wease206

when do you change the filter and fluid on the ABC system?
The MB-Stealer told me never change the the fluid or filter until if there and
system failure>>>>is that ture(rodeo time)
they also told me that the only time you add fluid is when it low they say
that if it work fine leave it alone..just checking up on from time to time

Bo CL500

i will do it every 30K, fluid and filter cost me $65 - $100 i cant remember. small price to pay to keep it running good

djamer

ABC Fluid check takes place with every Service B (either 30,000 or 40,000) depending on your driving habits. I got mine flushed at 33,000 few wks ago and the mb master technician i spoke to said it's recommended at 40,000 miles to flush out the fluid.

wease206

HOW DO YOU FLUSH IT?
WHERE IS THE FILTER LOCATED AT?
CAN YOU DIY?
DO YOU NEED MACHINE TO FLUSH IT?

~CL500~

Gents,
The new MB recommended procedure is "filter" instead of "flush". The difference primarily being, you clean your old fluid instead of replacing it. This is done by installing a new ABC filter (3 micron type) and running the rodeo program twice (15 minutes each interval I believe) and then replacing the ABC filter again. This ensures that all the fluid in the system traverses the filter and is cleaned. In addition to it being the recommended procedure, it's also substantially cheaper as ABC fluid is about $35 per liter and you need about 10 if I'm not mistaken for the entire system.

This is not officially regular maintenance; Rather, this procedure is used for uneven vehicle height when parked for a while as the suspect is dirty fluid "sticking" the valves in the valve blocks. For preventative maintenance, it's obviously a good idea.

Jud Chapin

How and when is the "rodeo" procedure performed?

~CL500~

The filter method uses the rodeo procedure. First change the filter then immediately thereafter run the rodeo program twice using SDS. Then change the filter again.

Jud Chapin

Do you have the SDS system and, if so, where'd you get it and how much $?

~CL500~

Unfortunately, I don't have Star Diagnostics (SDS). Your options are a dealership, indy or possibly even another forum member in your area.

Admittedly, I have not done this procedure fully yet. I only replaced the filter to the 3 micron type. An indy in my area has SDS, but I haven't had the time really to go there and wait it out.

sequelman

I just had my ABC checked due to a droning noise at lower rpm's. The culprit was the ABC dampner which I had replaced at a cost of $559 the part was only $159 but labor was $400. They also suggested that I get the ABC fluid flushed and quoted me $688 just for the flush doesn't that seem extremely high?

floridakraut

Had a leaky left rear strut. Replaced it and had MB technician hook up Lap top to check all settings and "rodeo" all the struts. System will not let him perform this (Unknown reason in other words he can not reset system) Replaced strut is at a constant height and does not adjust. I can however manually raise or lower car via the rocker switch on dash. Tried it twice. still no luck. ABC warning is displayed on dash (in white/not red) and I can reset it, but have to do it every time I start the car plus the car does not feel good going over anything other than baby butt smooth surface. ANY IDEAS?

Bo CL500

yes thats way too much, is it from a dealer?

Ifari

$400???

I had the same job done and was billed 1 hr. labour by the technician. I went prepared with the MB STAR SERVICE Manual LibraryDVD and tipped him $20 on the road test for a job well done.

The DVD states:
In cases of 'hum' or 'drone' noise under the car, the hydraulic lines must be inspected to see if they are contacting the chassis (approx. 20- 45 min. for front and rear inspections) and if no contact, then the Dampener/Accumulator must be changed.


My Dampener was re/re in under 15 minutes, BUT I expected to be billed at least an hour for the time spent trouble shooting.

Let me show you how to get some money back.....

Go to the dealer and buy the $100 MB STAR SERVICE MANUAL Library DVD for the 215 CL. This will be a most treasured resource to have as it is used by MB techs and is available for purchase by MB owners. In it you will find every technical service bulletin and repair and inspection procedure for every known problem with our cars. It will also describe the above procedures and the time expected for the job. Armed with that knowledge, speak to the Operations Mgr. and tell them you'd like a credit/refund.

The rest is up to you.

The fluid flush is an other matter that may seem a high cost, but is priced fairly. 10 litres of ABC hydraulic fluid at $30/ltr. and approx. 3 hrs labour works out about right.

Jud Chapin

Is this CD the WIS system?

~CL500~

It's the over the counter service manual you can get for specific MB models. The content is derived from WIS, but it's not WIS per se. The installation is easier than WIS as it's not client/server architecture. It's also more user friendly. I'm not sure if it's more limited in content that WIS either.

http://www.mercedesmanuals.com/2000_...0022021507.htm

Jud Chapin

A little steep...have you seen it on Ebay?

Ifari

LOL....<$150 is a small price for the knowledge contained within the STAR DVD.
It is less than half what the Sequelman overpaid and will pay for itself many times over.

Jud Chapin

This may be but I already have the WIS software which is used by MB dealers and available at a small fraction of the price. I would suggest everyone checking into it prior to laying out $150. Just my 2 cents worth.

http://auto-manuals.biz/

Ifari

Cool, looks good.

Jud Chapin

Keep in mind that this software can be a bear to install. Follow the directions to a tee and you should have no problem. The best directions I found are provided on a video that was made available on line when I bought mine. Actually, I may end up also buying this other software made available by MB but not until I find it a lot cheaper. It will show up up on Ebay eventually for a lot less. You can't have too much info on hand when working on cars, especially involving the CL.

Oxygen

Here is a video of my S600 performing the rodeo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkRvV2iWZZw

Oxygen

Rodeo on a 230: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chJvO...eature=channel

m4xm1l10n

I just had that done to my SL . it was performing like a fukin bull on the rodeo

Now Oxygen a question for you . Once that rodeo is performed , does that means it had a flush done ? The block valve blew on mine and i lost all my fluid on the highway .

wease206

ABC valve block (rear by the passenger side) is leaking a little fluid part cost 791 whole sale price 591 labor is 400. is there a better way to fix this or this is the only way ( by replace the unit). Also the filter is only to be change if it need to be change that what they inform me about becuase the filter play with the power steering pump, even if the ABC line connect is that true?

IngenereAMG

We stock OEM STAR systems. They are $4500. If you plan on doing your own work and/or diagnosis, it is an invaluable tool. Aside from diagnoses, there are many procedures that can be performed, even lowering your car. That is how we lowered mine!