SL600 ABC problem C1129
I posted this in the SL forum and got no response. This may be the right place.
I just bought a 2006 SL600, 44k mi and have no history on it. It has the visit ABC workshop message ever since I've had it (not red). It won't raise or lower. The RR side is an inch higher than the LR, but it seems to drive great.
The ABC fluid was low and I thought for sure that was the problem. Topped it off, almost the whole liter, and no diff.
I ordered a cheap Chinese scanner, an iCarsoft i980, which is supposed to be just for MB ($140). Hooked it up today, seems to work great. In ABC I pulled code C1129: Fault in component B22/6 (Right rear plunger travel sensor). It's showing 255 mm, the others are between 9mm and 82mm, I assume of travel. It's sitting up at +8mm, the other 3 are between -4 and -17mm, pressure sensor at 190-200 bars. When I cleared the code, there was a loud gong and the ABC workshop message came right back on. The car dropped down a hair.
So this is what I need to know: Before I spend hundreds on a new strut and pay someone big bucks to install it (if I can't find a good DIY), what are the chances this will solve my problem? On one thread a guy mentioned if the ABC control unit (ecu?) under the dash is bad or has a bad connection it can throw false codes. And there are dozens of other possible culprits here.
I hate nothing more than spending money to not solve a problem. Please give me your opinions if you think I should just order the strut, check something else first, or any comment you may have. Thanks.
Oh, I was wondering if this little scanner would do the rodeo test. Any ideas on how I would do it? I didn't see anything in the menus about it.
Thanks again,
YY
Last edited by YY4U; Mar 5, 2014 at 11:00 AM.
When I clear the code, the car begins to raise or lower (depending on the setting) for just a microsecond until the gong and the "ABC visit workshop" message reappears, and then it instantly stops raising (or lowering).
Anyone?
Last edited by YY4U; Feb 8, 2014 at 01:07 PM.


Even though there is no interest in this forum at this time, I'll post an update when I get it all sorted to help others who may experience this issue in the future.
YY
I won an eBay auction for a Dell D630. Like new, 3 gigs of RAM, for $97, shipped.
I ordered a C3 with cables and an hdd for the Dell from Mr Cartool Shop on AliExpress for $289, shipped:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-F...812745070.html
4 day shipping via DHL, very impressive.
I installed the new hdd in the Dell. I wasn't sure from reading the forums, but I disabled the wifi and changed the system date to Jan 1 2014. The software version is dated Nov 2013. I don't know if this was necessary.
The Xentry program does not open, I get an error message that says "no found dongle". The unit came with a flash drive; I assume there is a key number in it that the Xentry program needs to open. I'm fooling around with it now. Any help with this would be appreciated.
Any tips or precautions I need to take? I would hate to get this MUX locked up.
Thanks,
YY
Trending Topics
"No access authorization code! You must contact the User Help Desk".
Xentry is marked "Software-Version: 14.1.5.0 Data-Version:11/2013".
I changed the system date to 1/9/14. This unit appears to have quite a learning curve. My work is cut out for me the next few days!
Any help?
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
I'll continue to work with the scanner while I wait for the strut to arrive, but for this job DAS and WIS should be all I need. I can calibrate and do the rodeo test from DAS. I'll report back when I get the strut fitted.
By the way, this C3 WILL NOT work unless the car is running. Even with a trickle charger connected to the battery.
Too Wise
Could the problem be the battery is weak? With the charger connected you would think it would be ok, regardless. Star shows 12.4v with the charger connected and the ignition off, 14-14.7v with the engine running.
YY
Last edited by YY4U; Mar 8, 2014 at 10:11 AM.
I drove the car home, calibrated the strut and did the rodeo, and all lights and warning messages are gone. The car raises and lowers properly.
Was it worth it? You decide. The dealer would have charged about $3k for the job. I spent $420 for the strut (Strutmasters rebuilt via parts geek), $300 for labor and $385 for the C3 & laptop for a grand total of $1,105. Since I get to keep the Star for the next job, yeah, I think it was worth all the hassle. But I can see how many may disagree.....
Peace,
Too Wise
YY
I would put that money toward the Star and be done with it.
Good luck,
YY





