Mercedes W163 ML-Class 2002- 2005 Replace Blend Door Motor, Dashboard Removal, Replace Entire Dash
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- This video shows the process for removing the entire dash (upper and lower) on a 2003 ML350. The process the same for '02 to '05, and similar for '98 to '01. Also shown is how to remove & replace the Blend Door Motor Actuator, which is a common failure.
Please check the Pinned Comment for Timestamps and information. Also please leave any comments or questions or tips.
Thanks for watching. Good luck with your repair!
CORRECTION: At 00:08, I wrote "Same process for '03 to '05" but I should have wrote "Same process for '02 to '05". Likewise, where I wrote "'98 to '02", I should have put '98 to '01. The "facelift" occurred for the Model Year 2002.
Timestamps & important info:
00:20 Disconnect negative terminal on battery
00:51 Remove steering wheel collar top trim
01:54 Remove dash panels by steering wheel, right and left
02:59 Remove Instrumental Cluster black trim piece
03:55 Remove Instrumental Cluster
05:05 Remove Driver's side dash fasteners
05:17 Disconnect electrical for automatic headlight sensor
05:25 Disconnect electrical for front center vent door motor
05:44 Remove fasteners on lower Driver's side dash
05:52 Remove radio
06:00 Reference drawing to make your own Radio Key
07:17 Remove upward facing dash fasteners behind the radio opening
07:39 Remove A-pillar trim pieces
08:33 Remove dash side trim panels and Torx 25 screws
08:47 Remove Defroster Vent Trim and fasteners
09:39 Remove Glove Box
10:30 Remove Wood Trim panel around radio opening, remove electrical switches
12:14 Remove four dash fasteners behind radio Wood Trim panel
12:33 Remove Passenger's side lower fast fasteners
12:49 **Check that all fasteners have been removed**
14:28 Start to remove Top Dash
17:52 Remove Heater Air Temp sensor before completely removing the Top Dash
18:37 Top Dash removed
18:42 Mouse activity discovered!
18:51 Blend Door Motor/Actuator location
19:12 Discussion and demo on the alternate method for reaching the motor (through the passenger side airbag pad, pros and cons)
20:40 Remove and replace Blend Door Motor, with notes about other models
23:12 Remove Lower Dash (not required if you only needed to do the Blend Door Motor)
24:47 Locations of some of the other HVAC motors
25:21 Remove lowest panel on passenger side dash (cabin air filter area)
25:58 Start re-install of Lower Dash
27:57 Start re-install of Top Dash
28:49 Reinstall Heater Air Temp. Sensor
30:09 Top Dash in place, start alignment of Lower and Top Dash
31:39 Reconnect electrical for Headlight Sensor
31:45 Reconnect electrical for front center vent door motor
32:03 Start re-installing each dash fastener (all are shown)
32:56 Re-install Wood Trim, and re-install switches (if removed)
36:11 Re-install Glove Box
37:35 Re-install dash side trim panels
38:04 Re-install more dash fasteners
38:28 Re-install Defroster Vent Trim piece
38:53 Re-install Radio
39:53 Re-install Instrument Cluster
40:48 Re-install Instrument Cluster black trim piece
41:12 Re-install dash panels by steering wheel, right and left
41:37 Re-install A-Pillar trim pieces, with solution for broken tongues
44:29 Re-install Steering Wheel Collar Top trim piece
45:40 Final check -- make sure you're in Park, and reconnect negative terminal on battery
45:55 Start engine and check for lights; test the systems and switches
48:25 Re-set the digital clock
49:06 Re-enable the Radio using the Radio Code
49:34 Thanks to you all for 200 Subscribers! :)
Here is the Steering Wheel video (swap wheel, remove airbag cover from airbag, swap steering collar trim, replace to dark interior colors):
th-cam.com/video/Iui7oghQzs0/w-d-xo.html
If you have an earlier ML-Class ('98 to '01), watch this video also, because there are some differences on the earlier models:
th-cam.com/video/-iOAhZ1zRpw/w-d-xo.html
I hope this video helps. Please post any questions, observations or tips in the Comment Section, especially if you've done this before and can offer some more ideas to make it easier.
