SL/R230: ABC Has a Mind of Its Own
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
From: Glendale, AZ
SL500
ABC Has a Mind of Its Own
I have seen an ABC Malfunction every now and then on my '03 SL500 but no apparent leaks. I only drive the car on the weekends, so when an ABC happens, I "fix it" by raising the car and lowering a couple times, then restarting -- thinking that the computer might be bit confused from the lack of driving. I don't see leaks of fluid loss.
Before my 1400 mile road trip from Phoenix to San Francisco, I checked the fluid level with the car OFF and unloaded, and it was perfect. However, with the engine running, I was able to add about 6 ounces. The measuring dipstic has two markings, and I went with the one for engine running. Throughout my week long, 1,400 mile trip I encountered zero ABC faults. The roadtrip put the car through all kinds of conditions, so if ABC was bad, it would have surfaced.
This morning, am back home in Phoenix, and it is the usual 100+ degree joy. I went to the grocery store and lo and behold the dreaded ABC light.
Question: Is this ABC fault related to high outside temperatures? I am thinking that it is perhaps a sensor that misbehaves when the ambient temperature is high. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Before my 1400 mile road trip from Phoenix to San Francisco, I checked the fluid level with the car OFF and unloaded, and it was perfect. However, with the engine running, I was able to add about 6 ounces. The measuring dipstic has two markings, and I went with the one for engine running. Throughout my week long, 1,400 mile trip I encountered zero ABC faults. The roadtrip put the car through all kinds of conditions, so if ABC was bad, it would have surfaced.
This morning, am back home in Phoenix, and it is the usual 100+ degree joy. I went to the grocery store and lo and behold the dreaded ABC light.
Question: Is this ABC fault related to high outside temperatures? I am thinking that it is perhaps a sensor that misbehaves when the ambient temperature is high. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 393
From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
Assuming the car suspension operates the same after the warning comes on, you can probably just ignore the message. There are instances where the software that monitors the proper functioning of the ABC falsely detects malfunctions when there are none.
If you want to investigate why the warning occurs, you will have to have the ABC controller scanned for codes. But if you do that don't be surprised if you find there is nothing at all wrong with your car.
If you want to investigate why the warning occurs, you will have to have the ABC controller scanned for codes. But if you do that don't be surprised if you find there is nothing at all wrong with your car.
