Jerry2197

I did all the pads and sensors a few months ago. And the car has been fine BUT I am starting to get the brake warning, and now im getting this red warning.
Everything is working fine, I pulled all the wheels and looked everything over. All the pads and sensors are fine. Bake pedal feels fine.

What would be the next step? I'm thinking the small battery under the hood is on its way out? Is there a way to test it at home? or do i need to take it in to a auto parts store to load test it.
Could the stupid pump be on its way out?

The brake Pedal switch?


My Girlfriend drove the car over 50 miles yesterday and she did not get the red warring. it has only turned red twice in the last two weeks.

konigstiger

Have dealer check SBC under extended warranty.

Jerry2197

I was going to have them check it, If its free for them to check it.

miniion26

SBC failing, most likely. They have checked mine, free of charge, set the appointment and that was it. I have asked for a loaner and got one. Not sure if they offer it unless you ask before.

Cambz

The SBC back up battery is just a motorcycle battery. Open the cover, use a multi meter check for DC Volts, should be around 12.0 or more. Also if you do the check with the car running it should show higher vintage than when checking it with the car off. If it shows the same voltage car on & car off you charging curcuit has a problem like a blown fuse.

There is also the brake switch that could be bad, check this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/242478-brake-visit-workshop-message-stop-light-switch-10-part-10-minute-easy-diy.html

If it's not either of those it's probably the SBC pump, supposidly the dealer is only allowed to cover The SBC if the actual pump fails, I guess there are 2 fault codes that MB covers the repair, unless this has changed since the NHTSA settlement?

Hope this helps

Jerry2197

Thank you
I checked the battery this weekend It was at 12.38V So I think its good.
If the brake switch under the dash was bad would the brake lights still work? My brake lights work just fine. i have the brake warning visit work shop as soon as I get in the car. I get the red warning like every other day.

bbirdwell

Get the car repaired ASAP before you kill yourself and/or someone else. If you don't have the proper diagnostic tools to troubleshoot and repair, take it to someone who does. The SBC system is not your grandfather's hydraulic system; this is literally a brake-by-wire system with minimal safety backups.

jaydub727

I'm scheduled to bring my 03 in this weekend. I've already requested a loaner, so I'm happy they offer that service. 1. Do they charge your credit card any sort of deposit? 2. How long before you knew if your repair was covered? 3. did you get to keep the loaner until the replacement was taken care of?

miniion26

They do not charge your card, as long as the repairs are limited to the SBC related issue, and covered as well. In my case, I rolled with the car in and they did a diagnosis for about 45 min. Then we rescheduled for a week later. No credit card needed at any time.
It was at that point that I have asked for a loaner, and got it, but they never offered.
I kept the loaner for 2 days, since I could not get back in time to the dealership. No issue there.
Hope this helps. Good luck!

miniion26

I cannot stress how right birdwell is. My car got the warning as I was backing out my driveway into steady traffic. I barely stopped before rolling out onto the street. After I have caught my breath, I did restart it, checked if everything was ok
and drove STRAIGHT to the stealership.

Jerry2197

Loaner
Update on my car.
Finally got around to taking it to the dealership.
My 2004 E-320 is getting the SBC pump replaced under the 25 year warranty thing.
I haven't been getting the red warning,but every time I get in the car the brake warning is on in white letters in the center of the speedo.

I should be getting it back Monday.
Got a loaner car for free as well.

Bankroll

Now that is how to take care of business! Don't fall in love with the loaner car, it has to go back.

Jerry2197

Lol
No. It's a nice car,but I like mine better even though mine is older.

Jerry2197

So the dealership replaced the SBC pump. But while my car was in the shop they said the battery was dead Monday morning and had to jump start the car.
Both batteries are only a year old and I've never had a problem.
Now it's got the red warning (battery visit workshop)
They said the battery control module in the trunk is bad,and want 716$ to replace it.
I'm going to look for one on eBay I guess.

konigstiger

Discuss attachments with service manager. If within VIN range A014562 – A418838 have dealer check VMI to see if campaign 2005060008 is applicable and has been completed, if not completed BCU software update/replacement is free. Campaign not applicable 211 up to A910647 & X199558 BCU software may simple need to be updated. Uncooperative, here are compatible replacement part #s.

Jerry2197

Wouldn't they have checked for that? They want 700$ to fix it. I guess ill print this out and take it to the dealer and ask. Just see what happens.

I checked my VIN number and I have to recalls to do on the car.

Jerry2197

I got a used BCM off Flea bay 80$
Car is fixed.
I can't believe the dealership wanted 700plus dollars to replace it.

miniion26

Well, that's their bread and butter. You'd be surprised how many folks are coughing up that cash when told to do so.

Leej

@Jerry2197 Is replacing the BCM, just a simply swap? Do you need to do anything else? Any programming or just connect the replacement and go?

Lee

Jerry2197

Its held on by two screws. One battery cable hooked to it and one connector.
SUPER SUPER easy, I didn't unhook the battery. Just swapped it right out. I did not need to reprogram anything.... No problems since i swapped it out. Going to put the car up for sale soon.