Page 2665 of 4133

ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGE IN WIRING HARNESSES - AH00.19-P-1000-05A 
Model 124, 126, 129, 140, 163, 164, 168, 169, 170, 171, 199, 202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 
221, 230, 240, 245, 251, 414, 461, 463  
Always assess the damage thoroughly before repairing the wiring harnesses. 
The following criteria must be observed:  
Type of damage:  
Damage caused by scorching/overheating, chafing, clamping, crushing, severing, fatigue, corrosion, cable 
chewed by an animal, assembly fault.  
Cause of damage:  
Equipment and 
tools required Side cutting pliers 
Wire stripper 
Crimper with 
special die setsSide cutting pliers 
Wire stripper 
Hot air blower with 
special reflector 
Raychem connection
Cable tails 
Heat shield matSide cutting pliers 
Wire stripper 
Soldering iron with 
accessories 
Heat shield mat as 
drip protectionSide cutting pliers
Water-pump pliers
Type of contact clampedsolderedsolderedclamped
Heat source NoneHot air gun with 
special reflector 
(400°C)Soldering iron 
(400°C)None
Advantages Quick repair, no 
mains power 
connection required 
Strain relieved by 
clamping the 
insulation 
Simple visual 
inspection of 
connectionInsulation occurs 
automatically 
Sealing occurs 
automatically 
Avoids taut wires by 
introducing additional 
wiresReplace soldered 
contacts (special 
applications)No wire stripping 
or cutting required
Relatively short 
set-up time 
No special tool 
required
Disadvantages Special crimping 
components 
requiredMains power 
connection required 
Accessibility for hot 
air gun must be 
ensured 
Measures for heat 
protection requiredExtensive 
preparation and 
post-working 
requiredNo watertight 
versions, therefore 
only suitable for 
use inside the 
vehicle or in the 
trunk area 
Use limited to 
certain cable cross-
sections 
Not permissible for
CAN lines
 
2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis  
me  
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The cause for the damage must be determined to ensure that the damage does not reoccur after the wiring 
harness has been repaired.  
Scope of the damage:  
Which components are damaged, can the damage be identified exactly?  
Can you be sure that no other components are damaged?  
Repair options:  
What are the options for repair?  
Which replacement parts are available?  
Overview of causes for damage to wiring harnesses 
Type of damage:Possible causes for damagePossible scope of damage
Scorching/ overheating Through external 
overheating: 
Through contact with hot 
components (e.g. exhaust 
system), during welding and 
soldering, painting and 
drying work 
Fire  
Internal overheating because 
electric currents are too high: 
Short circuits at defective 
components or lines, cable 
cross-section too small, 
incorrect fusing (parts not 
installed correctly or repairs 
not carried out correctly), 
short circuits due to bridging 
(e.g. at wire ends that are not 
insulated, if insulation is 
damaged)  
Insulation and wires 
damaged  
Connector housing deformed 
Open circuit in wiring  
Insulated hard and cracked  
Chafing, clamping, crushing, 
severing Lines routed or secured 
incorrectly  
Damage as a result of an 
accident  
Damage to cable when 
boring holes or when 
screwing sheet metal screws 
Insulation and wires 
damaged  
Lines or connections to 
contacts  
High line resistance  
Short circuit to ground and 
power  
 
2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis  
me  
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        Page 2667 of 4133

Overview of authorized reworking on wiring harnesses 
into the body  
Lines get pinched in clamps 
or trim parts  
Fatigue Lines routed or secured 
incorrectly  
Excessive stress  
Open circuit in wiring  
Corrosion Due to contact with acids or 
aggressive fluids (e.g. brake 
fluid, antiseize, coolant 
additives, fuels, lubricants), 
water penetration due to 
defective seals, use of high 
pressure cleaner  
Wiring harness covered in 
paint after paint repair  
Hardening of insulation due 
to contact with an 
incompatible agent (e.g. 
solvent)  
Line open circuit, contact 
pairing not longer conductive 
(transition resistances)  
Insulation and wires 
damaged  
Lines or connections to 
contacts  
High line resistance  
Components with sharp 
edges  
Corrosion  
Assembly fault Use of incorrect tools, e.g. 
wrong crimper or wrong 
release tool  
Damaged contacts or lines 
through use of unsuitable test 
tools (e.g. probes)  
Lines pinched or screwed in  
Loose contacts in plug 
connections  
Wrong contacts crimped  
Undesirable transition 
resistances  
Open circuit in wiring, short-
circuit  
Insulation damaged  
Type of faultRemedial action
Faulty contact part  
Contact part 
missing  
wrong part  
deformed  
Install new contact part  
Contact part not engaged properlyLatch contact part, then check, and replace if 
necessary  
Not all individual wires are crimpedCut off contact part and install new part  
Insulation also crimpedCut off contact part and install new part  
Conductor not far enough in contact partCut off contact part and install new part  
 
2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis  
me  
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:44 PMPage 22 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.  
     
