Fault Messages C240

[GhiaDad]

Folks, This evening my bride of 32 years took our C240 on an errand. She reports she got 3 messages on the Fault screen. The first was "Brake Pad Wear, visit workshop", the second was "ABS System, visit workshop", and the third was "Brake Assist, visit workshop". Each message appeared for several seconds. She also reports the car was "making funny noises" and "seemed to be dragging". With this not-so-technical description, I went out and found the screen still reported "no malfunction" (even though the book says these faults should be recorded). I drove the car, and everything seemed normal to me. The car has about 5400 miles. Has anyone had similar problems? GhiaDad

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[Matt230K]

I have never seen or heard of this problem before. It obviously has something to do with an error in the braking system. Just take it into the dealer. There is probably some sensor that is malfunctioning.

[David N.]

I never got the exact messages you did (touch wood). My message stated "Check Oil Level - Visit Workshop!". My malfunctions disappeared when I turned the car off as well. My service advisor stated that this was normal.

I understand the manual the same way you do. The manual must be incorrect because many memebers have reported that their malfunctions disappear after shutting the car down.

If you look in the manual, it has a listing of every message as well as the corresponding severity. Messages are classified as C1, C2, and C3, with C1 being the most severe. C1 messages should be looked at immediately. Some C2 messages are urgent as well. Mine was not.

See what your manual says. You may need to visit your service department.

Good luck. Let us know what you find.

[Jim Banville]

You are probably having problems with the same BAS ESP sensor that just about everyone is having. Dealer can fix, no problem. Did you look at the lower right hand corner of the multi-function display? I think you are supposed to have a little folder icon there that you access through the steering wheel buttons that displays past trouble codes. Either way, the codes will be accessible to the dealer when he hooks up to the car's computer.

[MarkL]

I might be wrong, but I thought malfunctions are stored in memory. It might be that only certain continuing malfunctions are shown in the MFD "malfunction" counter. I think the techs can retrieve any malfunctions that occurred.

Also, if your wife felt something "dragging", it seems like there was more going on than just a sensor -- wonder if the ABS or ESP was being applied when it wasn't needed. Did she notice the ESP/traction control alert triangle on also, as though the system was being activated?

[Jim Banville]

She reports she got 3 messages on the Fault screen. The first was "Brake Pad Wear, visit workshop", the second was "ABS System, visit workshop", and the third was "Brake Assist, visit workshop".

I'm sure it was the well known BAS & ESP defect.

[Matt230K]

Originally posted by Jim Banville
I'm sure it was the well known BAS & ESP defect.

I have never seen or heard of a BAS ESP malfunction that included Brake pad wear or ABS. Just because the BAS ESP problem is a common occurrence does not mean that it applies to everything. This sounds different, and might be worse. I would get it checked out soon. It sounds strictly brake related, where the the BAS ESP error just has to do with corrosion of some connections or something like that. I wouldn't mess around with brake malfunctions if I were you. Take it to the dealer.

[jp5133]

Hi,

sorry for my bad english.

The problem with the ABS and ESP was an bad harness to the ESP-Controller. The fource of the contact pressure to the pin are too little and so the resistance are too high. go to your dealer and let the cable exchange.

best regards


Jürgen

[Jim Banville]

I have never seen or heard of a BAS ESP malfunction that included Brake pad wear or ABS.

Most people would probably confuse BAS with ABS when glancing at a small screen on the dash while driving.

Take it to the dealer.

I hope he figured out that one on his own.

[GhiaDad]

Thanks for all the information.
However, it is fact that my spouse got the "brake pad wear" message first, followed several seconds later by "BAS", and finally by the "ABS" screen. I have not seen any message since. I will take the car to the dealer tomorrow or Tuesday.
Today, we took the car to Orlando (90 miles) and returned in heavy rain. On a clear stretch of straight road, I "stomped" the brakes to test ABS. The ABS seems to work fine.
I'll let the dealer check it all out and let you know the outcome.