SteevonPlatinum

My 2002 ML320 is reaching 108K mark, but the BAS/ESP ETS ABS lights comes on only in the morning when I start to drive out. There is a cranking sound that comes from the driver's side in the engine compartment which lasts about two seconds when I drive out, followed by the three indicator lights on: BAS/ESP, ETS, ABS - this will remain illuminated until I stop the car and restart it again, and the issue will disappear. Does anyone know what might be the issue causing this? Please help!!

SP

sit

Hi there, I was searching the forum because my car has the same symptoms. Did you figure out what was causing this behaviour?

CLLARK1

It could be the brushes are worn out in the ABS motor causing it to have an intermittent signal.Also the growling sound could be the abs motor.

sit

The sound reminds me more of something like a pressurerelief caused by a pressure switch...is there a such and could that be the cause ?

art_arev

Hi Sit.
The cranking sound comes at very low speed for a few seconds then it dissapears....That was my steering rack.... The 3 lights abs/bas/esp etc often come on because of the steering angle sensor and they reset at 20km/h. So in my case the damaged steering rack was causing the cranking/grinding sound and the 3 lights to come on

sit

I took my car to the local MB service shop because of worn out brakepads and rotors on the front wheels. After this repair I havenīt seen the BAS/ESP/ETS lights come on nor heard the cranking sound. So there seemīs to be some sort of relationship here for some reason. Good luck.

art_arev

Howzit Sit.
Please keep us posted if you still dont get the lights and the sound after you replaced the front rotors. Tks

sit

Hello again,
Iīll be sure to keep you guyīs posted if the lights and sound reappear which they havenīt yet (thank God). I have however noticed that after the repair work, where both brake pads and rotors were renewed that the yellow triangle in the speedometer dash starts to flash at speeds roughly above 50 mph and disables the cruise control. Does anyone have an idea what would cause this behavior?
thx.

art_arev

The triangle is a (ESP) warning that the car is not "stable". It flashes on rough roads and sudden turns to warn you.
Make sure the caliper is tight.

sit

Thankīs for the reply, not sure though what you mean by a tight caliper?
Could you explain a bit further (sorry..my english Iīm from Iceland).
Thx.

art_arev

The caliper is the part were the brake pads sit. It consists of two parts. The main part were the break pads are being held and the cover on the top. The cover is being held in by two bolts. The rotor or the brake disk sits in between the pads. So if your caliper holding the break pads is not properly tight the computer will receive false signals and you will get the EPS triangle warning

sit

Went back to the MB service shop to get a diagnose read out. They claim that the work they did on the brakes is in order and the fault code has something to do with the ABS hydraulic unit. Funny thing though after the visit Iīm not seeing the triangle flashing as prior to the visit, however I have noticed that the abs system is jerking the brakes at low speeds?
I think this might be a tough one to chase so any suggestions are really appreciated.
Thx.

art_arev

when ABS engages it jerks the brake pedal. Thats how it is supposed to be.

sit

I know how itīs supposed to be, but by just driving at low speed on a dry surface the ABS is kicking in lightly for no obvious reason and thatīs not how itīs supposed be right?

art_arev

No its not. How often does this happen? If it is once in a while its normal.
I would remove the ABS sensors and give them a nice wipe with spirit. Its a easy job. You will be surprised at all the crap that accumulates on them.
General question: Have you checked your suspension?
1.Ball joints
2.Tie rod ends
3.Steering knuckle
4.Shocks
If your suspension is dodgy the computer will get "wrong" messages.

Remember the triangle? Obviously the dealer "tweaked", "tightened" something they forgot to do on the first place.... Another example of how the computer picks up every small thing.