Need help with code DTC 1581/ESP light/Limp mode
12-27-2012, 08:57 PM
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Need help with code DTC 1581/ESP light/Limp mode
Hi all,
97 S600, a couple of weeks ago the ESP light came on with DTC 1581 but still drivable. After doing some research found that the wicking oil to the transmission control unit (TCU) is common on these models, so checked TCU and sure enough there was some oil in the box, cleaned it up, changed the transmission plug (aka pilot bushing) and cleared the code. It was good for a few days but the ESP light came on again with much worse symptoms this time. The car was in limp mode, accelator not working, idle going up/down. So checked the same components again but no trace of oil this time. Bought a used (supposedly working TCU) and replaced but same behavior, has anybody had a similar experience or know what to check next? Any help appreciated.
97 S600, a couple of weeks ago the ESP light came on with DTC 1581 but still drivable. After doing some research found that the wicking oil to the transmission control unit (TCU) is common on these models, so checked TCU and sure enough there was some oil in the box, cleaned it up, changed the transmission plug (aka pilot bushing) and cleared the code. It was good for a few days but the ESP light came on again with much worse symptoms this time. The car was in limp mode, accelator not working, idle going up/down. So checked the same components again but no trace of oil this time. Bought a used (supposedly working TCU) and replaced but same behavior, has anybody had a similar experience or know what to check next? Any help appreciated.
12-29-2012, 07:11 AM
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94 S420,95 S500 ,96 S500
Hi all,
97 S600, a couple of weeks ago the ESP light came on with DTC 1581 but still drivable. After doing some research found that the wicking oil to the transmission control unit (TCU) is common on these models, so checked TCU and sure enough there was some oil in the box, cleaned it up, changed the transmission plug (aka pilot bushing) and cleared the code. It was good for a few days but the ESP light came on again with much worse symptoms this time. The car was in limp mode, accelator not working, idle going up/down. So checked the same components again but no trace of oil this time. Bought a used (supposedly working TCU) and replaced but same behavior, has anybody had a similar experience or know what to check next? Any help appreciated.
97 S600, a couple of weeks ago the ESP light came on with DTC 1581 but still drivable. After doing some research found that the wicking oil to the transmission control unit (TCU) is common on these models, so checked TCU and sure enough there was some oil in the box, cleaned it up, changed the transmission plug (aka pilot bushing) and cleared the code. It was good for a few days but the ESP light came on again with much worse symptoms this time. The car was in limp mode, accelator not working, idle going up/down. So checked the same components again but no trace of oil this time. Bought a used (supposedly working TCU) and replaced but same behavior, has anybody had a similar experience or know what to check next? Any help appreciated.
