2006 S430 ESP Malfunction ABS malfunction
 

Hello mbworld,
I recently started having "ESP Malfunction" and "ABS Malfunction" warnings on my dash as well as the vehicle being in Safe Mode. Transmission stays in 2nd gear.
Is there any advice on where to start the diagnostic process?
Thank you all,
Kevin

In addition, The display on the dash for the transmission C or S mode and the gear are missing.
I suspect that there is a communication malfunction with the transmission. Could this be the primary issue or is this secondary to the underlying cause?
Thank you again,
Kevin

Replace your brake light switch (under the brake pedal) and go from there. It's very cheap and a common issue that causes the ESP and ABS issue. (Note, I did not add the hyperlink under "brake light switch"; the forum did; but I did add the link below for the part on autohaus.)

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=x3wv2fnpc51v4ab1f05h0255&makeid=8 00016@Mercedes&modelid=1431846@S430&year=2006&cid= 18@Electrical%20%26%20Vacuum&gid=10474@Brake%20Lig ht%20Switch

That being said, I am not 100% sure that it's tied to the transmission being in 2nd gear, but you might luck out. The 2nd gear sticking is usually the module (ever spill liquid in your shifter?) or the conductor plate (the connector leaks fluid into the electronics over time and they go bad)