ESP/BAS warning after towing
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Canada
2002 C230 Coupe
ESP/BAS warning after towing
Hey Guys,
So I had to have my car towed yesterday due to faulty lug bolts (long story....). One of the front wheels weren't drivable so they needed to tow having the rear tires on the ground.
Since the car was rear wheel drive, the tow truck driver told me to put the car in neutral with the engine on (to circulate tranny fluid). After towing the infamous ESP/BAS error warning came on. I have since tried to re-sync by turning the steering wheel all the left and right but it didn't work.
Could this form of towing have damaged something? (rear wheel tow w/tranny in neutral & engine on)
Any advice would be appreciated.
Rich...
So I had to have my car towed yesterday due to faulty lug bolts (long story....). One of the front wheels weren't drivable so they needed to tow having the rear tires on the ground.
Since the car was rear wheel drive, the tow truck driver told me to put the car in neutral with the engine on (to circulate tranny fluid). After towing the infamous ESP/BAS error warning came on. I have since tried to re-sync by turning the steering wheel all the left and right but it didn't work.
Could this form of towing have damaged something? (rear wheel tow w/tranny in neutral & engine on)
Any advice would be appreciated.
Rich...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Canada
2002 C230 Coupe
Well good news. I drove down the block a bit, stopped tried turning the wheel left-right again a couple times....turned engine off...turned back on...no more errors 
. So go figure....I guess driving it a bit helped some how...
. So go figure....I guess driving it a bit helped some how...
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Yes, I just got my car jumped (think the gauge install I had done is draining the battery). Tried to do the same clearing that you did, but it just went away after about 3 miles without doing any more.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,545
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
1999 CLK320 (sold), 2007 C230 SS (gone), 2000 Grand Marquis, 2011 CR-Z, stay tuned...
I was under the impression that the tow button on the dash only turns off the tilt alarm on the car so that the alarm doesn't go off when it's picked up.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: VA
THE C350
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
+1 - You won't have done any damage on a short tow with the engine running. The ESP got excited because of turning rear wheels with front stationary. It get's all pissed off if there is a 2-3% difference front to rear. Just needed a reboot & some normal running. The steering angle reset needs 5 turns lock to lock.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,537
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2006 C350 Sport 6MT
I'm glad you didnt do any damage. Check this out:
Towing of Vehicle Note
• Alternatively vehicle can be towed with drive axle lifted
• If this is not possible then vehicle can be towed (preferable with
a tow bar rather than a rope) under the following conditions / limitations:
1. Turn key to position 2
2. Selector lever to position ‘N’
3. Max. towing speed 31 mph
4. Max. towing distance 31 miles
Note: If towing speed or distance is exceeded, then further transmission
damage can occur.
• Alternatively vehicle can be towed with drive axle lifted
• If this is not possible then vehicle can be towed (preferable with
a tow bar rather than a rope) under the following conditions / limitations:
1. Turn key to position 2
2. Selector lever to position ‘N’
3. Max. towing speed 31 mph
4. Max. towing distance 31 miles
Note: If towing speed or distance is exceeded, then further transmission
damage can occur.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 191
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Yeah - he got away with it because the engine was running which drives the Tranny oil pumps. One should really do as Frank says.