Good luck with your repair!
😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
I have a 2001 ML430, which is about the same I think. I was going to do my blend door actuator repair the quick way; break the tabs and glue it, which I really didn’t want to do. After watching your video, I’m going to do it correctly and enjoy it. This was amazingly well explained, thorough and not rushed. This is my daily driver ), so I’ve been putting it off and dealing with HOT A/C. Thank you so so much!!!!! You are awesome!
How did it work out? I have a 2001 also. What were the differences that you remember?
Thanks so much for doing these videos. You have a beautiful gift in explaining things well. Kind regards.
Thank you, and thanks for watching! : )
EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT. This was an incredible amount of work, and I mean the video and the editing. You have an awesome presentation style and a calming voice. Thank you
Thank you - yes, recording always add a lot of time to any project, and editing usually takes longer than the project itself, but it is worth it! Thanks for your comment, and thanks for watching! : )
Top notch video! Almost certain if you just pry the air bag cover off to do blend motor accuator change,it'll never re attach properly.
Thank you - I agree: removing the dash is a hassle, but it is the method I prefer. Thanks for watching! : )
OMG your videos are the the best out there, very educational and inspiring. Huge help for the w163 community. You never get frustrated and maybe it's the tone of your voice that makes anyone think they could tackle just anything haha. All the best!
I do hear ticking inside the dash and thinking maybe some of these plastic actuator linkages are broken, will have to try and peek inside...
your explanation and video bright as a sun.well done!!!
Thank you -- good luck! : )
This is a GREAT video. The editing/annotations are exceptional. Thank you very much! Ma'am, I applaud your efficient execution of this rather tricky repair. Wishing you much success with future videos.
Thank you for the kind comment! I'm glad you found the video helpful. And yes -- this is certainly one of those repairs which requires extra patience and attention because it can be a bit tricky. Thanks for your kind wishes, and good luck!
The best break down of the step by step i have ever seen on youtube
Thank you, and thanks for watching! : )
my god.... respect for tackling this job. and documenting it in this detail! thank you. long live the ML!
My sentiments exactly. Goodness. Great job!
I'm very impressed and grateful for your videos.
You are a blessing 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for your comment, I'm so glad the video helps! Good luck with your repair : )
@@L35inColorado
No problem, but you do have the talent for the Mechanical work.
I subscribe to your chanel, and I will continue to support your chanel.
Thanks for saving us hundreds of dollars in repairs.
'Finangle it'. Thank you for demonstrating this new method of part removal!
Haha! Thanks for watching! : )
OUTSTANDING video !!!!!!!!!!!!! VERY .... VERY well done !!!!!!! The best on youtube
Thank you -- good luck with your repair!
That is one awesome "how to video" great commentary throughout and very clear camera work, great work and very well done on taking it out without hitting it with a hammer. Helped me so much so a big thank you for your post 😁
Thanks for your comment -- I'm so glad it was helpful!
Great Video I have a 2004 W163 I think I will switch it to the black dash when I find one. It looks GREAT. Love you Channel and videos. They Keep me busy Thank You
I am truly impressed, very good video, very methodical and I love the freezing parts so you get time to see important info. Thank you.
Thank you! I hope the video helps : )
Thank you for producing the best repair videos on TH-cam. They are by far the most thorough and easy to follow videos I’ve seen. Keep up the good work
Wow, thanks! Thanks for watching : )
Best video on you tube no doubt. And I’ve watched a lot. Your a saint!
Thank you -- I hope the video helps! Good luck : )
Excellent video tutorial, a job well done. Thank you.
This was by far the best DIY video I have ever seen on TH-cam. I have an 18+ year old ML (bought new in 2000) that I've had to do various pieces of work on, over the years. This helped me change the air blend motor in a day. Your video is better than the Mercedes WIS instructions! The call-outs and freeze frames are what sets your videos apart from the run-of-the-mill DIY videos. Kudos and thank you very much for taking the time to create and post this video!
