Limp mode/BAS/ESP/CEL...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 79
Likes: 5
From: Long Island, NY
‘03 MB S600; ‘07 Saab Aero conv; ‘65 Vette; ‘66 vette; ‘05 BMW Z4
Limp mode/BAS/ESP/CEL...
My 2003 S600 has been having an intermittent ABC message that can be extinguished by turning the car off and restarting. It happens about once every two weeks (and again this morning) but may/may not be related to today’s issue. I also got a “clean distronic sensor” mssg last night, which I’m pretty sure is unrelated. The battery does run low occasionally and throw random codes, which typically improves if I drive it more regularly (which I’ve done the last two weeks).
This morning after the ABC incident - I was at a stop light and rec’d the flashing “instrument display malfunction” and ESP, BAS, ABS, CEL, Distronic mssgs. The car went into limp mode and steering assist was disabled. I got the car home and took my Saab to the airport. When I return I will read codes and continue searching the forum for ideas. In the meantime, advice on what to do first would be appreciated.
This morning after the ABC incident - I was at a stop light and rec’d the flashing “instrument display malfunction” and ESP, BAS, ABS, CEL, Distronic mssgs. The car went into limp mode and steering assist was disabled. I got the car home and took my Saab to the airport. When I return I will read codes and continue searching the forum for ideas. In the meantime, advice on what to do first would be appreciated.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Germany
'00 S320 W220, '98 A160 W168/ sold in 2005 '86 260 E W124 '90 260E W124
Get yourself a new battery. When the voltage drops under certain values, some comfort function will be disabled. Additionally many randomly appearing failures show, as many operating values fall out of tolerances.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 428
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From: Houston
001 s600, 94 sl600
Seems you do not drive the car enough to keep the battery charged. There IS significant 'parasitic drain' from the electronics--and while a 'new' battery 'is supposed to last' two weeks, winter takes a cut out of that. Install a $30 'battery tender' and plug it in when you are parked in the garage. You 'old' battery may be just fine and last many more years if kept charged.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 79
Likes: 5
From: Long Island, NY
‘03 MB S600; ‘07 Saab Aero conv; ‘65 Vette; ‘66 vette; ‘05 BMW Z4
Many thanks to those that responded to my post. After the car sat in the driveway for 24 hours - I used my cheapo code reader and got (3) P0600 (serial communication link), a P0720 (output speed sensor circuit) and a P070 (transmission range sensor A circuit PRNDL input) messages. I cleared the codes (which I know doesn't do anything) and the car started and ran fine. Drove it about 10 miles and made 3 stops with no issue. I've had low battery issues before - but never experienced ESP/BSP or limp mode before. I'm heading out for a new battery today.
True that I don't drive it much (58K miles), but between the motorbike and the classic corvettes in the garage, there's no room to put it away with a tender.
I'll post again if the error mssg return with the fresh battery.
True that I don't drive it much (58K miles), but between the motorbike and the classic corvettes in the garage, there's no room to put it away with a tender.
I'll post again if the error mssg return with the fresh battery.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 79
Likes: 5
From: Long Island, NY
‘03 MB S600; ‘07 Saab Aero conv; ‘65 Vette; ‘66 vette; ‘05 BMW Z4
Unfortunately this has gone from bad to worse. Replaced the battery. Started car and red ABC light remained on. Checked the fluid level and it seems the ABC reservoir is empty. Added some fluid which resulted in a puddle on the driveway. Car is now sitting on the tires. I’m guessing I’ll need an ABC pump at a minimum. Question: How do I get the car to my mechanic? Even if I call for a tow, pulling it onto a flatbed and then off to move it into a bay is going to do damage.
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