SL/R230: Red "ABC" after low PSteering fluid?
11-23-2013, 08:48 PM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Red "ABC" after low PSteering fluid?
I assume that I've trashed the tandem (ABC/PS) pump, but is that likely after running low on PS fluid?
In freezing temps, I heard a "growl" when turning the steering wheel and took no action for a few short trips 'cause it seemed to subside when warmed up. But when checking further, I found that the PS fluid was low a few ounces -- about an inch -- and I noticed foam in the reservoir. (The ABC Fluid was OK.) After topping up the PS, the "growl" was immediately gone. But shortly after, I got the dreaded red "ABC -- Drive Carefully" message. Previously I had no ABC problems.
I guess it is too much to expect that the PS an ABC sides of the pump are independent. Is it possible that the ABC system is OK and it could be reset or is the coil-over option in my future?
Guess I'll try flushing and changing the filter as Brian describes in
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...placement.html
Thanks for you comments and advice.
In freezing temps, I heard a "growl" when turning the steering wheel and took no action for a few short trips 'cause it seemed to subside when warmed up. But when checking further, I found that the PS fluid was low a few ounces -- about an inch -- and I noticed foam in the reservoir. (The ABC Fluid was OK.) After topping up the PS, the "growl" was immediately gone. But shortly after, I got the dreaded red "ABC -- Drive Carefully" message. Previously I had no ABC problems.
I guess it is too much to expect that the PS an ABC sides of the pump are independent. Is it possible that the ABC system is OK and it could be reset or is the coil-over option in my future?
Guess I'll try flushing and changing the filter as Brian describes in
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...placement.html
Thanks for you comments and advice.
Last edited by slk55er; 11-24-2013 at 03:22 PM.
01-09-2014, 06:06 PM
#2
Super Member
Thread Starter
Yes -- problem solved
Low PS fluid led to air ingested into the tandem pump. Thankfully, flushing the ABC system with new fluid (and replacing the filter) eliminated the ABC warning and restored the system to normal. Thankfully, no need for a new pump.
Last edited by slk55er; 01-10-2014 at 03:50 PM.
