ESP causing SC not to work?
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Joined: Jun 2010
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MB CLS AMG 55
ESP causing SC not to work?
Hey guys!
I have this CLS 55 AMG which i bought used for a very low price but it had (still has) problems.
The main problem that i have is that when i drive, i don't get any boost from SC. It's a fact, because we tried driving with Star diagnostic tool plugged in and it shows, that SC is off.
There are no errors in the system, except an error with steering wheel angle sensor. For some reason, it thinks that my steering wheel is -360 degrees off while it is in neutral position. Oftentimes i get ESp Malfunction message (80% of the time).
The guy who diagnosed the car said, that it is highly probable, that the reason why SC doesn't turn on maybe be in not properly functioning ESP and he strongly recommends swapping steering wheel angle sensor for a new one. While i agree to replace this sensor, i am kinda not sure that it will help with making SC work.
What do you fellas think?
I have this CLS 55 AMG which i bought used for a very low price but it had (still has) problems.
The main problem that i have is that when i drive, i don't get any boost from SC. It's a fact, because we tried driving with Star diagnostic tool plugged in and it shows, that SC is off.
There are no errors in the system, except an error with steering wheel angle sensor. For some reason, it thinks that my steering wheel is -360 degrees off while it is in neutral position. Oftentimes i get ESp Malfunction message (80% of the time).
The guy who diagnosed the car said, that it is highly probable, that the reason why SC doesn't turn on maybe be in not properly functioning ESP and he strongly recommends swapping steering wheel angle sensor for a new one. While i agree to replace this sensor, i am kinda not sure that it will help with making SC work.
What do you fellas think?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 315
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From: Los Angeles
CLS
What I can tell you is that sensor in the column that throws that error code also makes other randon systems fail. When that sensor needed replacing in my car it was intermittent. I could turn the wheel lock to lock, turn the car off and restart and the error message would go away for a day or so. When it threw that code, my airmatic would fail and the ride would get really rough/stiff.
My point? that while I can't verify that that inexpensive steering wheel sensor is causing your S/C to not operate, I can tell you that other systems in my car became disabled when the message was displayed. Mine was warranty so I cna't tell you how much it cost to replace.
My point? that while I can't verify that that inexpensive steering wheel sensor is causing your S/C to not operate, I can tell you that other systems in my car became disabled when the message was displayed. Mine was warranty so I cna't tell you how much it cost to replace.
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MB CLS AMG 55
Yeah, in my car the error messages is not always present. What's interesting is that this sensor always sends incorrect data, like -360 degrees while the steering wheel is in neutral position. This is the only unstable part in the system, according to error messages. There are no other error.
The SC by itself is OK, because it can be turned on by Star tool, even while driving. But it never turns on automatically. I checked IC pump and it is totally ok according to temperatures. So... i'll be replacing that sensor. I just can't wait for 4 weeks, since they don't have it in stock.
The SC by itself is OK, because it can be turned on by Star tool, even while driving. But it never turns on automatically. I checked IC pump and it is totally ok according to temperatures. So... i'll be replacing that sensor. I just can't wait for 4 weeks, since they don't have it in stock.
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From: Sydney,Australia
E55,S500,C200 KOMP,SV300 ,LANDCRUISER SAHARA
Yeah, in my car the error messages is not always present. What's interesting is that this sensor always sends incorrect data, like -360 degrees while the steering wheel is in neutral position. This is the only unstable part in the system, according to error messages. There are no other error.
The SC by itself is OK, because it can be turned on by Star tool, even while driving. But it never turns on automatically. I checked IC pump and it is totally ok according to temperatures. So... i'll be replacing that sensor. I just can't wait for 4 weeks, since they don't have it in stock.
The SC by itself is OK, because it can be turned on by Star tool, even while driving. But it never turns on automatically. I checked IC pump and it is totally ok according to temperatures. So... i'll be replacing that sensor. I just can't wait for 4 weeks, since they don't have it in stock.
regards sonny
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cypress, TX
'06 E55, '15 Jeep SRT8, '94 Mustang GT
While I cant confirm that the SAS is causing the problem, I can relate even though I'm in an E55. My SAS has been throwing the error message and I swear the car is slower when that error is present. In regards to it affecting other systems, my cruise control and active headlights also throw errors at the same time. I haven't had time to get it fixed under warranty....hopefully the first week in September. Your comment about a 4 week backorder is heartbreaking, though. 
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MB CLS AMG 55
My SAS arrives in about 10 days or so, so i am going to install a new one and see what happens. Actually, i am kinda reluctant to believe that it will make SC active, but... who knows.
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From: Cypress, TX
'06 E55, '15 Jeep SRT8, '94 Mustang GT
My steering angle sensor was replaced at the dealer yesterday and I can comfirm that the s/c shuts down when an ESP error is present. The car feels completely different now. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Cypress, TX
'06 E55, '15 Jeep SRT8, '94 Mustang GT
Did the SAS replacement eliminate your ESP error? Were you only getting an ESP error before the fix? No other errors were present? The reason I ask is because I also had cruise control and active headlight errors, both of which are dependent on signals from the SAS.
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MB CLS AMG 55
Yes, there is no ESP error anymore and it was only present before the replacement. I didn't get any adaptive headlight errors but i couldn't use cruise control after ESP error was lit (the error wasn't present all the time, i think SAS was working but very unstable).
There are no more errors left in the system. So i am going to try to replace the ECU to see if it helps.
There are no more errors left in the system. So i am going to try to replace the ECU to see if it helps.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cypress, TX
'06 E55, '15 Jeep SRT8, '94 Mustang GT
I'd try and do a little more diagnostic before replacing the ECU. Maybe a second opinion from someone else? Are you sure your s/c clutch is good?
I there was an easy way to plumb a boost guage to these motors, you could monitor your s/c engagement via that, but sadly....
I there was an easy way to plumb a boost guage to these motors, you could monitor your s/c engagement via that, but sadly....
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MB CLS AMG 55
I am absolutely positive that the S/C itself and the clutch are good. With the STAR Diagnose connected, you can check the s/c, there is a function that tests it. So my S/C can be turned on/off via this testing tool, but it doesn't engage on its own. I tried driving with Star plugged in and it is evident that S/C doesn't kick in
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Sherman Oaks, CA
06 CLS55 w/ P030, 05 Jag S Type R, 05 TBird-68 Dodge Charger R/T-440 w/4speed I'm original owner
I am absolutely positive that the S/C itself and the clutch are good. With the STAR Diagnose connected, you can check the s/c, there is a function that tests it. So my S/C can be turned on/off via this testing tool, but it doesn't engage on its own. I tried driving with Star plugged in and it is evident that S/C doesn't kick in
It sounds like your doing a trial and error repair. If you are paying for this stuff it must be getting expensive. In any event, sounds like a lot of stuff was unnecessarily replaced. At this point, I suggest you cut your loses and bring it to a MB Dealer with the understanding that you will pay only for part(s) required to fix the problem (as opposed to what you have been doing).
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From: Bowie, Md
2006 CLS500 with 55 AMG motor, 2008 Infiniti G35, 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager
