SL/R230: ABC Warning - Drive Carefully...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2003 SL55 AMG
ABC Warning - Drive Carefully...
Hello Folks!
I know this topic has been covered in the past, but I'm still searching for suggestions / solutions. Here's the situation:
2003 SL55 AMG, 90K miles
ABC Warning - Drive Carefully warning comes on in RED very frequently, sometimes on big bumps, sometimes on little ones. Car also was dropping low in the front-left after sitting for a few days. So far, I have:
- Replaced front-left strut
- Replaced front valve block
- Replaced ABC tandem pump
- Flushed system, rodeo test
Warning light still pops on in Red every minor bump on the highway. Dropping issue is better than it was, but still happening. However, since replacing the ABC pump, the warning light now comes on much MORE frequently than before. The warning disappears after a few seconds, and the car is NOT going into 'tuna boat' mode. Driving feels normal. My mechanic is now suspecting the computer?
Thanks for your help guys,
J.
I know this topic has been covered in the past, but I'm still searching for suggestions / solutions. Here's the situation:
2003 SL55 AMG, 90K miles
ABC Warning - Drive Carefully warning comes on in RED very frequently, sometimes on big bumps, sometimes on little ones. Car also was dropping low in the front-left after sitting for a few days. So far, I have:
- Replaced front-left strut
- Replaced front valve block
- Replaced ABC tandem pump
- Flushed system, rodeo test
Warning light still pops on in Red every minor bump on the highway. Dropping issue is better than it was, but still happening. However, since replacing the ABC pump, the warning light now comes on much MORE frequently than before. The warning disappears after a few seconds, and the car is NOT going into 'tuna boat' mode. Driving feels normal. My mechanic is now suspecting the computer?
Thanks for your help guys,
J.
Last edited by kilroy440; Oct 21, 2015 at 06:40 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
I think Blown V8 is right. With that many miles I had the 'pump' accumulator fail on my car. It is located at the rear of the left front wheel well. Easy DIY, or indy job. About $150 for the part and an hour labor. Start there.
Next, replace the accumulators at the valve blocks. Front is medium difficulty and can be done from under the car; rear is a beotch and requires removing the valve block. You may have got a new accumulator if it came with the front valve block, but not likely. Same price for parts on both of these, labor about an hour for front, maybe 3 for the rear.
The 4th one is to soften the pulse back to the reservoir under the hood, and works under much lower pressure, so rarely fails. Do this one last.
It could also be the pressure sensor located at the 'pump' accumulator going bad and giving false readings, but most would agree your accumulators need replaced at this age/mileage as a maintenance item.
Let us know what fixes it.
Next, replace the accumulators at the valve blocks. Front is medium difficulty and can be done from under the car; rear is a beotch and requires removing the valve block. You may have got a new accumulator if it came with the front valve block, but not likely. Same price for parts on both of these, labor about an hour for front, maybe 3 for the rear.
The 4th one is to soften the pulse back to the reservoir under the hood, and works under much lower pressure, so rarely fails. Do this one last.
It could also be the pressure sensor located at the 'pump' accumulator going bad and giving false readings, but most would agree your accumulators need replaced at this age/mileage as a maintenance item.
Let us know what fixes it.
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 6
From: Central Mass
2003 SL500, 2016 F250, 2017 Jeep Renegade
Mine was doing same thing, Tech thought it was Pump, I said nope accumulator is bad replaced all, but one was bad, Make very sure you Flush and Rodeo, after
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2003 SL55 AMG
Happy place.
Thanks all for your help. I picked up my SL55 yesterday, and so far I have not seen any errors or warnings!
My mechanic replaced the following parts:
(1) Part-Nr: 220 327 01 15 - "Air reservoir" LEFT
(1) Part-Nr: 220 327 02 15 - "Pressure accumulator " FRONT LEFT
My mechanic was great and replaced these for me at cost. Still waiting to hear if a rodeo and flush was done after the repair. We did not replace all accumulators or the Air Cell. I have seen other posts where these parts were all replaced:
(2) Part-Nr: 220 327 01 15 - "Air reservoir"
(1) Part-Nr: 220 327 04 15 - "Air cell
(1) Part-Nr: 220 327 02 15 - "Pressure accumulator "
So far all seems good. Would be happy to hear your guys thoughts on the situation and how likely it is that future problems will develop.
For any SF Bay Area residents I recommend Jimmy at Junipero Serra Mercedes & Porsche.
Thanks again.
My mechanic replaced the following parts:
(1) Part-Nr: 220 327 01 15 - "Air reservoir" LEFT
(1) Part-Nr: 220 327 02 15 - "Pressure accumulator " FRONT LEFT
My mechanic was great and replaced these for me at cost. Still waiting to hear if a rodeo and flush was done after the repair. We did not replace all accumulators or the Air Cell. I have seen other posts where these parts were all replaced:
(2) Part-Nr: 220 327 01 15 - "Air reservoir"
(1) Part-Nr: 220 327 04 15 - "Air cell
(1) Part-Nr: 220 327 02 15 - "Pressure accumulator "
So far all seems good. Would be happy to hear your guys thoughts on the situation and how likely it is that future problems will develop.
For any SF Bay Area residents I recommend Jimmy at Junipero Serra Mercedes & Porsche.
Thanks again.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Excellent! The prognosis was correct. The rodeo is to make sure any contaminants get flushed from the system after breaking it open. The car will cycle the fluid in a few days/weeks through operation, but Rodeo gets it out on day one.
You can continue driving with everything just fine as is, but good preventive maintenance (as if this were an aircraft) would suggest replacing all of the age related parts at once. If not, it could jump up and bite you at any time. Your call, but that is what I did for peace of mind.
You can continue driving with everything just fine as is, but good preventive maintenance (as if this were an aircraft) would suggest replacing all of the age related parts at once. If not, it could jump up and bite you at any time. Your call, but that is what I did for peace of mind.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 6
From: Central Mass
2003 SL500, 2016 F250, 2017 Jeep Renegade
I'm with Kbob, if the Diaphragm is gone in one it won't be long till another goes. I replaced all mine in one sitting. Glad your good to go! 
Most definitely do a good Flush, I bought big jugs of the fluid on ebay. Towards the end of Rodeo/Flush the black crap came gushing out. We did the rodeo/flush and than once complete ran the car through the rodeo test to check for leaks, pressure and such.
Most definitely do a good Flush, I bought big jugs of the fluid on ebay. Towards the end of Rodeo/Flush the black crap came gushing out. We did the rodeo/flush and than once complete ran the car through the rodeo test to check for leaks, pressure and such.
Last edited by cadbob; Nov 13, 2015 at 07:28 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
