SBC Always coming on?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 6
2014 E350
SBC Always coming on?
Hey guys,
I just purchased a 2006 e350 and have had it for a few weeks now. I took the car in for the sbc pump being so loud and always coming on. It's mostly when I am parked in a parking lot and run errands around town. Every time I open the drivers door or when I first start the car, bbbbbrrrrrraaaaaaaaapppppp there's the pump.
All TSB's have been done with the car at least that's what the SA told me. They did install what looks like the inline noise suppressor that is supposed to fix the problem.
My issue is it's still coming on all the time. Obviously I do not notice it as much when I am driving but every time I get into the car? Seriously it sounds like an air compressor on an RV. Is this what a 50k-60k$ car is supposed to do?
My question is do you guys notice yours this much or is it completely normal and I should get on with it.
Thank in advance.
I just purchased a 2006 e350 and have had it for a few weeks now. I took the car in for the sbc pump being so loud and always coming on. It's mostly when I am parked in a parking lot and run errands around town. Every time I open the drivers door or when I first start the car, bbbbbrrrrrraaaaaaaaapppppp there's the pump.
All TSB's have been done with the car at least that's what the SA told me. They did install what looks like the inline noise suppressor that is supposed to fix the problem.
My issue is it's still coming on all the time. Obviously I do not notice it as much when I am driving but every time I get into the car? Seriously it sounds like an air compressor on an RV. Is this what a 50k-60k$ car is supposed to do?
My question is do you guys notice yours this much or is it completely normal and I should get on with it.
Thank in advance.
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W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec
When you say all the time do you mean all the time? It should come on with about every five-ten presses of the brake pedal. If it is coming on after every press you do have a problem. Also, when the vehicle thinks it is going to be driven (unlocking or opening a door, etc), it will activate the pump if the pressure is a little low to bring it up to specs, which is normal.
Get in the car, turn on the ignition and do not start the car. Press the brake pedal as you would when slowing down in traffic. How often does the pump come on?
Instead of the brakes getting their power from your foot, they get it from the SBC pump. There is an accumulator (reservoir) that stores the pressure and this is released to apply the brakes when the pedal is pressed. When the reservoir gets down a little, the pump "fills it back up." If this is what you are experiencing, this is normal operation and is not a cause for concern. If you are looking for it all the time you will notice it.
Get in the car, turn on the ignition and do not start the car. Press the brake pedal as you would when slowing down in traffic. How often does the pump come on?
Instead of the brakes getting their power from your foot, they get it from the SBC pump. There is an accumulator (reservoir) that stores the pressure and this is released to apply the brakes when the pedal is pressed. When the reservoir gets down a little, the pump "fills it back up." If this is what you are experiencing, this is normal operation and is not a cause for concern. If you are looking for it all the time you will notice it.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Tampa, Florida
2017 E300W
As it is perpetually on and you hear it "all the time"?
Or only when you open the door? If the latter, hardly something to go ballistic over your RV "$50000 - $60000" car. Didn't your SA explain what SBC is doing? It's normal.
Or only when you open the door? If the latter, hardly something to go ballistic over your RV "$50000 - $60000" car. Didn't your SA explain what SBC is doing? It's normal.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2008
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2014 E350
Case in point. I have not driven my car all day today. About an hour ago as I got into the car and opened the drivers door the pump goes on for around 5 seconds and it's loud. I drive two blocks to starbucks and park. I am in there for about 5 minutes. As I get back into the car and start it the pump goes off again. This seems excessive to me.
