Brake System & Electronics Going Nuts
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 31
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From: San Francisco
2012 E350 Cabriolet
Brake System & Electronics Going Nuts
Just yesterday, the Brake System went nuts in my 2001 CLK 320 Cab. I had the exact same problem occur on my 2000 E320, only it was intermittent, so I could never reproduce it for the service advisor.
For no apparent reason, after stepping on the brake pedal the first time after starting the car, all the brake-releated systems malfunction (ESP, BAS, ABS) with warnings in the display panel, and all my brake lights stop functioning. The brakes themselves continue to function. Re-starting the car, and activating various other electrical items (headlights, fog lights, ESP switch, etc.), have no effect.
At least this time, the problem is consistently happening every time I start the car, so I've got it with the dealer now for service and was able to demonstrate the problem to them. But I'm curious if anyone else has experienced this.
Another strange coincidence - this problem started just a few weeks after my first service (A). Nearly exactly the same timing as with my E320. Hmmm...
For no apparent reason, after stepping on the brake pedal the first time after starting the car, all the brake-releated systems malfunction (ESP, BAS, ABS) with warnings in the display panel, and all my brake lights stop functioning. The brakes themselves continue to function. Re-starting the car, and activating various other electrical items (headlights, fog lights, ESP switch, etc.), have no effect.
At least this time, the problem is consistently happening every time I start the car, so I've got it with the dealer now for service and was able to demonstrate the problem to them. But I'm curious if anyone else has experienced this.
Another strange coincidence - this problem started just a few weeks after my first service (A). Nearly exactly the same timing as with my E320. Hmmm...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
2012 E350 Cabriolet
Thanks for the reply Bjorn. Just heard from my dealer and it was, in fact, the main brake sensor unit. Apparently when that thing goes, it sends all sorts of red alerts to systems all over the car.
Still a bit disappointed that you and I both had this problem with a 2000 model and it's still showing up in a 2001. I would have hoped they would figure out why this thing is failing.
Still a bit disappointed that you and I both had this problem with a 2000 model and it's still showing up in a 2001. I would have hoped they would figure out why this thing is failing.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 172
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From: CT
Had a frantic call from the wife on her way to work about the "ABS problem, get service asap" message. It was on a 2002 c230 with 2600 miles. She came home and swapped cars (poor me, had to drive the 230 instead of the minivan). I called the dealer and was told it is the sensor. Guess they are still having problems even in newer models.
I was told that it is safe to drive, and they arranged to get me in at my convenience tomorrow, Saturday, for the fix.
The painful reality I discovered while building research equipment in graduate school: every component is a potential malfunction. Guess this is the price for all the whiz bang gizmos.
I was told that it is safe to drive, and they arranged to get me in at my convenience tomorrow, Saturday, for the fix.
The painful reality I discovered while building research equipment in graduate school: every component is a potential malfunction. Guess this is the price for all the whiz bang gizmos.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 411
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From: Los Angeles
All you have to do is restart the car.
It's happened about 4 times on my '00 CLK430, but oddly enough ONLY after I got my first brake service done- it started happening that night....
Restart the car, and you'll get ABS, ESP, and whatever else back in working order.
It's happened about 4 times on my '00 CLK430, but oddly enough ONLY after I got my first brake service done- it started happening that night....
Restart the car, and you'll get ABS, ESP, and whatever else back in working order.
