ETS/BAS/ABS lights on

[kechal]

I have a 2002 ML500. The ETS/BAS/ABS lights were coming on and I new I needed a break job. I had the front and rear rotors and pads replaced. This moring the ABS kicked it when I was coming to a stop on some ice. the the set of lights came on. I turned the engine off and on - the lights are out. ABS or ETS kicks in on a turn and the lights come on again. A a test I did a hard break with no ABS kicking in and the lights stayed off. Any ideas as to what is going on? I am thinking the brake light switch.

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[sosh]

You are probably correct, a simple fix. If its not that could be another sensor but usually the brake switch. try stopping in a straight line without turning the wheel with the lights off. If they come on you have the answer.

[kechal]

I did a hard stop in a straight line and the lights did not come on

[sosh]

Well, sometimes the brake light switches are intermittent. Drive it for a while and see if any brake application triggers the lights and be certain your brake lights are working. It could be the wheel angle sensors also. Try resetting these by turnining the wheel all the way left then all the way right. If all these fail go to a dealer and have him read out the fault on the Star diagnostic computer. Actually that is what really should be done to stop the guessing.

[jerrym]

hello there
a week ago i have a problem with my 2001 ml 430 the ets, abs and another light i think it was the esp came on together with viberationg and some weird noise in the front, i was so scared cuze someone told me it might me the abs system and it might coast around $2000 to fix it then a friend of my family how fix mercedes and bmw figure out that the fuse of the abs got stocked then he took it out and put it back all the lights went off and no more nosie and viberationg. so as a hint just check the fuses, good luck,
jerry

[pointman]

simple fix. its a diy'er. search the forum... there is a real good write up.

[Calcio]

I have a 98 ML320 (no ESP) and the ETS light came on and has stayed on. This is the warning light that reads ETS, not the triangle. Called my service advisor who said he can't get me in for a week but no problem to continue driving it . Not sure if I believe that....comments? What is the brake light switch? Also, could be a coincidence but the day before it came on I went through the car wash. Wheel angle sensor perhaps?

[Calcio]

Originally Posted by Calcio

I have a 98 ML320 (no ESP) and the ETS light came on and has stayed on. This is the warning light that reads ETS, not the triangle. Called my service advisor who said he can't get me in for a week but no problem to continue driving it . Not sure if I believe that....comments? What is the brake light switch? Also, could be a coincidence but the day before it came on I went through the car wash. Wheel angle sensor perhaps?

It was the brake lamp switch. A $15.95 part plus $208 for 2 hours labor.

[timdf]

Wow, that switch change is 1/2 hour maximum - even working at a snails pace and taking time out for a coffee break :-)
Maybe that's just the standard MB allocated time ?
FYI
I wrote up a how to on this topic (on another forum) and I think most people agree it's an easy straight forward DIY.
You might like to consider diy'ing next time - assuming you still have the ML.

Regards Tim

[ffejalink]

I experienced this issue with my 02 ML, except mine was acting much worse. All of the lights came on, engine power became very weak, the brakes were pretty much non-existant, and the car shook horribly. It was very frightening. I ended up having the car towed to the deal twice for this issue (the first time didn't fix it). It even stranded one of the techs who was driving it home to experience the problem. The dealer ended up having the car for almost two weeks resulting in a new main computer (don't remember the exact part). Fortunately I haven't noticed anyone else experiencing this issue, so hopefully yours will be an easier fix.

[Calcio]

Originally Posted by timdf

Wow, that switch change is 1/2 hour maximum - even working at a snails pace and taking time out for a coffee break :-)
Maybe that's just the standard MB allocated time ?
FYI
I wrote up a how to on this topic (on another forum) and I think most people agree it's an easy straight forward DIY.
You might like to consider diy'ing next time - assuming you still have the ML.

Regards Tim

Yep...saw that and it did look easy but it needed A service and I figured that the labor wouldn't be that bad......wrong!

[timdf]

The MB experience, like no other
I learnt to always get an estimate for any main dealer related repair work - even if it looks straight forward.
Sadly some MB main dealers look at servicing as a means to r@pe the owner, rather than retaining the customer for future purchases.

Latest example was $77 to tell me my PAS pump is leaking - this is after I told them it was leaking but declined ther offer of repair at $$$$$

I figure MB have lost at least $150k in purchases from me alone soley due to their 'snotty don't care less attitude' and incompetent / over priced service departments.

I'm far from alone when it comes to these sentiments - as a simple google of certain keys words would show.

In the meantime enjoy your ML.

[Firstml320]

My BAS/ETS came on too about a month ago. I had a friend use a Snap On tool to read the codes and it came up as a steering angle sensor, anyone know how much it would cost to replace that sensor? or how hard is it to do yourself.
Thanks

[ffejalink]

Originally Posted by timdf

The MB experience, like no other...

Sorry to hear about your bad experiences. I've been very fortunate to have a good dealer. It's too bad one bad experience with a dealer can ruin the reputation of an entire brand.

[mikmill]

Thx!!! A couple of lock to lock turns of the wheel and the light went off. This was the first time my ML320 went out in the snow so that may have something to do with it