2002 ML500 Jerking and Stalling !!!

[Yinka Gbotosho]

My lovely 2002 ML500 kept jerking recently especially during long journeys after having worked for hours. I first thought it was the FUEL PUMP or MAF. A diagnostic showed nothing. Just this evening however, the machine started jerking furiously and also stalled whenever I was at very low speeds at hold ups. At a point, it would not even take off.

Since I was on the road, I was very upset and called on the emergency services of MB. After trying all else without success, the mech got under the truck and disconnected 2 of the O2 sensors so that a horible noise could be heard at relving. The car started moving well though there was a horible noise. I was informed that my CATALYTIC CONVERTER was blocked and had to be changed. I was however adviced to remove it altogether so that I would no longer have it in my exhaust system. The fuel in our country tends to clogg up Catalysers I was told.

I am interested to know if this is a good advice and how it will affect the truck. I need help urgently. Please assist.

[mercedessd]

very poor advice in my opinion, if the fuel control system is working properly the cat will never become clogged, the fuel has nothing to do with it, too much fuel raw fuel entering the unit from a poorly maintained engine or leaking injector etc..,unfortunately the cats on models like your ML however do have a poor track record and tend to become dislodged and rattle, the welds have also been known to break at the canister seams. mercedes has an emissions warranty that will cover the cat's, i suggest you call your local dealer and see if yours is covered. if the cats are removed you will always have a check engine light to contend with, not to mention the effects on the environment. i hope the roadside tech wasn't the one who suggested that.