ilya980

Hi,

I've got the yellow exclamation sign on and a message "ESP Inoperative see operator's manual". From reading this forum it looks like it could be faulty brake switch, steering column module, rpm sensors, weak battery, uneven tire wear or pressure or something else.

Do you know what might be wrong? How can I diagnose this? Is it possible to pinpoint the problem with a code scanner? Which scanner would you recommend? It is 2008 Mercedes Benz E350 4MATIC W211.

Thanks.

MBENZTECH

Scanning the whole car for codes would be a GREAT way to start your diagnostic!

cetialpha5

Yep, you need a code scanner. It will tell you the fault codes that you have. Ones that do MB specific codes are in the $100 range. Steering angle sensor, brake light switch, bad wheel speed sensor are the most results, but once you scan it, it will give you the codes for what the problem is and then it's a simple fix. Mine was a steering angle sensor. Since I replaced mine a couple years ago, it's been fine since.

Sleeper Benz

With the engine running, turn the steering wheel fully left until it won't go any further then turn it fully right until it won't turn anymore (lock to lock) do this a few times to reset the ESP sensor in the steering wheel. If this doesn't work your clock spring assembly in the steering column may have failed.. Do you turn signals cancel out properly or do you have to manually turn them off after executing a turn?

Robo-Voice Assistant:

Syy

I had same problem and I've just replaced break light switch. Cost: £13 and 15 min of time.

http://www.mercedesmedic.com/how-to-...p-switch-benz/

ilya980

Thanks for the suggestions.
I tried to trickle charge the battery. I had 11.6V, hooked it up for 5 hours, got to 11.9V. Next day there was no ESP warning, but it came back 2 days later. Left the car overnight on trickle charger, got to 12.5V. There was no ESP warning in the morning, but it came back in the evening. The voltage was 12.2V. So, it looks like voltage is not a problem.
Turned the wheel lock to lock a few times. Did not help.
Will a code scanner tell me whether it is a brake switch or steering angle sensor (or something else)? I was looking at either Foxwell NT510 or iCarsoft MBII. Which one is better? Will I need the scanner to clear the ESP error code from the memory? Thanks.

ilya980

I bought iCarsoft MB v2.0 code scanner, but I can't update it. The software says that current system version is 01.13, the latest is 19.04, but it can't determine correct amount of free space on the TF card (shows some large negative number). The screenshot is attached. Does anyone know how to solve this?

I tried inserting TF memory directly into card reader and also tried copying all files from the TF memory onto another memory card. Did not help. Same error. I also saw one negative review on Amazon with the same problem.

Thanks.

sabbath7

Had the exact same sudden error codes at cold start-up, engine started and then the codes started, shifter was locked into Park. I shut the engine off and then back on and off again. The 3rd start-up attempt I just got clicking. Switched out the battery which immediately fixed the problem. Hope this helps someone.

CaliBenzDriver

You can always count on low voltage to yield troubles for your W211.

Try not to rely on the alternator to charge system batt. Instead use a CTEK float-charger to prevent stressing the car electrical (Starter, Prefuse, Alt, SAM'S...) with 50Amp "charge" !

Good battery charging is done near 5A to prevent heat.