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From: Orlando, FL
2026 AMG GT63 Pro
that's part of the programing of the pump...
every time the drivers door is opened the system primes itself for use, as if the driver would be getting in the car to drive away. unfortunately the car has no way of delineating between when you are opening the door to simply get something out or when you are actually getting in to drive.
hence why on all cars with sbc, such as the sl, doors can not be opened during the installation/removal of brake pads and rotors as it can cause injury to the technician through the build up of break pressure, leading to clamping down of the brake caliper.
nothing is wrong with your car, you just have a sophisticated braking system
hope this helps alleviate your frustrations!
chris
every time the drivers door is opened the system primes itself for use, as if the driver would be getting in the car to drive away. unfortunately the car has no way of delineating between when you are opening the door to simply get something out or when you are actually getting in to drive.
hence why on all cars with sbc, such as the sl, doors can not be opened during the installation/removal of brake pads and rotors as it can cause injury to the technician through the build up of break pressure, leading to clamping down of the brake caliper.
nothing is wrong with your car, you just have a sophisticated braking system
hope this helps alleviate your frustrations!
chris
Last edited by AMGTTV8; Dec 14, 2008 at 01:03 AM.
Thread Starter
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2014 E350
Here is a video of the sound it makes. Let me know if it is similar to any of your cars. All you have to do is get in the car and depress the brake pedal 2-10 times for the pump to come on. No key required.
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From: Covington wa
05 SL500, 02 BMW Z3 (Mrs. VF), 05 FJR1300, 91 ZX-11
The behavior is normal. The SBC pump supplies all the hydraulic pressure to the brakes so it operates regardless of key position. With the engine and key off, the pump should operate for a few seconds every 3 presses of the brake pedal.
The only issue I see is you think the pump is too loud. Kinda hard to diagnose over the internet.
The only issue I see is you think the pump is too loud. Kinda hard to diagnose over the internet.
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From: Caribbean/Florida/Colorado
E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
Hey guys,
I just purchased a 2006 e350 and have had it for a few weeks now. I took the car in for the sbc pump being so loud and always coming on. It's mostly when I am parked in a parking lot and run errands around town. Every time I open the drivers door or when I first start the car, bbbbbrrrrrraaaaaaaaapppppp there's the pump.
All TSB's have been done with the car at least that's what the SA told me. They did install what looks like the inline noise suppressor that is supposed to fix the problem.
My issue is it's still coming on all the time. Obviously I do not notice it as much when I am driving but every time I get into the car? Seriously it sounds like an air compressor on an RV. Is this what a 50k-60k$ car is supposed to do?
My question is do you guys notice yours this much or is it completely normal and I should get on with it.
Thank in advance.
I just purchased a 2006 e350 and have had it for a few weeks now. I took the car in for the sbc pump being so loud and always coming on. It's mostly when I am parked in a parking lot and run errands around town. Every time I open the drivers door or when I first start the car, bbbbbrrrrrraaaaaaaaapppppp there's the pump.
All TSB's have been done with the car at least that's what the SA told me. They did install what looks like the inline noise suppressor that is supposed to fix the problem.
My issue is it's still coming on all the time. Obviously I do not notice it as much when I am driving but every time I get into the car? Seriously it sounds like an air compressor on an RV. Is this what a 50k-60k$ car is supposed to do?
My question is do you guys notice yours this much or is it completely normal and I should get on with it.
Thank in advance.
To me it sounds like the TSB ground strap was installed wrong and is telegraphing the pump noise to the inner fender support. Or when "muffler hose" was installed it was done incorrectly (air introduced). Be careful who you let service your SBC #1 you can't do anything correctly with out SDS. #2 SBC is the most complex braking system on earth, it counts every brake application, pressure, and records it, it is significantly past the abilities of most techs even at Mercedes Benz dealerships. The upside, if you maintain your electrical system (both batteries) and follow instructions and early warnings in the MFD, SBC will serve you well, and it is covered by an extended warranty (ground strap caused this).
I have one question for you, What about all the other noises? I hear no less than 12 items "getting ready" before I even start the engine.
Last edited by Yacht Master; Dec 15, 2008 at 04:13 PM.
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
That does seem way too loud to me too. Although I never stick my ear under my front bumper, I'm pretty sure my car doesn't buzz that loud....
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From: Longmont, CO
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
That does sound much louder than my pump. Way louder. Also, even if I leave my car parked for 4 weeks, when I get in my car I only hear very faint clicking sounds, some hydraulic squirting-like sounds (very very faint though) and a very high pitch sound that most people can't hear. The pump only turns on about once in about 20 times that I go to my car and open the door. I have gotten used to it and I have gotten to like it. It is as if the car is waking up and I know that all is OK with it. When I get into my Audi, I always wonder if the battery is dead now since it does not make any sounds. If I want to turn on the pump, it takes about 5 times of pushing the brake pedal down for it turn on (this is before I even start the car).
