2001 Mercedes Benz S500 electrical problems

Filed Oct 22, 2020 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

When driving my car makes noises like I'm pulling a trailer and I'm not.. In july my right shock went out so I repaired it.. Then prior to that the alternator was detected so I repaired that and just last week my instrument cluster went out. My suspension is really messed up and I can't shift at all

Filed May 7, 2020 · Electrical · 165,000 miles · UT

We purchased our 2001 mercedes s-500 used. Everything ran fine. After running it through an auto carwash with a under body spray, the electrical system went haywire. I noticed that the front passenger floor was soaked. Electrical malfunctions included non functioning locks, windows, air, all lights flickering, seat controls, horn, hazard lights, sunroof, dash control, virtually everything electrical. These malfunctions occurred while the car was in motion and while parked. When we turned the key off and removed them, the car continued to run. We disconnected the battery and the car continued to run still for an additional 5 minutes. After doing some research online, we have discovered similar complaints with the same situations including passenger floor being soaked resulting in electrical faulting. (see attached picture) complaint below mentions a stupid repair kit at owners cost meaning mercedes is aware of this dangerous possibly deadly fault in their vehicles.

Filed Sep 5, 2018 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · LA

Takata recall. I was riding my vehicle when all of a sudden the instrument cluster went haywire. I thought it was battery but it wasn't the cause it drained 4 batteries I had on warranty and 1 I had to purchase. I found out the instrument cluster drains the battery and loss of power. I reached to a mechanic and he let me know that the instrument cluster is causing the power loss and needed to be replaced. I did some research and realize their was a recall for the instrument cluster for this defect. This defect could have a serious incident if wasn't properly aware. I would to have a recall if possible.

Filed Jan 7, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · 138,000 miles · CO

I was at a stop light on 225 and chambers and when the light turned green as soon as a hit the gas my entire dashboard went blank. I no longer had light and my gauges were not responding either. After doing some research I seen some forums about the recall so I call the manufacturer and was told that even though acknowledged as a safety concern the recall was closed june 2011. I purchased the car june 2010 and no one reached out. I have only one car and I can not drive it because I cant see the speed or if I even have gas. I have kids and like everyone else I work but I can not afford to pay $1800.00 to fix this and I shouldnt have to. I cant understand how a safety recall can expire. Seems as if there is no true regard to safety.

Filed Jan 3, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · 138,000 miles · CO

I have had the car since 2010 in june and I have already had to replace the front driver side ball bearing and joints and they have stopped working once again I was driving last week in traffic at around 5 pm when my entire dashboard went out none of the gauges are working I couldnt see anything.

Filed Jun 2, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 135,000 miles · IL

For the second time the instrument cluster lighting had to be replace by the dealer. It did the same thing it did under the original recall. No lighting in instrument cluster.

Filed Apr 22, 2015 · Electrical · 98,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz s500. While operating the vehicle, the instrument panel lighting became very dim and shut off. The electrical fuse was replaced and the failure was remedied, but eventually recurred. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000. ...updated 06/03/15 *bf updated 06/17/15.

Filed Apr 20, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 234,000 miles · GA

When backing up in reverse the car begins to smoke from tail pipe. Once in drive it begins to shake and moves slowly in traffic then slowly picks up speed after an unusually long duration. Dashboard is almost totally blacked out cannot read gauges (gas level,speed odometer, engine temperature, mileage). Finally, the air conditioning suddenly stopped blowing.

Filed Mar 16, 2015 · Acceleration, Electrical · 114,000 miles · NJ

While driving on the freeway, the back lights in the instrument cluster that illuminate the speed markings started to flicker for a few seconds and then turned off and went dark. Then after a few minuets, the whole instrument cluster went dark and the speedometer stopped working completely. It was impossible to know what speed you are going at.

Filed Sep 10, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 113,000 miles · GA

While operating the vehicle on a two lane divided highway, the vehicle would not up-shift gears and got stuck in third gear while I was attempting to pass a tractor trailer with other vehicles behind me attempting to do the same. Subsequently, I managed to maneuver the vehicle to a parking lot to examine the issue. I could not find anything externally wrong with the vehicle that would stand out in a visual inspection. Next, I turned the ignition off and turned it back on, forcefully put the car in gear, and found that it would not shift out of first gear. Vehicle had to be towed over 150 miles to a shop. The problem stems from the design and materials used for the transmission wiring harness that enables transmission fluid to wick up the wiring harness from the bottom of the vehicle up into the transmission control unit that is encased in plastic and located under the hood. As impossible as it sounds, transmission fluid travels up this bundle of wires and pools in the encasement disrupting the electronic circuit board that controls the transmission. Equally confusing, the electric current from the wires pulls the transmission fluid up the wiring harness. I can't imagine why this design or materials would be utilized on this or any other car knowing what the ultimate outcome would be for consumers, $$$$$$$!!!!!!!!!!!!