FYI for my '01 ML430, I had to remove 3x 3/16th!!! screws from a panel holding the AC controls to get to the two screws underneath the radio that holds the lower dash. I didn't take pictures.
Thank you for the comment -- I'm so glad the video helped! And thanks for sharing the tip for those screws on your '01 ML430!
I've been dreading this task, you've made it look so easy. BIG Thank You!!!!!
Great job honey you have a lot of patience.
Haha, thank you! :)
@@L35inColorado for sure fantastic
Great detailed video, I was able to replace the blend motor in 2.5 hours. Thanks for your help.
Nice, thanks for watching!
Are you a teacher? Great work. thanks you.
No, I'm just a regular person -- I'm glad the video helped! Thanks for your comment : )
verry good job i hawe to change the blend actuator motor thanks a lot it will help me so much and thanks again for calm and metodique explaination during all along the video
Thank you, and good luck with the blend motor swap!
Awesome vid very detailed anybody should be able to do this after watching this video
Thank you! Yes, anyone can do this, even alone. A helper would be nice for positioning the dash, but as you see in the video, it can be done alone, too. Good luck with your repair!
by far one of the best videos I've seen do more on mercedes please
Thank you so much for your detailed video,you are an awesome teacher!
Mi enhorabuena, muy bien documentado, estaba buscando un video para llegar a este actuador y tube la gran suerte de encontrarla.
El único video que encuentro y por suerte perfecto, a pesar de que no entiendo el idioma me va a ser de gran ayuda.
Muchas gracias
Enhorabuena
Gracias! : )
Great video, going to use it this winter to replace my blend motor
Thank you, and good luck!
You are absolutely phenomenal. Just wow on this video.
I'm sorry I missed your comment -- thanks so much! I appreciate that : )
i love this channel!
Thank you.. very detailed video... my problem is the air is stuck on the windscreen..
I'm sorry to hear that -- it might be caused by one of the other motors shown in the video (I'm not sure which one). Good luck! : )
Molto dettagliato e super utile. Bel lavoro Complimenti
Good work 👍👍👍👍
Thanks! : ) Good luck!
Just like my ML320, dam Mercedes used cheap plastic parts broke so easy and it is not fixable. No more Mercedes for me. MB can't keep its value. Nice video.
Ah man, I'm sorry that happened to you -- and, yes, I agree that MB uses some very cheapo parts in very hard-to-reach places. MB's don't hold their value because they cost too much to repair if we don't DIY! Luckily a lot of MB's end up at the junkyard for that reason, so at least there's parts, haha. Good luck!
Really great video thank you❤👍🏻👌🏻
Thanks, and thanks for watching! : )
dammmmmmmm smooooth,,,!!! can you do a video for the doors and the where the fuel pump and fuel filter go?
Good job great video👍🏻
Thank you, and thanks for watching! : )
Great good job 👍👍👍👍👍
I wish I lived near her, I have 3 mercs that need a solid mechanic, and I simply dont have the time to keep up with all the repair needs
Thanks so much
I tried this and removed everything successfully. Thank you for this video!
my problem was when I put the battery back in and tested it to see if it worked nothing moved. Did I do something wrong?
I'm back again after you helped me with my power steering hose (I think I pinched the O-Ring and have a slow leak, but I've given up on that one!) Back to this video however. In the spring I could not get any cold air, so I removed the glove box and moved the white actuator arm by hand and I then had cool air all summer. (At 21:00, we have the white plastic arm.) So now that we are heading into fall and my thoughts turn to warm air, I cannot seem to move the white arms anymore. I disconnected them from a copper colored pin that is on the left side, and now they move. On the right we have the actuator motor, but what is it controlling on the left side of that arm? The reason I ask is, my actuator motor is still working because it moves when you move the temperature dial, but the white arms are seized when connected to whatever is on the left and I cannot get hot air past 33C. I'm thinking that whatever it is on the left side is controlling the amount of heat that goes into the vents as I can feel the pipes that lead into it are very hot.
