ESC Inoperative Error
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 489
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2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
Originally Posted by tdpthagenius
Did replacing the pedal work for you? I replaced mine and took it for a test drive at night...went over a hump in the road and esc inoperable message appeared again...took a right turn with little deceleration, message appeared...
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 48
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From: San Diego
2022 CLS450 2011 Boxster Spyder 2022 Bayliss V2
2012 w212 e350 gas pedal sensor issue
I have this exact same issue. Twice on a cold start after leaving work I floored the gas to pull out in traffic and the car went into limp mode. I had to pull off the road and restart the car which reset the car to normal. I drove it around some back streets to test it and it did it again. I took it to an Indy and had same code you posted. I took it to dealer and the gas pedal tested ok. There was a TSB to replace gas pedal cable pins at the ECU cable harness $400. About 1 month later same issue same code. Dealer said ECU would have to be replaced if it occurred again. Started at 70k miles owned it since new. No modications.
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2
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From: Minneapolis, MN
W204 C300 2010
ESC inoperative error
Hi there.
I'm curious to know if you've ever figured out what causes this. Happened twice in the last month on my C300 2010. Thanks
I'm curious to know if you've ever figured out what causes this. Happened twice in the last month on my C300 2010. Thanks
I received the ESC Inoperative Error (Orange Light) about 3 times since owning my vehicle. I believe in all 3 instances, I was pushing the pedal and accelerating pretty hard.
The car basically feels like it hits a wall when this error comes on. I have to pull over to the side of the road and restart the car. All then returns to normal.
This has happened to me 2 times on dry road and 1 time on wet road. I guess the wheels slip when accelerating too hard thereby causing this error?
I'm not sure, but it's dangerous for the car to just suddenly slow down like that when the error does occur.
The car basically feels like it hits a wall when this error comes on. I have to pull over to the side of the road and restart the car. All then returns to normal.
This has happened to me 2 times on dry road and 1 time on wet road. I guess the wheels slip when accelerating too hard thereby causing this error?
I'm not sure, but it's dangerous for the car to just suddenly slow down like that when the error does occur.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 356
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From: Elizabethtown Kentucky
2019 E 300 4matic 2013 SLK 250
it’s the accelerator pedal. Just did mine yesterday. Two nuts on the left side of the pedal come out and a wire connector on the right side. Part was around $100 from FCP Euro and seriously took less than 10 minutes
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2
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From: Minneapolis, MN
W204 C300 2010
Accelerator pedal
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
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C300
I also got this error on my 2010 C300 W204. It turned out to be a brake light switch. Cost $35 and about 45 mins to install. Hope this help!
So I finally got this checked out by Indy Benz mechanic today. First when he scanned my computer, it came up with zero codes. I then decided to take the car out for a spin and force the "esc inoperative" error to occur. The easy way to do this is to smash the pedal down from a stop sign. So, I forced the error to occur and drove the car in limp mode back to the tech. The tech then scanned my car again while the esc inoperative error was still on. Here is what the code said:
P0872 (0872) Fault of function monitor in electronic accelerator (p2638).
I know from prior research people with this same esc inoperative error had it fixed by changing the accelerator pedal (gas pedal) or steering angle column sensor. It seems the code above points to the pedal? The tech didn't know offhand so he said he would do some research and get back to me.
Any ideas or thoughts on the code? I also read that the mass airflow sensor could play a part...
P0872 (0872) Fault of function monitor in electronic accelerator (p2638).
I know from prior research people with this same esc inoperative error had it fixed by changing the accelerator pedal (gas pedal) or steering angle column sensor. It seems the code above points to the pedal? The tech didn't know offhand so he said he would do some research and get back to me.
Any ideas or thoughts on the code? I also read that the mass airflow sensor could play a part...
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 7
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300ce
I have changed my brake light switch a few weeks ago. Today I installed a brand new accelerator pedal. After 50 miles, I got the "ESC Inoperative Error" again.
Do anyone else have a solution.
Thank you!
My car is a 2010 E350 4MATIC
Do anyone else have a solution.
Thank you!
My car is a 2010 E350 4MATIC
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 7
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300ce
Yes, get a scanner that can read MB specific codes like this Autel AP200, only about $50. ESC errors can be caused by many things so you can't assume that it's the same as everyone else, you need the specific error code in order to fix it.
It is not showing any errors with the ESC.
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
It might not be that obvious. Did you check for all error codes? Also it might not say anything until the error actually pops up or scan it when the engine is off. It wouldn't say it was an ESC error, if it was the brake light switch, it would mention the brake light or a communications error. Steering angle sensor also causes it, same as wheel speed sensor or yaw sensor.
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Joined: Dec 2022
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E300 w212 | E46 BMW | Golf MK5 | Toyota Tercel | Dodge Intrepid | CBR600
Had the same issue years ago, was from my brake pads nearly gone and brake fluid at min level.
Once replaced the brakes and brake fluid never got the issue again.
Would say check the brake fluid level as an easy initial check.
Once replaced the brakes and brake fluid never got the issue again.
Would say check the brake fluid level as an easy initial check.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Thank you! I just ordered the upgraded Autel AP200 for only $63.62 including shipping.
https://www.amazon.com/Autel-Scanner..._ob_title_auto
https://www.amazon.com/Autel-Scanner..._ob_title_auto
With test results in hand you can take more appropriate actions. We can help you with that.
🤞
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Aug 5, 2023 at 02:17 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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300ce
UPDATE - ISSUE FIXED!!!
After trying various things that have been suggested, ie: turning steering wheel to the left and right; changing gas pedal; checking car battery voltage. None of these things work. On another thread someone suggested changing the key fob battery. I figured there is no way that is going to fix it. Tuesday, last week I was in a local Dollar Tree checking out, when I saw a watch replacement battery. I said it's not going to hurt anything to try it and it's only $1.25.
I changed my key fob battery and have not gotten the ESC Inoperative message in over a week. I am totally happy that my vehicle is FIXED!!!
After trying various things that have been suggested, ie: turning steering wheel to the left and right; changing gas pedal; checking car battery voltage. None of these things work. On another thread someone suggested changing the key fob battery. I figured there is no way that is going to fix it. Tuesday, last week I was in a local Dollar Tree checking out, when I saw a watch replacement battery. I said it's not going to hurt anything to try it and it's only $1.25.
I changed my key fob battery and have not gotten the ESC Inoperative message in over a week. I am totally happy that my vehicle is FIXED!!!
