- Mercedes-Benz E-Class: How to Replace Brake Line
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs
"Brake - Visit Workshop" message = stop light switch = $10 part / 10 minute Easy DIY
If the switch doesn't clear the [BRAKE service brakes visit workshop] (in white) would be cool if I could get someone with SDS to
read the codes for me. whats that you say Mackhack, your in socal? stop it, really? me too
I need to do the rear pads this weekend. Do I need to disconnect SBC for he rear pad replacement also?
Thank you
For the price of this part ($9 with MB Club discount) and the very easy install, it's worth trying before anything else. Dealers stock this part as it frequently goes bad.
Malfunction displayed: "Brake - Visit Workshop".
Car would also not start with Keyless Go, had to insert key.
Car drove & braked fine, but message would appear after every restart.
Problem was: bad brake switch, also called stop switch or brake light switch.
****snippage here*****
Why pay $100+ at the dealer?
tested the old switch with an ohm meter and it seems tpo work.. open when depressed and closed when NOT depressed..
checked the codes with a generic code reader.. no codes set..
all brake pads and rotors recently replaced..
SO, now what anyone..

Most forget, the brake light switch has its own fuse. Have you checked already?
Most forget, the brake light switch has its own fuse. Have you checked already?
fuse..?! (slapping forehead)
ok, i'll look at the various fuse clusters sunday afternoon.. thanks for the hint..

codes.. none on the generic code reader..
the star diag system is SO cumbersome to use i'm a bit reluctant to dive into that time vacuum..
NOW there is a flashing red BRAKE and the message is saying that the braking sbility is reduced..
yet driving the car it brakes just as normal..
AND there seems to be the sound of a pump of some sort running from time to time while driving..
any thoughts now, maybe where the fuse is if nothing else..?

thanks for any help offered..
The Best of Mercedes & AMG

If you really want to diagnose it, you need to get a code reader that will do MB specific codes. SBC probably doesn't trigger any CEL lights because that's usually just engine and emissions error codes. There are cheaper MB code readers out there that just read all MB codes in the $100-$200 range and not as crazy as star.
If you really want to diagnose it, you need to get a code reader that will do MB specific codes. SBC probably doesn't trigger any CEL lights because that's usually just engine and emissions error codes. There are cheaper MB code readers out there that just read all MB codes in the $100-$200 range and not as crazy as star.
SBC..?
got a link to your other thread..?
will be calling the dealer during daytime hours today..

thanks..
For the price of this part ($9 with MB Club discount) and the very easy install, it's worth trying before anything else. Dealers stock this part as it frequently goes bad.
Malfunction displayed: "Brake - Visit Workshop".
Car would also not start with Keyless Go, had to insert key.
Car drove & braked fine, but message would appear after every restart.
Problem was: bad brake switch, also called stop switch or brake light switch.
PN: A001-545-40-09 for my 2004, there is one other part number for later years (A001-545-44-09) - verify the correct part with your VIN.
On the online EPC (https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/)
look under Group 54: Electrical Equipment & Instruments
Subgroup: 640: Switch, #70 on the diagram.
To change this part, remove the black plastic panel above the driver's footwell:
remove 3 torx bolts & pull apart the white large round connector in the middle, then pull panel out, no need to unhook the various electrical connections, just pull the panel part way out.
The black switch is above the brake pedal, along the metal arm of the pedal. If you have the replacement part in hand you will easily see where it is. Unplug the wire connection and then turn the switch 90 degrees to the right to easily remove.
The new one will only go in one way, plug in the wire connector, and replace the black trim panel.
Total time was 9 minutes! Malfunction message gone!
Why pay $100+ at the dealer?
First experience with a w211 I had this message intermittently. I pulled the switch to read the part number, ordered the part and put the switch back. The new part is still sitting on my workbench. Seems like I could have saved $10 just by fiddling with the connection





