Underlook

Hi All,

Independent shop diagnosed ABS brake controller as the reason for a mild rumble strip sound/vibration upon accelerating lightly in some situations. 2010 GLK350 4 matic.

Seems strange to me but what do I know. He says ABS computer is responding but throwing a code so serious that the peripheral components of the ABS system cannot be queried by the diagnostic computer.

He says the ABS module needs to be replaced including programming/coding to car VIN for a bill of about $1500 hard Canadian dollars. He says dealer cost would be twice that.

Pretty painful for me when I like to do work myself and the car is a spare for me and not working terribly.

Does anyone know if I can get a replacement module used and do the coding by buying some form of diagnostic software. I would rather pay for the skills and the tools than a one-time expensive repair that should not have happened in the first place.

Thanks for any input!

Odd Piggy

I’m not a brake expert, but the ABS module throwing a serious code without a warning in the instrument cluster sounds fishy to me.

Get a second opinion.

OR

If you’re into doing your own work, a scanner will do the diagnostics before changing the module, which is an expensive part.

Here is a video of coding the ABS module, which took all of 5 minutes. He also double checks for trouble codes. I’m sure you don’t need an Autel scanner (lots of others are using iCarsoft), but that’s what I have.

Mmr1

How many miles on it? How many times have you flushed the brake fluid, ? Try it .

Underlook

Thanks for the info. I have some Autel scanner that is supposed to read/clear ABS and Air Bag codes. I will try that and try to confirm the failure. I agree, serious code with no dash light sounds fishy to me also.

A brake fluid change is a good idea. I have been intending to get an inexpensive pressure bleeder and this can be the excuse.

(Luckily I got the car from the shop before the mechanic had a chance to do the repair. He says I can hand him the part and he can send it away to be repaired if I decide it needs that.)

Cheers

Elroythekid

I have a 2010 GLK350, have 4 different codes the 5100 code being top of the heap. No esp traction etc, cruise doesn't work.
I have 2 differnt 2010 glk350s in the local scrap yard, both have the module.
questions are...
if i remove it from the abs block do i have to bleed the brakes?
if I get a module from a 2010 will it need recoding?

has anybody used the rebuilder guy on ebay in California? $250 he fixes your module and no recoding needed.
Thanks!

Silver Shadow

It could be just the ABS sensor. On mine it was the reluctor ring.

Elroythekid

what codes did you have?

Silver Shadow

I don't remember, it was a couple of years ago. RR ABS sensor code, controller, etc., etc. All the warning lights for ABS, ESP etc. and it would go into limp mode occasionally and would not go into reverse. If I shut off the engine and restarted, it would drive and reverse again.
I replaced the RR ABS sensor and no change. I then took the RR side apart and the reluctor ring ( magnet) on the outside end of the CV axle literally fell to pieces. MB only sells the reluctor with the CV axle $$$. I found the correct one on Amazon for about $15. It was a PITA to get the new ring on but it worked. I was smart enough to buy 2 rings. I damaged the first one installing it.

Elroythekid

Awesome, thanks. I'll check my codes again, but other than the 5100 code the rest seem to be communication errors with other modules and can bus errors, nothing about sensors?

Mmr1

At 40000m you’re supposed to flush out the fluid and you need to activate the ABS with a scan tool, so the fluid goes through it . Do it, it might free up the system if fluid is old .