My aircon is not working, ML320, it gives a clicking sound when i switch the car on. What may be the problem?
Blend motor.
Dang you are awesome I luv watching your vids. Well I have this same situation. My AC is working but my heat isn't. But all other functions are, so as I talk to my mechanic he said it's the diverter. So I just need heat for the small time in Florida where it's cool because the defrost doesn't clear my windshield.
Another TH-cam or just took the pin out of the plastic arm and had heat but he didn't really have a method to get AC back. I guess then I will just put the pin back into the plastic arm?.
Please & thank u
I'm sorry I missed your comment and am so late to reply - I'm not sure about removing parts on the blend door motor. My recommendation would be to replace the motor while you're in there, just because it is a far amount of work to get the dash out and all. As you know, the MB defroster system leans heavy on heat for the defrost function, so it would be most advantageous to keep the original design intact, which would mean replacing the blend door motor if your is faulty. Thanks for watching and good luck : )
Great video, but PLEASE NOTE: YOU FORGOT TO MENTION THE TWO SCREW/BOLTS IN THE CENTER! Once the 4 bolts around the stereo are out, THERE ARE 2 MORE. They reside just behind the top of the stereo opening. They go UP through the metal frame/support and into the dash. Either you forgot the mention these, or someone (before you) had already removed them. You can see the metal clips into which they fasten right at 18:30 (just below where the beige color ends, and the black plastic starts). Look again at 18:37 - once the dash is out, you will see the large black bar support that runs across the vehicle. Right in the center are two flat flanges w/ clips that protrude into toward the cabin. If you do not remove these two screw/bolts, you will destroy the dash trying to pull it out.
Also note, ALL the W163 dashes have these extra 2 screws. Including the 1998-2001. The only real difference between the pre-2002 and 2000+ is 1) the additional 3 wires to disconnect and 2) the way you access the screws on each side (where the door meets the dash). Other than that, they are identical (the top parts).
Do you mean the two 7mm screws shown at 07:17, behind the radio opening -- those two screws that fasten upwards?
@@L35inColorado I stand corrected! Not sure how I missed that part? Lol...
@@deanrantala That's okay -- thanks for adding your tips on the '98 - '01 models! Good luck : )
Спасибо!!!
пожалуйста! Спасибо за просмотр моего видео : )
Learned a big deal from every class you taught. Wonder what is the reason for disconnecting the battery? Thanks.
Thanks! I disconnect the battery when I'm working near/with airbag/SRS stuff, even if I'm not removing the airbags, and especially if I'm not certain of exactly where all the SRS sensors are located. So it is a safety precaution : ) If the system is working correctly, the airbags should not deploy once the vehicle is in "sleep mode", but I'd just rather not take the chance and get a wild surprise! Thanks for watching : )
Got you, Thanks for the detailed explanation. I practiced this process at Junk yard this past weekend and will install it on a 2003 ML350 next week. Its AC was very cold originally but failed to blow cold air all the sudden one day. I suspect it is the actuator because it is one of its quality problem due to the plastic gear in the motor. @@L35inColorado
I also learned that in order to access the left bolt behind the radio, pointing downwards, it is better to loosen and pull the lower dash out a bit in the center area. The right bolt is relatively easy to access from the glove box area. Other than these two bolts, all the other bolts are relatively easy. Need to pull the day light sensor, the other vent motor, the temperature sensor connectors out before pulling the upper dash completely. The vent for the windshield almost 100% going to be broken, unfortunately, due to the intensive heat it receives over the years. This approach of moving the upper dash out actually is less labor intensive and troublesome than cutting the air bag cover and then glue it back. Also it is still a bit challenging access the motor screws even after removing the air bag.
H
I, I have an 03 mercedes ml500 both low beam headlights went out regular halogen bulbs not less, need help.great video very detailed you are very good at your craft.
