ABS & ESP malfunction warning lights on
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 70
2007 GL450
ABS & ESP malfunction warning lights on
Houston got hit by Hurricane Beryl on 7/8. Most people lost power.
I drove the GL450 out to get fuel for my gas generator, the roads are covered with debris.
Then error message showed up on the dash, "ABS Malfunction" and "ESP Malfunction".
I've also noticed that my backup display is not working (Its a aftermarket system installed by Bestbuy that taps in one of the braking light wires).
I did a search on internet, possible reasons are:
A. braking light bulb need replacement
B. debris on road messed up some ABS sensors near the brake calipers.
any suggestions? thanks in advance.
seems not a very urgent issue and will need to look into these items after I got back power and AC in the house.
I drove the GL450 out to get fuel for my gas generator, the roads are covered with debris.
Then error message showed up on the dash, "ABS Malfunction" and "ESP Malfunction".
I've also noticed that my backup display is not working (Its a aftermarket system installed by Bestbuy that taps in one of the braking light wires).
I did a search on internet, possible reasons are:
A. braking light bulb need replacement
B. debris on road messed up some ABS sensors near the brake calipers.
any suggestions? thanks in advance.
seems not a very urgent issue and will need to look into these items after I got back power and AC in the house.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,128
Likes: 792
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
It’s not the ABS sensors it’s the vehicle wheel speed sensors.
I would take them out and clean them and see if codes reappear, after having cleared them.
You’d be looking for a one or more vehicle speed sensor signal implausible codes on one or more axles.
Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery and that your damage is minimal.
I would take them out and clean them and see if codes reappear, after having cleared them.
You’d be looking for a one or more vehicle speed sensor signal implausible codes on one or more axles.
Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery and that your damage is minimal.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 189
From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
My 2017 GLS550 with 58k miles had warnings for multiple safety systems being inoperable. Took it to a local indi shop in Galveston who diagnosed bad wheel speed sensor. Replaced for $430.00. Problem gone.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 70
2007 GL450
My other SUV the GX460 was parked outside with all windows closed.
After the hurricane I found a puddle of water on the driver side WeatherTech floor mat. under the plastic floor mat the carpet is socked wet.
The SUV ceiling is dry. there are traces of water under steering column and around driver side door hinge area.
I'm still trying to figure out how did the water get in. The GX460 now has intermittent "ABS", "brake light" and "traction control light" on.
I'm hoping that these lights to be gone when the SUV is totally dry after couple of days.
lesson learned keep cars in garage during hurricane.
After the hurricane I found a puddle of water on the driver side WeatherTech floor mat. under the plastic floor mat the carpet is socked wet.
The SUV ceiling is dry. there are traces of water under steering column and around driver side door hinge area.
I'm still trying to figure out how did the water get in. The GX460 now has intermittent "ABS", "brake light" and "traction control light" on.
I'm hoping that these lights to be gone when the SUV is totally dry after couple of days.
lesson learned keep cars in garage during hurricane.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 70
2007 GL450
It is my Lexus GX460 that got water on the carpet,
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 70
2007 GL450
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 70
2007 GL450
The upper end connector of the passenger side speed sensor has dried mud around it. not sure how mud gets there. maybe that is the reason for the sensor malfunction.
Those two speed sensors were 17 year old original sensors with rubber fixture rings disintegrated on them.
The same model of Myele sensor is used on both sides. It fit well on the driver side.
However on the passenger side, the Myele sensor connector needs to combine with the brake pad wear sensor connector and then get plugged in to the socket on the car frame.
The Myele connector has a different shape/angle than the original one that prevent it from achieving a perfect fit with the brake wear sensor connector.
both connectors will still combine and fit in the socket, with a tilt/gap between them. I used some tape and ziptie to make sure they are firmly connected. seems working fine.
Those two speed sensors were 17 year old original sensors with rubber fixture rings disintegrated on them.
The same model of Myele sensor is used on both sides. It fit well on the driver side.
However on the passenger side, the Myele sensor connector needs to combine with the brake pad wear sensor connector and then get plugged in to the socket on the car frame.
The Myele connector has a different shape/angle than the original one that prevent it from achieving a perfect fit with the brake wear sensor connector.
both connectors will still combine and fit in the socket, with a tilt/gap between them. I used some tape and ziptie to make sure they are firmly connected. seems working fine.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 418
Likes: 123
From: Kelowna, BC
08 GL320 CDI
But a brake wear sensor is just a simple copper loop that gets worn away, causing an open circuit. This wouldn't cause an ESP fault.
The speed sensors are Hall Effect sensors, with magnets. I'm betting a good cleaning of the sensor and the mag ring will fix the issue. Metal bits will collect on the sensor ring over time and pile up on the sensor head giving false readings.
The speed sensors are Hall Effect sensors, with magnets. I'm betting a good cleaning of the sensor and the mag ring will fix the issue. Metal bits will collect on the sensor ring over time and pile up on the sensor head giving false readings.
