Common Failures with 272/273 Engines, ME97
Tech Tip
Driveability
Electrical
2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic 5.5L (273.968) 7-spd (722.9)—WDDNG71X97A061055
P0638 - Throttle Actuator Control Range/Performance Bank 1
P2176 - Throttle Actuator "A" Control System - Idle Position Not Learned
P2237 - O2 Sensor Positive Current Control Circuit/Open Bank 1 Sensor 1
P2240 - O2 Sensor Positive Current Control Circuit/Open Bank 2 Sensor 1
P0030 - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 1
P0050 - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 1
P064D - Internal Control Module O2 Sensor Processor Performance Bank 1
P064E - Internal Control Module O2 Sensor Processor Performance Bank 2
P0607 - Control Module Performance
1337 - Alternator Serial Interface
0228 - M16/6 (Throttle Valve Actuator) : Throttle Valve Jamming (Iced Up)
0218 - M16/6 (Throttle Valve Actuator) : The Throttle Valve Is Jamming Or Is Stiff
0565 - G3/4 (Right O2 Sensor Before Twc [Kat]):Voltage Is Too High
0569 - G3/3 (Left O2 Sensor Before Twc (Kat)): Voltage Is Too High
0443 - Heating Of Component G3/4 (Right O2 Sensor Before Twc [Kat]) : Open Circuit
0447 - Heating Of Component G3/3 (Left O2 Sensor Before Twc (Kat)): Open Circuit
0450 - The Electronic Analysis System For The O2 Sensor In The Engine Control Unit Is Defective
0454 - The Electronic Analysis System For The O2 Sensor In The Engine Control Unit Is Defective
0439 - The Electronic Analysis System For The O2 Sensor In The Engine Control Unit Is Defective
0435 - The Electronic Analysis System For The O2 Sensor In The Engine Control Unit Is Defective
0217 - M16/6 (Throttle Valve Actuator) : The Throttle Valve Is Jamming Or Is Stiff
0228
Crank / No Start
Knowing these four pattern failures of the ME97 engine controller for the 272-273 engine can help expedite your diagnosis and avoid replacing the wrong parts.
In MY … the fuel pump relay control (Pin 17) can fail intermittently causing no start and stalling concerns.
If the ground near the ignition coil is left off after repairs and the engine is cranked, the ignition coil drivers for that entire bank can burn out. It has happened that quickly. Beckmann Technologies / Bluelink Diag can repair these and they may have reman or used units for the other failures.
The CKPS sensor up until about mid 2007 fails, especially when hot. You can measure continuity across it when heating it up and you may see it go open if the sensor is bad. (Not an ME failure, but worth noting here).
Lastly, the trifecta. If you get current codes for throttle, oxygen sensor, and alternator, and they come back when the key is cycled on, you're probably looking at a bad module. If you have another one around you can plug it in and turn the key, the faults will not reset. We've seen it on 164, 221, 203, 211, 204, 209, and 171 from at least 2005 to 2009. Attached are some quick tests showing the oxygen/throttle/alternator issue.
We can program and SCN Code a replacement module via a pass through device or via the RAP kit:
us.autologic.com/products/pass…
us.autologic.com/products/rap
drewtech.com/products/carda…
Note: This tip is for informational purposes only and is not a diagnosis for your specific vehicle.