        
        Page 2668 of 4133

NOTES REGARDING PLUG CONNECTIONS - AH00.19-P-1000-06A
Contact part not tin-platedCut off contact part and install new part  
Sleeve 
oxidized  
wrong part  
Cut off contact part and install new part  
Not soldered properly/dry solder jointResolder contact part and replace if necessary 
Plug-in area full of solderCut off contact part and install new part  
Fault with housing  
Screw connections looseTighten screw connections using an adjusted 
torque wrench, replace if necessary  
Screw connections 
wrong part  
damaged  
Install new screw connections (cable 
connectors)  
Coupling housing or plug housing damagedInstall new coupling or housing  
Check contact and replace if necessary  
Coupling housing or connector housing not closed 
properlyClose coupling or housing properly  
Cap screw in handle recess 
missing  
loose  
Tighten cap screw, replace if necessary  
Cable fault  
Insulating tubing damagedRewrap with PVC tape  
Insulation damagedCut through affected line at damaged area and 
repair using Raychem repair method  
Insulation pulled upCut through affected line at damaged area and 
repair using Raychem repair method  
Wrapping defectiveRewrap  
Splashes of solder on cableCarefully remove splashes of solder using a 
suitable tool without sharp edges.  
Grommet 
missing  
wrong part  
installed incorrectly  
damaged  
Pull on new grommet, or install correctly  
 
2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis  
me  
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:44 PMPage 23 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.  
     
        
        Page 2669 of 4133

Model 124, 126, 129, 140, 163, 164, 168, 169, 170, 171, 199, 202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 
221, 230, 240, 245, 251, 414, 461, 463  
Terminology of plug connections:  
The coupling and the plug form a plug connection. The female contact and the contact pin form the contact pair.
Illustrated: SLK family, coding A (with circular conductor)  
Fig. 11: Identifying Plug Connections 
- SLK Family, Coding A (With Circular Conductor) 
Plugs and couplings  
The plugs and couplings are grouped into families in the same way as the contact groups (e.g. SLK, JPT). The 
type and shape of the receptacle chambers in the housing is the major differentiating characteristic. Different 
contact families may be installed in the same housing. In addition, different codings (e.g. A, B, C) may exist 
within the same plug/coupling family. 
Codings are special profiles or teeth on the housings of the coupling and the plug, which may be marked in 
different colors (e.g. black, white, violet). 
These ensure that connector pairings can only be made with the same codings. 
Safety and restraint systems (airbag, emergency tensioning retractor, roll bar) have yellow, orange, or red 
plug connections for easy identification.  
Part number assignments  
The housings are assigned according to the part numbers on the housings. On housings made up of several 
components, the number on the external housing is critical. (When ordering, all the individual part numbers 
must be ascertained.) 
This method of identification by means of part numbers can be used when referring to the literature. 
Contacts  
 
2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis  
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        Page 2670 of 4133

A distinction is made between the contact pin and the female contact. Each contact pin and each female contact 
can be clearly assigned to one group or "family" (e.g. SLK, JPT). Within these families distinctions are made 
according to the cable cross section and whether there is single-strand insulation for watertight connections. The 
contacts are also distinguished by their coating (tin, gold or silver). 
The contacts are fastened to the cables by means of crimping. ? 
Crimp connections  
These are used to attach the female contacts or contact pins to the cable. Each contact type must be crimped 
with the aid of specifically assigned die sets using a pair of pliers. Determining factors: contact family, size of 
cable cross section, with or without single-strand insulation. 
 Only lines up to 4 mm shall be crimped. 
Unpinning  
This requires a release tool appropriate to the contact family in order to remove female contacts and contact pins 
from plugs and couplings. 
On some plugs and couplings the housings must first be disassembled and unlocked (secondary release) 
according to the instructions before the actual unpinning. 
Contact materials  
The contacts used in the interior of the vehicle are primarily tin/tin combinations. Those used on the exterior 
and in the splash zone are generally silver/silver. Safety systems (particularly the airbag) are equipped with 
gold/gold contacts. 
 Only "identical" contact pairings are permitted for repair work. 
NOTES ON SOFT SOLDERING - AH00.19-P-1000-07A 
Model 124, 126, 129, 140, 163, 164, 168, 169, 170, 171, 199, 202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 
221, 230, 240, 245, 251, 414, 461, 463  
General information  
Soft-soldering is a process for creating an inseparable join between two or more metal parts using additional 
metals (e.g. soldering tin). The solder melting temperature lies below the melting temperature of the metals to 
be joined and is lower than 450°C. 
The connection is created by wetting the joint locations with hot liquid solder, without melting the parts to be 
joined. 
The joining procedure is assisted by using a flux, which releases surface oxides on the parts to be joined, 
eliminatin
g and preventing surface films (e.g. greases).
 
