BAS, ESP, ABS problem.....DIY repair
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 626
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles, CA
'03 E55 (My Daily), '01 ML 320 (Wifey), Twin Turbo '69 Camaro (In Progess)
BAS, ESP, ABS problem.....DIY repair
Had my damn ABS, ESP and BAS lights come on again in my ride on the 405 today. 
Looked back at my receipts and I had the stop lamp switch replaced just over a year ago (special thanks to Bosch for their inferior electronics). Light seems to come on after the car is started and the brakes are applied. I decided that I would attempt to repair it myself versus paying the stealership $75 for a 15 minute repair job. Stop lamp switches run about $15-25 at the dealership and the switch is fairly easy to access after removal of the plastic access panel under our dash. Curious if anyone else has done this and if I need to disconnect the battery after the install to reset everything. I will digital photographs to help others that try this in the future. Realize though that the problem could potentially be a wheel sensor so we'll see what happens and if this fixes it. The error code is 1584 for a faulty stop lamp switch for those with access to diagnostics. Will hopefully save me some $$$ this time!
Looked back at my receipts and I had the stop lamp switch replaced just over a year ago (special thanks to Bosch for their inferior electronics). Light seems to come on after the car is started and the brakes are applied. I decided that I would attempt to repair it myself versus paying the stealership $75 for a 15 minute repair job. Stop lamp switches run about $15-25 at the dealership and the switch is fairly easy to access after removal of the plastic access panel under our dash. Curious if anyone else has done this and if I need to disconnect the battery after the install to reset everything. I will digital photographs to help others that try this in the future. Realize though that the problem could potentially be a wheel sensor so we'll see what happens and if this fixes it. The error code is 1584 for a faulty stop lamp switch for those with access to diagnostics. Will hopefully save me some $$$ this time!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 626
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles, CA
'03 E55 (My Daily), '01 ML 320 (Wifey), Twin Turbo '69 Camaro (In Progess)
Picked up the stop lamp switch today and installed it and it seems to have fixed the problem. To replace the switch, you will first need to remove the 4 phillips head screws (see pic one) that hold the access panel in place. There are three along the sides of the panel and one near the hood release handle. You will then locate the stop lamp switch by following the brake pedal up until you find a black pastic switch with two small wiring harnesses connected to it (see second pic). Remove the switch by pushing the attached pastic lever and rotating it clockwise. It will then free itself from its position and you can remove the two harnesses. Installation takes place in the reverse order. Took me 15 minutes for the job and another 10 to sip a cold beer afterwards. Cheers! 
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 48
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From: Georgia
After replacement of the switch, you will want to pull up on the brake pedal slightly to set for proper adjustment of the switch. MB use to have you put a 2mm spacer (2 radio key worked) between the switch and stop for correct adjustment, but they changed the design so no need for the spacer.Just wanted to give a little extra info, but you provided some good DIY info .
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,221
Likes: 11
From: Sydney, Australia
W203 slightly modified
Originally Posted by ricky.agrawal
You guys gotta PM me or something about merging or whatever, I rarely check this forum.
As for integrating it into the How to, I think it'll serve a better purpose as a seperate thread.
As for integrating it into the How to, I think it'll serve a better purpose as a seperate thread.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
Originally Posted by benzmodz
You do of course realise that thanks for white elephants like TOW thread that grow for no good reason that this thread will eventually be pushed out of this forum like some many other useful pages about modding.
If you find anything that doesn't abide by the TOS or common civilty, please alert me so I can address it properly
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 621
Likes: 2
From: Mile High City
W208
Part Number
Part number for this switch on my 01' W208 is 001-545-64-09 cost $13.80. Took all off 15 mins, maybe less. Shout out to bbearden for the tip. Saved me time and money.Next Blower Switch! 
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2001 CLK55
Nice Job Bbearden, I had the same problem with my 2001 CLK55 24,000 miles. I followed your recommendation and the easy change of switch seems to have fixed the problem. Cost me $22.95 for part.
Thank you!!!!
Thank you!!!!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 626
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles, CA
'03 E55 (My Daily), '01 ML 320 (Wifey), Twin Turbo '69 Camaro (In Progess)
Glad I could help you out! I don't get worried when I see that light flash these days, knowing how simple the fix is.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 626
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles, CA
'03 E55 (My Daily), '01 ML 320 (Wifey), Twin Turbo '69 Camaro (In Progess)
None other than typical routine maintainance.....fuel/oil/air filter changes. The MAF sensor is an easy fix as well when it goes. Always a good idea to carry a can of CRC mass air folw sensor cleaner in the trunk if you get caught on the road with that problem. Its a good temporary fix until you can get a new sensor in. Thats most of the problems your Benz will have that I have noticed, other than an another occasional electrical gremlin.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 565
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From: the OC, So Cal
2000 CLK 320
I agree that this should be part of the How To. I have also encountered this problem and will want to look it up. It seems like a lot of other people have this problem too.
Just copy his post, along with the pictures, and insert the part # mentioned in another post to the How To sticky in this forum.
Just copy his post, along with the pictures, and insert the part # mentioned in another post to the How To sticky in this forum.
Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 98
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From: Lake mary, Florida
00 clk 320 and 3 hondas. Darn I am down to 4 cars.
ad me to the list of repaired BAS ESP ABS malfunctions.
I got tired of the three malfunctions everytime I started the car and stepped on the brake pedal. $24 for the switch from the dealer, they have them in stock since it seems to be such a common problem.
5 minute repair and all you need is a screw driver. So nice not to see the yellow lights on the corner of the cluster
I got tired of the three malfunctions everytime I started the car and stepped on the brake pedal. $24 for the switch from the dealer, they have them in stock since it seems to be such a common problem.
5 minute repair and all you need is a screw driver. So nice not to see the yellow lights on the corner of the cluster
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,178
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From: Los Angeles, California
2000 CLK 430
$17 bucks and some change....and I got this DYI done today. Thanks bbearden for the great write up.
note: I have a 2000 and my stop light switch has 2 big white color harness plugs rather than the black plug and that silver prong you see in the above picture
note: I have a 2000 and my stop light switch has 2 big white color harness plugs rather than the black plug and that silver prong you see in the above picture
Last edited by CurYousGee; Apr 4, 2006 at 12:54 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 523
Likes: 1
From: Hollywood North
CLK 55 ///AMG Cabrio, ML63 ///AMG
My CLK has been doing this on and off as well for a year now. I'll get around to changing this soon especially since someone here was nice enough to take some pics explaining how it's done.
It's been a minor annoyance.
Thanks.
It's been a minor annoyance.
Thanks.
