "discover" the problem?

The W163 does have a two-speed transfer case, and they have been known to leak. If that's the case, then just needs a seal replacement which is usually not a big deal.

Another common problem is that the shifting servo tends to fail if it isn't used regularly (i.e. monthly). The "Low Range" switch on the dash (left of the radio) will shift between low and high range gearing. Press this with the engine is running, the transmission in neutral and at a complete stop. If you get a few blinks and then steady illumination of the "Low Range" indicator on the instrument cluster, then all is well (and you will know it because it will be like driving around in second gear). To shift back to normal driving, repeat the procedure and the light will turn off. If the indicator only blinks and does not stay illuminated, then it means it cannot shift into low range. This could be caused either by not following the instructions (i.e. not in neutral, or not at 0mph) or because something (such as a failed server or frozen mechanism) is preventing it. A failed servo is not difficult nor expensive to replace. If its anything mechanical and internal to the transfer case, that gets expensive because MBZ does not service the components - they replace the entire unit.

Reply to
Rodney T. Grill

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