Malfunction warnings
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
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E500
Malfunction warnings
I have a 2005 E500 4Matic Sedan. On start I have no malfunctions. After driving a few miles, two warnings appear: ESP and ABS. At this point, the cruise control ceases to operate and the Parktronic feature starts to light up and beep at every stop without anything nearby. A third malfunction appears shortly after: Service Brake - Visit Workshop. The main and auxiliary batteries have recently been replaced as has the brake light switch. I have not taken the vehicle to a shop yet to have it inspected but will do so once I get some advice on what may be going on. I welcome advice on these issues.
Thank-you!
Thank-you!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
How many miles on alternator brushes?
Are all tires the same size and wear?
Display car voltage on dashboard and drive with it observing if the voltage doesn't drop during driving.
If the voltage is OK, you might have acting wheel sensor or mismatched wheels.
Are all tires the same size and wear?
Display car voltage on dashboard and drive with it observing if the voltage doesn't drop during driving.
If the voltage is OK, you might have acting wheel sensor or mismatched wheels.
Thread Starter
Newbie
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E500
Thank-you kajtek1 for your quick reply. The car has 75,000 miles - original alternator I believe. All the tires are the same size and wear. The voltage display was UB 11.9V before starting. After starting it was 14.1V and remained at this level.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
I think it's weird that you're getting 14.1 volts running, because it definitely seems to be an alternator issue. Did you check voltage right after starting the car, or after driving a while and all your warning lights came on? Maybe after a few miles the voltage output begins to drop?
Might be worth taking it in to have both the battery and alternator tested at a shop. I think stores like Autozone and Pep Boys offer free testing.
Might be worth taking it in to have both the battery and alternator tested at a shop. I think stores like Autozone and Pep Boys offer free testing.
Thread Starter
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E500
The 14.1 V reading was after starting the car. It read 11.9 V before I started the car. It remained at 14.1 V level for the 15 minutes i drove the car during which time the three malfunction lights reappeared.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Was the voltage read taken on dash?
Those sometime show 0.5v less, so the battery read at 11.9 was actually 12.4V what is good.
But alternator reading at 14.1 might be real 14.6V what is over charge and what might trigger the errors.
Confirm the voltage with good meter directly on the battery, or at least cigarette lighter socket.
Those sometime show 0.5v less, so the battery read at 11.9 was actually 12.4V what is good.
But alternator reading at 14.1 might be real 14.6V what is over charge and what might trigger the errors.
Confirm the voltage with good meter directly on the battery, or at least cigarette lighter socket.
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I'm not sure exactly what your car has, but it does sound voltage related. Either voltage regulator or battery control module or something like that, don't know if your specific year has those or something similar. I don't think it's the alternator because you're getting a high enough reading. But as others suggested, if you take it to Autozone or Advance auto or most other auto parts places, you can have them check the battery and the charging system for free instead of going to the dealer.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
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E500
Update - So my mechanic has identified a faulty rear wheel speed sensor. Additionally, he tells me that the module (I think ABS module) is fried. The stealership price is $2100 OUCH! We are trying to locate a used module.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Post the computer printout here, so we can see how he come with fried module idea.
On such expense always seek 2nd opinion as there is long way from bad sensor to bad $2100 module
On such expense always seek 2nd opinion as there is long way from bad sensor to bad $2100 module
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 271
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From: NYC and LI
2004 Mercedes E500, 2008 Mercedes ML350
Get the part number and input it at partsgeek.com and at huskerparts.com to see what OEM and genuine parts are available. Sometimes, refurb parts are available, too. To check, try adding 88, 60 and/or 80 to the end of the part number. E.g. 0044661401 is the power steering pump on a 2004 E500. 004466140160 is a "genuine" from-the-dealer refurbished pump.
