Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Mercedes Benz ML500FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Control Units
CONTROL UNITS LOCATION
| Component | Location |
|---|---|
| AAC Push-Button Control Module | Behind center of dash. |
| A/C Control Module | Center of dashboard. |
| Acoustimass Bass Module | Under driver's seat. See Figure . |
| All Activity Module (AAM) | In left side of engine compartment, in "E" box. See Figure . |
| ASR/ETS/ESP Hydraulic Unit | In left side of engine compartment, below washer bottle. |
| Control Field Control Module (Lower) | Under center console. |
| Control Field Control Module (Rear) | Under rear center console. |
| Electronic Selector Lever Control Module | Under center console, at base of selector lever assembly. |
| Emergency Call System Control Module | Under right front seat. |
| Engine Control Module (ME-SFI) | In left side of engine compartment, in "E" box. See Figure . |
| ESA Control Module (Right/Left) | Under respective front seat. |
| ESP/SPS/BAS Control Module | In left side of engine compartment, in "E" box. See Figure . |
| ETC Control Module | Behind center of dash. See Figure . |
| Extended Activity Module (EAM) | Behind left side of dash. |
| FBM Control Module | Extended Activity Module (EAM). |
| Frequency Switch-Over Control Module | Under right front seat. |
| Garage Door Opener Transmitter | Center front of roof. |
| Global Positioning System (GPS) Control Module | Behind center of dash. |
| Headlamp Range Adjustment Control Module | Behind driver's side of dash. |
| Lower Control Field Control Module | Around shifter. |
| MB-Immobilizer Control Module | In top right side of steering column. See Figure . |
| PTS Control Module | Behind center of dash. |
| Rear Ventilation Operating Module | Rear side of center console. |
| Restraint System Control Module | Under center console. |
| Roof Operating Unit Switch Module | At center of windshield header. |
| SRS Control Module | Below front of center console. See Figure . |
| Suction Cooling Fan Control Module | At front of engine compartment. |
| Traction Systems Control Module | Left rear of engine compartment. |
| Trailer Turn Signal Control Module | Integral to trailer harness. |
| Transfer Case Control Module | Below center console, behind shift assembly. See Figure . |
| Trip Computer Control Module | In front of roof. |
| Xenon Headlamp Control Module (Left/Right) | Behind respective headlamp. |
| Xenon Headlamp Ignition Module (Left/Right) | Behind respective headlamp. |
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.