SL/R129: Suspension Light - Steering Angle Sensor
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
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1996 SL600
Suspension Light - Steering Angle Sensor
After replacing the Suspension Warning Light Bulb on my Instrument Panel, I see it glow on a pretty regular basis now (about 90% of the time), so I took it to an Independant Import Garage to have it checked out and have the codes pulled. The only code was for the "Steering Angle Sensor", and I found out that the previous owner had the same diagnosis from the same shop when she had the car
. The owner of the shop told me how to turn the steering wheel to both extremes 3 times and then turn the car off then restart to clear the code. But I would like to fix it properly. Where is this part located and what am I looking at to replace it? Could it be just corroded/dirty/loose Contacts? Is it a very Expensive Part? Are used ones an option - or do they usually go bad? Have alot of you seen this problem?
. The owner of the shop told me how to turn the steering wheel to both extremes 3 times and then turn the car off then restart to clear the code. But I would like to fix it properly. Where is this part located and what am I looking at to replace it? Could it be just corroded/dirty/loose Contacts? Is it a very Expensive Part? Are used ones an option - or do they usually go bad? Have alot of you seen this problem?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
I have an old car story on the same subject. I too, found it easy to reset the light with the turn back and forth process, but the 94 has one cycle after the battery is reconnected.
The ADS light was the first sign that fluid added to the tank was being stored in the Accumulators. So, if I had added fluid to the hydraulic bottle near the windscreen fluid tank and no fluid was leaking then the sensor in the fluid tank was setting off the dash light. New accumulators was the solution.
The ADS light was the first sign that fluid added to the tank was being stored in the Accumulators. So, if I had added fluid to the hydraulic bottle near the windscreen fluid tank and no fluid was leaking then the sensor in the fluid tank was setting off the dash light. New accumulators was the solution.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 71
Likes: 5
From: Nelson NZ
17 E220d all-terrrain, 92 SL500, 16 C250D Wagon, 16 A200 (wife)
Giving this thread a kick, anyone pulled this angle sensor off to fix? Do you know what technology it is and what might go wrong? Errors a bit more frequent now for me, should be able to replace part or repair maybe.
Greg
Greg
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
the sensor is a rotation indicator. Since wheel spin can be an unstable influence the wheel indicators when the rotations are not within a 3-5% shut off the cruise control and limit the engine RPM. There are other sensors and feedback electronic loops that effect the cars function too so just because you have a dash light, or no cruise control above 55mph, it may not always be the wheel sensor.
I have cleaned dust and dirt off the wheel sensor but have not replaced nor repaired.
I have cleaned dust and dirt off the wheel sensor but have not replaced nor repaired.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 71
Likes: 5
From: Nelson NZ
17 E220d all-terrrain, 92 SL500, 16 C250D Wagon, 16 A200 (wife)
Steering angle sensor
Hi SRH, sorry but wrong sensor! Steering angle not wheel rotation!
No one had the wheel apart? I'll check the Star classic DVD info.
Greg
No one had the wheel apart? I'll check the Star classic DVD info.
Greg
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 226
Likes: 3
From: Cape Cod
CLK63, E550, SL500 Silver Arrow,Corvette LT1,ZR1
The steering angle sensor was throwing codes is my 2002 SL500. It is located in the the steering column behind the airbag. I believe the part was about $180.00. I wound up not needing to replace it. The steering column sleeve was loose on my car and I was having issues with the directional signals cancelling at the same time. My independent told me it was very common to have the steering angle code show up if the column is loose,(might be worth checking). My guy drilled a small hole in the column and was able to tighten the sleeve. The car has been fine for almost two years. I've seen several threads on the forum where people have drilled the hole to tighten the sleeve.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Please post the year of the car, as the technology change thru the years and it can be very confusing.
I just pulled steering wheel on my 98 model to check clock spring and don't see turn sensor on it. (or maybe I don't know what to look for?)
Had to tight up the switch bracket, what seems to be usual problem on those cars as well on W210 I used to own.
It is #3 Philips bolt that needs to be tighten. Even with wheel and spring off I could not access it, so I drilled hole at the bottom. I will have to redo the spring job when new parts arrive, so can take a picture about hole location.
I just pulled steering wheel on my 98 model to check clock spring and don't see turn sensor on it. (or maybe I don't know what to look for?)
Had to tight up the switch bracket, what seems to be usual problem on those cars as well on W210 I used to own.
It is #3 Philips bolt that needs to be tighten. Even with wheel and spring off I could not access it, so I drilled hole at the bottom. I will have to redo the spring job when new parts arrive, so can take a picture about hole location.
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 6
From: Seattle
2002 G500, 1961 190b, 2001 SL500 Sport
I replaced that sensor on our 04 C320. Actually I replaced the blinker switch but I had to take the steering angle sensor off. I used a youtube video. The only tricky thing is not to change the the angle of the sensor while it is dismounted. The MB part gives you a pin to lock it into place while you are handling it. It's a little wonky because lining up the splines is difficult but any one could do it. I'm sure it's very similar on the SL as the C and you can watch that video. Also - I had to take it to my mechanic to get him to reset the airbag light. You have to disconnect the airbag wires to get the steering sensor off and the light comes on until you clear the code with a computer.
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5
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'01 SL 500 (R129) '10 Audi S5
Was your steering wheel making a squeeking noise also? I am afraid my SAS needs to be replaced also - but cannot seem to find one under $370. I'd love to know where you got one for $180 if you'd let me know.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 226
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From: Cape Cod
CLK63, E550, SL500 Silver Arrow,Corvette LT1,ZR1
My wheel was squeezing as well as the directionals not canceling. My car had the steering angle sensor code as well. I'm told if the sleeve around the column is loose once you tighten it, the problem is solved. It worked on my car as well as my friend's car.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 71
Likes: 5
From: Nelson NZ
17 E220d all-terrrain, 92 SL500, 16 C250D Wagon, 16 A200 (wife)
Thanks Guys, not been looking in here for a while, been enjoying my latest W205 C250D! More motor torque than my R129 SL500 thru a 7 spd box from 2.1L diesel has some pull... Still its not an SL.
Further to Krzysztof, mine is 92 so any of you guys of similar vintage work on the column?
Thx Greg
Further to Krzysztof, mine is 92 so any of you guys of similar vintage work on the column?
Thx Greg