I had all the SBC stuff done, the pulsation damper made it very quiet! I think that you should keep perusing this; I don't think that it should be turning on all the time like that, the accumulator might not be holding pressure quite well enough.
Just my thoughts,
Steve
I had all the SBC stuff done, the pulsation damper made it very quiet! I think that you should keep perusing this; I don't think that it should be turning on all the time like that, the accumulator might not be holding pressure quite well enough.
Just my thoughts,
Steve
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Mine was really quiet. SBC made no noise. However the red flag in the FSS indicating STOP Total Brake Failure.
On the tow truck there wasn't much noise from the pump either.
On the tow truck there wasn't much noise from the pump either.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2008
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05 E500
It is normal everytime you open your door or disarmed the car but I think yours is too loud or it is because it is inside the garage. Mine is noticeable when the car is inside the garage, but outside not really.
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2014 E350
Thanks Steve,
Yeah I took the car to the dealership this morning. They brought the tech out to look at it before they took the car back. The tech says "completely normal". I looked around for a car like mine with the sbc (there was one parked near us) and I asked the SA if we could simulate the noise with the other car. Sure enough as soon as the pump came on it was dead silent. Just a muffled pump noise barely noticeable. So a side by side comparison was done in front of the tech and the SA. Needless to say they took the car in. Funny thing was that the other car was exatly like mine, same color, year, options.
Also I don't know if you guys know this but if the pump ever malfunctions it's almost impossible to stop your car. Even the tech reaffirmed this. Even at 30-40mph you have a tough time just slowing down without the SBC operating. This was my concern. How would you know if the pump was going bad? Loud noise, going on constantly, etc? I don't know but I did not want to take a chance on it.
Will let you guys know what happens.
Yeah I took the car to the dealership this morning. They brought the tech out to look at it before they took the car back. The tech says "completely normal". I looked around for a car like mine with the sbc (there was one parked near us) and I asked the SA if we could simulate the noise with the other car. Sure enough as soon as the pump came on it was dead silent. Just a muffled pump noise barely noticeable. So a side by side comparison was done in front of the tech and the SA. Needless to say they took the car in. Funny thing was that the other car was exatly like mine, same color, year, options.
Also I don't know if you guys know this but if the pump ever malfunctions it's almost impossible to stop your car. Even the tech reaffirmed this. Even at 30-40mph you have a tough time just slowing down without the SBC operating. This was my concern. How would you know if the pump was going bad? Loud noise, going on constantly, etc? I don't know but I did not want to take a chance on it.
Will let you guys know what happens.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Thanks Steve,
Yeah I took the car to the dealership this morning. They brought the tech out to look at it before they took the car back. The tech says "completely normal". I looked around for a car like mine with the sbc (there was one parked near us) and I asked the SA if we could simulate the noise with the other car. Sure enough as soon as the pump came on it was dead silent. Just a muffled pump noise barely noticeable. So a side by side comparison was done in front of the tech and the SA. Needless to say they took the car in. Funny thing was that the other car was exatly like mine, same color, year, options.
Also I don't know if you guys know this but if the pump ever malfunctions it's almost impossible to stop your car. Even the tech reaffirmed this. Even at 30-40mph you have a tough time just slowing down without the SBC operating. This was my concern. How would you know if the pump was going bad? Loud noise, going on constantly, etc? I don't know but I did not want to take a chance on it.
Will let you guys know what happens.
Yeah I took the car to the dealership this morning. They brought the tech out to look at it before they took the car back. The tech says "completely normal". I looked around for a car like mine with the sbc (there was one parked near us) and I asked the SA if we could simulate the noise with the other car. Sure enough as soon as the pump came on it was dead silent. Just a muffled pump noise barely noticeable. So a side by side comparison was done in front of the tech and the SA. Needless to say they took the car in. Funny thing was that the other car was exatly like mine, same color, year, options.