2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis  
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Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:44 PMPage 25 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.  
     
        
        Page 2671 of 4133

Soft soldering materials  
The alloy (mainly lead and tin) of the solder determines its melting point and thus the working temperature for 
the soft soldering process. Additives modify the properties. Silver components improve e.g. the surface and the 
joining properties. 
The identification of the soft solders is according to DIN 1707. 
Example: 
L-Sn60PbCu2. 
This solder consists of 60 % tin (Sn 60), max. 2 % copper 
(Cu 2), the remainder is lead (Pb). 
The melting point range is between 183°C and 190°C. 
In the electrical system/electronic sector for vehicles, fast solders with a melting point range of approx. 180°C 
to 200°C should used. These solders are available in the form of wires. They have flux from resins dissolved in 
alcohol (e.g. colophonium) in their hollow center. 
Soldering equipment  
Soldering equipment with soldering tips that can reach a temperature of 250°C to 300°C are suitable for the 
repairs specified by DaimlerChrysler. The aim is to use automatic temperature-regulated equipment (e.g. 
soldering stations). 
Preparation, general  
Use suitable work clothing.  
Use safety glasses.  
Use any available soldering fume extractors, aeration.  
Verify clamping devices and work surfaces.  
Clean soldering tips with small wet sponge.  
Protect surrounding working area from heat damage.  
Preconditions for soldering  
Soldering points must be clean, free of grease and oxides. 
NOTES ON REPLACEMENT OF SAFETY-RELEVANT AND SPECIAL COMPONENTS - AH00.19-P-1000-08A 
Model 124, 126, 129, 140, 163, 164, 168, 169, 170, 171, 199, 202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 
221, 230, 240, 245, 251, 414, 461 as of 1.4.94, 463
 
2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis  
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Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:44 PMPage 26 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.  
     
        
        Page 2672 of 4133

 Plugs and couplings. with yellow, orange or red housing colors are reserved for safety and restraint systems 
(SRS) and roll bars. 
 Observe the following when repairing couplings for squibs (SRS systems): 
The repair area must be between 100 mm and 1000 mm behind the squib. Cables which have already been 
repaired are provided with a yellow marking. This is to be applied retroactively to repair lines without color 
marking. 
Carry out the first repair as close to the plug as possible. In the case of subsequent repairs the old soldered 
connectors should be removed and the new ones should be attached behind them, the wiring harness should be 
replaced if necessary. 
Before cutting through the lines it is absolutely essential to assign the lines to the corresponding pins in 
accordance with the wiring diagram. Do not mix up the pin assignment. 
The line colors of the repair kit may deviate from the original fitting 
Screened lines and light plastic-sheathed cable must never be repaired 
In general the following applies to cable repair: 
If more than ten lines per branch-off line are damaged, the wiring harness module must be replaced. 
Overview (lines/contacts) 
Overview (lines/contacts to components) 
Lines/contacts (Function)Scope affected
CableContact
Radio antenna linesExchange wiring harness/lineExchange wiring harness/line
Navigation antenna linesExchange wiring harness/lineExchange wiring harness/line
Emergency call system antenna 
linesExchange wiring harness/lineExchange wiring harness/line
Telephone antenna linesExchange wiring harness/lineExchange wiring harness/line
Radio antenna linesExchange wiring harness/lineExchange wiring harness/line
TV-antenna linesExchange wiring harness/lineExchange wiring harness/line
D2B (fiber optic cable)Exchange wiring harness/lineExchange wiring harness/line
MOST (fiber optic cable)Exchange wiring harness/lineExchange wiring harness/line
Telephone handset linesExchange wiring harness/lineExchange wiring harness/line
ESP/SBC cablesExchange wiring harness/lineExchange wiring harness/line
Lines/contacts for the following 
componentsScope affected
CableContact
Airbag control unit couplingExchange wiring harnessExchange wiring harness
Squibs coupling (SRS systems)Install repair wiring harnessInstall repair wiring harness
 
2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis  
me  
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:44 PMPage 27 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.