M-Class (W164) Produced 2006-2011: ML280CDI, ML320CDI, ML420CDI, ML350, ML500, ML550

ESP, ABS, ECU problems

Old Oct 5, 2019 | 02:29 AM
  #1  
KJ Engel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
MB W164 280CDI 2006
ESP, ABS, ECU problems





A local mechanic broke my steering angle sensor, which I now replaced and calibrated correctly. I am now getting the same error messages as with the faulty SAS (see pics). Before, however, I could override the ABS fault and reset it manually by running a road test so it would function properly. Now I can’t even do that. The lights just stay on – ABS, SRT, and red warning that ‘braking behavior’ has changed. Also ESP not available. As the ESP is coupled to the adaptive power steering I don’t have that either, which affects steering only when standing.
I can start the vehicle and drive it normally, just without the electronic assistance devices (which I didn’t have any in of my previous cars until 2001 anyway).
I could check the ECU if I only knew where it is located. My internet search didn’t produce anything useful either. In my thinking the problem could be only two things: the wires to the ECU, or the ECU is broken.
So any ideas from the community? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2019 | 11:37 AM
  #2  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by Plutoe
You need a better scan tool to answer your question.

He also needs to fess up about a mechanic breaking his steering angle sensor. He's too proud to say he broke it.
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2019 | 03:03 AM
  #3  
KJ Engel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
MB W164 280CDI 2006
What do you mean - icarsoft shows all the date just like the MB scan tool.
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2019 | 03:07 AM
  #4  
KJ Engel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
MB W164 280CDI 2006
You got nothing else to contribute? I live in Cambodia in the province. I tried out a local mechanic who fixed the steering rack that was leaking just fine but broke the sensor re-installing it turning the steering column. You know you can release the column so you turn it freely.
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2020 | 03:16 AM
  #5  
KJ Engel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
MB W164 280CDI 2006
ESP light comes on

Hi, I am back on this thread. I got my truck working again after several different repairs except the Airbag light is still on, and the ESP light comes on when I accelerate past 80 km/h or go around slight curves at that speed. My Icarsoft doesn't give me any DTCs to work with for the ESP. Airbag light DTCs still the same with resistance high not only the driver airbag but front side passenger, rear passenger. I am guessing a total reset of the airbag module would do the trick.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2020 | 01:02 AM
  #6  
KJ Engel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
MB W164 280CDI 2006
Maj. Dundee any ideas? ESP light comes on when I accelerate past 80 km/h or go around slight curves at that speed.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2020 | 04:58 AM
  #7  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
KJ, it's hard to believe that you Air Bag light is on and you also have an ESP problem and there are NO CODES for either.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2020 | 06:17 AM
  #8  
KJ Engel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
MB W164 280CDI 2006
Airbag DTCs see two posts above. But ESP no code as it only happens at 80 kmh. I am guessing wheel speed sensor.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 27, 2020 | 04:57 AM
  #9  
KJ Engel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
MB W164 280CDI 2006
I now finally found the cause for my problem. Everything works just fine. ESP/ABS lights are off. Steering angle sensor was replaced a while ago. No DTCs. Then I read about different tire sizes, which made me check my tire sizes. Lo and behold my front tires are 225 and my rear tires 235. The tire shop had put on wrong-sized tires in the front. A road test with the OBDII on showed that starting at about 80 the front wheels turn faster by about 2 to 4 kmh, which will then engage the ESP thinking there is an imbalance. AWD needs the same speed on all wheels, except in curves but it is programmed for that and then you have the Yaw-sensor which will see whether you are too fast going into a curve. With two different-sized tires the light comes on sooner. Also remarkable, the wheel speed is the same on all four wheels up until 70 kmh or so. So problem solved. Unfortunately, the front tires aren't worn out yet.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:24 AM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE