SL/R129: ADS, ABS, ESP Malfunction
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,059
Likes: 342
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
ADS, ABS, ESP Malfunction
While crusing around with a buddy of mine, I look down to see the warning lights for the ADS, antilock brakings, and stability control on, indicating some sort of malfunction. So, I pull into a post office parking lot, take out the manual, flip through to find out more information.
For future reference, sometimes an electrical interference can cause one of the systems to shut off. In my case, it was probably the ESP which switched off, and caused the ABS to disengage as a safety procedure. Here is the simple solutions. With the car running, turn the steering wheel completely to the right, then back all the way to the left, and the lights go out, correcting the electrical interference issue.
Just something to keep in mind.
For future reference, sometimes an electrical interference can cause one of the systems to shut off. In my case, it was probably the ESP which switched off, and caused the ABS to disengage as a safety procedure. Here is the simple solutions. With the car running, turn the steering wheel completely to the right, then back all the way to the left, and the lights go out, correcting the electrical interference issue.
Just something to keep in mind.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,059
Likes: 342
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
1. Disconnect the battery
2. Let it sit for 30 minutes
3. Reconnect the battery
4. Start it up and let her idle
Disclaimer: Have your radio code ready because after doing this, you will need to enter it to access the audio system. If you don't have the card that came with the car, call any MB service department and provide them a VIN.
Hope this helps.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
2000 C230 Kompressor
For future reference, sometimes an electrical interference can cause one of the systems to shut off. In my case, it was probably the ESP which switched off, and caused the ABS to disengage as a safety procedure. Here is the simple solutions. With the car running, turn the steering wheel completely to the right, then back all the way to the left, and the lights go out, correcting the electrical interference issue.
Just something to keep in mind.
Just something to keep in mind.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,059
Likes: 342
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
I doubt it could be either, and chalked it off as just some type of internal glitch that interrupted the signal. Before taking it to shop for diagnostics, this simple reset should be the first set, because occasionally that's all it takes to resolve the issue.
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, TX
2007 Mercedes SL550 Sport
ABS & ESP on SL500
resetting it did nothing. it still comes on very randomly, live once every few days, and then next time the car is started is off. The part guy at MB dealership suggested it maybe the switch under the brake pedal, and said to replace that first. any idea on this?
thanks,
97 SL500
thanks,
97 SL500
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: southern new jersey
2003 SL500
brake stop light switch
its probably the stop light switch, it was on my 1999 sl500 - the part is only about 20 bucks and you can install yourself if you can get under the dash/ The dealer will charge about 100 bucks. I think mine was 110.
RRV
RRV
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Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, TX
2007 Mercedes SL550 Sport
just replced the brake switch which goes right under the brake pedal and 2 days later the light came on again. it comes on only a few times a week and goes off by itself. just wondering if abs system or ESP is going out or something. I can't feel any difference on the power of the car even with the abs/esp lights on
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 282
Likes: 3
From: Bradenton, FL
'87 560SL Sold, '99 SL500 For Keeps
just replced the brake switch which goes right under the brake pedal and 2 days later the light came on again. it comes on only a few times a week and goes off by itself. just wondering if abs system or ESP is going out or something. I can't feel any difference on the power of the car even with the abs/esp lights on
Bob
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 9
From: Daytona, Florida
SL600
And if your car is a 1993-1995, then just save yourself the time and order the complete wiring harness pack now. Lol.
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, TX
2007 Mercedes SL550 Sport
I don't think by looking at it you can tell if it's good or bad. the switch is electrical and the contacts could be bad. Mine looked fine too, but after changing it the problem went away. of course it could be something else, but this is the most inexpensive way to eliminate the first problem.
