Polo35m

Hey guys I have an 08 S550 with the dreaded ESP and ABS inoperable light on. I've tried a few things myself like cleaning the ABS sensors and the hole that they go into, checking all of the related fuses and I'm just about ready to take it to the dealer for diagnosis but I wanted to try one more possibility. I read on this form that after cleaning the sensors one can unplug the ESP module and then replug it in which essentially resets it. Where on Earth is this module located? I thought that unplugging each fuse would essentially disable and reset the module but apparently not so. Any help would be greatly appreciated before I go to the dealer and get raped.

EasyPhil

From my experience you need a Star/XEntry to both diagnose these problems and clear them up. Take at look at: ABS/ESP Errors - How I Resolved Mine

Polo35m

Yes I actually came across your post; an excellent write up. I was hoping to just try the old unplug...replug the module Just for kicks before I take it to the dealer but nobody seems to know where this module is located.

apl175

The ESP unit is the control module that is part of the hydraulic brake actuation unit. This is not near the master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir, but is located closer to the front of the car where all of the hydraulic brake lines originate from.
To avoid throwing time and potentially money at parts, I'd use a diagnostic system (DAS or Xentry or whatever) to retrieve the fault memory and see what codes are there.

It should also be noted that unplugging fuses can actually cause additional error codes in all modules that can confuse the diagnosis.

Polo35m

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• polo35
  onlineBenzWorld MemberJoin: Sep 2005Posts: 57Stuart, Fl USA
  
  
  
  
  2 days ago · #1
  
  ABS and ESP inoperative
  Hey guys I've got an 08 S550 and absolute mint condition. However was driving the other day and the brakes actually went completely out and I darn near rear-ended somebody. I shut the car off and restarted and then the dreaded ABS and ESP inoperable light came on the dash. Looking for ideas and suggestions I have heard everything from Bad consumer battery too bad wheel sensors to a bad ABS module which is about 3 Grand! Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated before I have to take it to the dealership and really get screwed. I did remove and inspect each wheel sensor and they were clean as a whistle. Thanks in advance. I am considering replacing the consumer battery in the trunk just on principle but I don't think that's the problem as there is no voltage issue or no battery light on the dash.
• 260e crusierBenzWorld EliteJoin: Nov 2010Mentions: 3Posts: 1807Fremont, California
  
  
  
  
  2 days ago · #2
  
  polo35 said:
  Original Post
  However was driving the other day and the brakes actually went completely out and I darn near rear-ended somebody.
  Please expand on this.
  Did the pedal hit the floor? Power assist was out? Are brakes still out?
• SkylawModeratorJoin: Oct 2004Mentions: 24Posts: 10328Tampa, Florida
  
  
  
  
  1 day ago · #3
  
  The loss of braking you describe would not be due to a bad battery; and illumination of ABS and ESP warnings can occur from loss of sensors, but they would not cause loss of braking. There is a far more serious cause behind this, and I don't know what it is. If you lost brakes because of another problem, then illumination of those warnings would be normal. More info, if you have it, would be helpful; and I would definitely have the dealership check this with DAS - your life could be at stake. Plus, trying to fix this by throwing part at it is not only risky, it can be expensive.
  If it turns out the be the ABS module, you may be able to have it repaired MUCH less expensively than replaced; see http://mandbspecialist.com(the Component Level Repair link from our DIY & FAQ stickies in the blue backgrounded area toward the top of this page). The company has gotten good reviews from our members, and it is located in Florida. If an electronic component is determined to be at fault, give them a call.
  Post Edited
  • Last edited by Skylaw - 1 day ago
• polo35
  onlineBenzWorld MemberJoin: Sep 2005Posts: 57Stuart, Fl USA
  
  
  
  
  1 day ago · #4
  
  Thank you for all the great replies. I should have clarified a little better when the brakes went out the abs did its normal rapid pulse thing, the pedal did not go to the floor but it was not stopping the car and I luckily coasted to a stop. After I shut the car off and restarted brakes feel and seem to be normal however ABS and ESP inoperable light is now permanently on. I will check the sticky for info again I appreciate all the responses
• polo35
  onlineBenzWorld MemberJoin: Sep 2005Posts: 57Stuart, Fl USA
  
  
  
  
  1 day ago · #5
  
  Just to clarify further. The brakes seem to be working normally right now however I do not know what they would do if the ABS was reacted for example on a wet Road. I'm planning on taking the car to a wet parking lot and trying to lock them up to see if the ABS functions or not. I will report back
• polo35
  onlineBenzWorld MemberJoin: Sep 2005Posts: 57Stuart, Fl USA
  
  
  
  
  1 day ago · #6
  
  Just an update. I tested the brakes on a gravel driveway and the ABS is definitely not functioning as the car skidded like an old fashioned muscle car! Just on principle I cleaned each ABS wheel sensor as well as blue out each hole to remove any built up brake dust and that did not help at all either. I have red on some other posts that sometimes unplugging and reconnecting the ESP module can reset things. Does anyone know where the ESP module is located on this vehicle?...08 S550... That is my last ditch effort and then it's off to the dreaded dealer..... Thanks in advance
• 260e crusierBenzWorld EliteJoin: Nov 2010Mentions: 3Posts: 1807Fremont, California
  
  
  
  
  1 day ago · #7
  
  Best thing to do is have codes read with a scanner (ABS/ESP capable).
  Post Edited
  • Last edited by 260e crusier - 1 day ago
• polo35
  onlineBenzWorld MemberJoin: Sep 2005Posts: 57Stuart, Fl USA
  
  
  
  
  less than 20 seconds ago · #8
  
  I appreciate all of the replies and advice. I broke down and took the car to the dealer today. They initially ran codes and said all four wheel sensors needed to be replaced at a cost of $1,800. I told the service guy how could four wheel sensors possibly go bad simultaneously all at once and even he agreed that it sounded ridiculous. I have to confess probably me pulling the fuses threw codes for All 4 sensors!!!! Anyway I made them clear the codes, test drive the car, which then promptly threw a code of the front right wheel sensor so I had them replace it and the car is perfect now. What a rip-off... $480 to replace one wheel sensor!!!!! A sensor which can be purchased on eBay for $22! I guess it's probably time to consider purchasing the star diagnostic system which would pay for itself in one repair.

southbayslc

Got the same error message on my CL63 the other day. Dealer diagnosed and are replacing the ESP module. Part on order - we'll see if it fixes the problem when they button the car back up in a couple of days. What I would not give if it was a faulty speed sesnor - even at $400+ dealer charge...