I'm sorry that's happening -- check out the diagrams in this post (relays and fuses):
www.benzworld.org/threads/both-low-beam-headlights-do-not-work.1954402/
I hope this helps -- good luck!
Blessed 💖✨✨✨⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Great Video. My blower is working but I am not get hot or cold air. When I turn on defrost it is not bbn blowing out of the windshield vent. Does this sound like blend door motor? I never had clicking it just stopped. If not what else should I be looking at. Thanks again for a great video.
Thank you! What you're describing doesn't sound like the blend door motor, but rather the defrost motor/door/arm, all which is also under the dash. Check out this thread for some more information -- I haven't had this problem myself, but this thread describes some info that might be helpful to you!
www.benzworld.org/threads/front-defrost-problems-does-not-work.2317665/
Good luck!
Hello! Do you know if the car has a grill through which it takes air under the dash? I have a sound of air entering when I accelerate the car hard! The mechanic told me it was a grille under the dash?
Quick ? Looking to buy a 01 ML 320 but the dial to change from floor to defrost to middle vents doesn't seem to be working. It blows crap tons of air through vents but when I change to floor nothing happens. I have the cable driven air distribution. Would this be an easy fix?
I'm not familiar with the MB cable drives in particular, but in general, those cable drive systems are much easier to work on than these digital system. If there's little or no resistance when turning the dial, it could be as simple as a dislocated cable or door/redirector hinge: if it's very hard to turn the dial, then it might be a jammed door/hinge. This thread might be a good place to start - the second post includes a pdf of the cable locations:
www.benzworld.org/threads/1999-ml320-defrost-problem.1630793/
I hope that helps : )
@@L35inColorado
Thanks
hey I'm trying to find a flip key . do you know were to find one?
This is a great video and is very helpful. Thank you so much. Do you know anything about replacing the brake ABS module. Mine has gone bad and the mechanic quoted me for $6000. I was wondering if I could just find a low mileage module and just swap it out but I'm not sure if I have to replace the ABS computer with it too.
Thanks for your comment, I'm glad this video helped!
As for your ABS module -- wow, that's a really high estimate. If your mechanic knows for certain that the problem is your ABS module (he could isolate it by reading codes and troubleshooting), then it is likely that the problem with the ABS module is actually the motor part on the module (the motor is for the ABS pump). It is a known issue with these unit's that the brushes wear out (the brushes for the pump motor). The motor is for the pump, so when it stops working, the pump doesn't work and the ABS doesn't work. As a mechanic, he would want to replace the whole unit, but as an DIY'er, you might be able to just pull out the motor, open it up, and replace the brushes.
Here is what I mean, check out this video:
th-cam.com/video/cFYF7TnWfRE/w-d-xo.html
That video shows an ML270, is an overseas version of the ML. You'll notice in that video that he has the washer fluid tank removed. It is easy to remove that tank if you have a pre-2002, because it is a small tank. But if you have a 2002 - 2005, there are a few more steps (its a bigger tank). Here is a video for removing the washer tank, and at 14:47 of this video below, I show the ABS module:
th-cam.com/video/K8Kf90Z8sUI/w-d-xo.html
If you're comfortable pulling the motor off on the ABS module, but you don't have the tools to open the motor itself, apparently there are also some send-away services available (or at least there used to be), where you remove the motor and send it away for repair (they probably just replace the brushes and maybe the shaft bearing). Here are some threads to check out which mentions that:
www.benzworld.org/threads/abs-pump-motor-separation.1641693/
www.benzworld.org/threads/c1401-abs-ets-bas-lights-come-on-randomly.1530501/
If you have the tools to open the motor, (you can rent a bearing separator at most auto parts stores), here's another video which shows more detail than the first video with regards to the brushes:
th-cam.com/video/EryDggbtWy8/w-d-xo.html
If I had your problem and had it pinned-down to the ABS module, I would probably just go ahead and remove the pump, open it up, and replace the brushes (and that bearing, if needed). You cannot just buy the motor new (you have to buy it as part of the whole unit), and if you replace the whole unit, then you'll need to disconnect the brake lines and bleed it all that. As for the computer recognizing the new module -- yes, I've read about issues with that, but I don't quite understand it. It seems to me a mechanic with STAR system would be able to iron that out if the computer doesn't recognize a new module for some reason. However, if you leave the ABS module in place and just remove & repair the brushes on the motor, then you won't be changing anything and so the computer will not notice any difference.