Also I don't know if you guys know this but if the pump ever malfunctions it's almost impossible to stop your car. Even the tech reaffirmed this. Even at 30-40mph you have a tough time just slowing down without the SBC operating. This was my concern. How would you know if the pump was going bad? Loud noise, going on constantly, etc? I don't know but I did not want to take a chance on it.
Will let you guys know what happens.
For the record,, I will NEVER buy another car with total electronic SBC type braking.
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
When it fails you get a big red "TOTAL SBC BRAKE FAILURE STOP CAR" in red in the FSS. Unfortunately I would assume the computer thinks you are on a NO traffic road. Now,, ask how I know!.
For the record,, I will NEVER buy another car with total electronic SBC type braking.
For the record,, I will NEVER buy another car with total electronic SBC type braking.
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From: Orlando, FL
2026 AMG GT63 Pro
even if the system goes out there is still a back up system which works off of manual pressure...it doesnt mean you dont have brakes when the light comes on, it simply is letting you know that the computer is no longer helping you
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
... and you pretty much can't stop the car. Great Idea in theory, not so good in the real world, discontinued in 2007 MY cars.
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Correct, without SBC very high pedal pressure and very long stopping distance. Yes you can stop,, the question is will it stop before being stopped.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: oeiras, portugal
2002 W211 E220CDI classic silver
Hi! my 2003 w211 220cdi keeps the pump on too much time after the key is turned. the car is not starting, seems that some pressure or level is not reached and ECU do not strat the car.
is there any scheme of the sbc system we can use to check for leaks ?
is there any scheme of the sbc system we can use to check for leaks ?
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
How much time is too much? Can you use a stop watch to measure seconds. ? But from your note I understand the engine doesn't start either. The SBC is independant of starting the car. If your car is not starting you have other problems. When my SBC system totally failed the engine would still run and the car could drive,, granted very poor brakes.
I would look elsewhere to find why the car doesn't start.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: oeiras, portugal
2002 W211 E220CDI classic silver
well, the pump runs for 60 sec or more if the key is on the 2nd position (before ignition). In matter of fact, I do not know if that small black pump in front of the SBC is a part of the SBC system. That is the pumop that keeps working.
Conserning the fact that the car is not working, I'm trying to understand what's happening, today I changed the diesel filter and checked if the diesel reaches the HP pump what is afirmative.
Thanks for the help.
Conserning the fact that the car is not working, I'm trying to understand what's happening, today I changed the diesel filter and checked if the diesel reaches the HP pump what is afirmative.
Thanks for the help.
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
well, the pump runs for 60 sec or more if the key is on the 2nd position (before ignition). In matter of fact, I do not know if that small black pump in front of the SBC is a part of the SBC system. That is the pumop that keeps working.
Conserning the fact that the car is not working, I'm trying to understand what's happening, today I changed the diesel filter and checked if the diesel reaches the HP pump what is afirmative.
Thanks for the help.
Conserning the fact that the car is not working, I'm trying to understand what's happening, today I changed the diesel filter and checked if the diesel reaches the HP pump what is afirmative.
Thanks for the help.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: oeiras, portugal
2002 W211 E220CDI classic silver
well, i guess it's a circulation pump for the heating system, probably works when the rest button is pressed and some other times (eg when driver's door opens).
i would not bother too much if somebody tells me it does not relate with the fact that i can't start the engine...
i would not bother too much if somebody tells me it does not relate with the fact that i can't start the engine...
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
well, i guess it's a circulation pump for the heating system, probably works when the rest button is pressed and some other times (eg when driver's door opens).
i would not bother too much if somebody tells me it does not relate with the fact that i can't start the engine...
i would not bother too much if somebody tells me it does not relate with the fact that i can't start the engine...
Don't you get any malfunction messages? If you do not, the SBC pump should not prevent the car being started.
If your engine cranks but does not fire, that again could be a high pressure CDI pump issue, leakage somewhere or just worn out pump (how many miles does the car have), it could be injectors too. The ECU will not inject fuel before the rail pressure is high enough!