The problem with swapping the unit out with a used unit (either a used whole module, or a used motor) is that you might have worn-out brushes on the new unit, too, then you're back to square one! If you have a junkyard near you that has a W163, perhaps head over there and do a practice-run on removing the pump motor (though they do disappear quickly because of exactly this issue). If you can get one removed at the junkyard, you could probably buy it for a couple bucks and then have some extra parts on hand.
Good luck!
@@L35inColorado Thank you so much. You have saved me thousands of dollars.
Saul several mentions of timestamps in a pinned comment but couldn’t find any pinned comment
Thanks for bringing that to my attention - I just pinned the comment now (I must have accidentally unpinned it somehow). Thanks for watching! : )
Happens, thanks for the video
so much respect to you ! is this your own car ?
Thank you -- no, this a family member's car. Another family member has an '05 ML500, so there are two W163's in the family.
@@L35inColorado wow ) i have 98 ml 320 ) with 320 000 km. Great truck !
Hey can I please get into contact with you I'm having a starting issue with my ML270 and would like some advice and help
Do you have a video or instructions on removing the carpet on the W163. Around the HVAC system was in the way. Couldn't get it while at the junkyard
I don't have such a video yet, but if I ever do that job, I will try to record it. Thanks for the suggestion, and thanks for watching! : )
May i ask what wheels and running boards you have on your build?
Sure - This is my sister's ML350: I found the running boards at a local junkyard a few years back. They were from a "Special Edition" W163: as far as my experience in the junkyards, these boards aren't super common, but they do still pop up from time to time. Some junkyards (such as LKQ) post pictures of the vehicles they have on the yard, and you can just keep an eye out to see if one pops up in your area.
As far as I know, there aren't any aftermarket options that look like the MB running boards, but there aftermarket "tube step" options. I hope that helps! : ) Thanks for watching!
@@L35inColorado thanks. I just went to LKQ down the street the past few days to pick up some things for minor repairs on my 320. i guess i’ll have to go out into the neighboring towns to try my luck with some really good parts lmao.
Здравствуйте. Я скучаю по вашему голосу,и видио про w 163.
Hi great video I have a problem that my ac ia working but only blows to the floor the front face vent are not blowing do you think thia actuator is my problem?
I'm sorry that's happening -- that sounds like an actuator issue, but not this particular actuator (thought the actuator causing that effect might also be under the dash). There are some other HVAC motors shown in the video at 24:47 -- I'm not sure which features these control, but you might be able to do some research and determine if any of them are responsible for what you're seeing. I hope that helps -- good luck!
Hi ! Just to ask ! My speedometer stack on 20 miles . And when I seeped goes from 20 to 30-40 ect. Do you have any idea , what’s the issue ? Thank u
I'm sorry, I don't know much about the electronics of that system - perhaps you might find some technical help over at the benzworld.org forum. Good luck! : )
where is the directional motor to change air flow from floor to windscreen?
I don't know, perhaps call your MB dealer, or start a thread at www.benzworld.org foums. At 24:50, I show some other motors, but I don't know which is for what function. Good luck!
ML 2.7CDI. PORTUGAL. OK.
Can you come over and help me with mine? I need to do the fan motor 😞
Haha! If you mean the big blower motor, that's actually not too bad of a job, and you don't have to remove the dash -- here is a video that shows the location:
th-cam.com/video/mKDoH97P-Yc/w-d-xo.html
But yes...if you need to replace any of other other motors under the dash, its a pretty involved process, as you see in the video! Just take your time, and put one some relaxing music, haha.
Good luck!