SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: 2005 SL500: Another ABC victim

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 23, 2023 | 07:21 PM
  #1  
TheSpooky's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 111
Likes: 17
From: Central NJ
2005 SL500, 2022 RX350, 2016 GLC300 4Matic(Sold), 2008 RX350 (sold), 2003 RX300(sold)
2005 SL500: Another ABC victim

A little background:The car was purchased in California and transported to NJ. It is claimed that all functions were working as expected at the time of shipment. However, when delivered ABC red warning was on and after few starts car refused to start. Car was found to be equipped with a non AGM starter and an AGM Aux battery (both non MB). Aux battery had drained to ~4.5 Volts (which was deemed to be end of the battery).
Actions/Observations:As a first intervention both batteries were replaced with OEM MB batteries, after which the car started right away and red ABC warning changed to white and "car too low" remained on. However, car responded to height elevation command via the center console. While driving, the steering felt a little tight but no tire scrubbing was noted.
Seller suggested to disconnect and reconnect (after 30 minutes) main battery to resolve ABC warning, which didn't.
Seller than suggested to remove fuse 13 & 46 ( noted to be good/not burned) and drive. Removal of fuse(s) made ABC warning disappear and steering felt as normal. Car was driven about 3 miles to get some gas. No drive-ability issues were noted during this drive. However, upon restart after refueling, ABC(white) warning returned and remains. Upon return fuses were reinstalled with no consequence on ABC warning.
Full quick scan with Foxwell NT510 Elite didn't show any codes related to ABC. However, upon changing full to component scan, scanner repeatedly returned "unable to trigger" suspension scan. (This is the first time I am using this scanner, so I am not very experienced with its capabilities. Someone has shown that it can do rodeo during ABC flush).
There is no fluid leak/overflow or funny sounds when starting/driving.
Please share your thoughts for the next step to correct this.
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2023 | 07:54 PM
  #2  
Tom Manning's Avatar
Super Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 184
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
What is the exact warning: Stop - car too low? That's a red warning.

Or is it ABC visit workshop - a white warning? That can indicate an internal leak in the valve block, which is not serious. Please clarify the exact message you're getting.

Battery issues and ABC warnings are usually not connected (although you can have both at once...)
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2023 | 08:04 PM
  #3  
TheSpooky's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 111
Likes: 17
From: Central NJ
2005 SL500, 2022 RX350, 2016 GLC300 4Matic(Sold), 2008 RX350 (sold), 2003 RX300(sold)
Originally Posted by Tom Manning
What is the exact warning: Stop - car too low? That's a red warning.

Or is it ABC visit workshop - a white warning? That can indicate an internal leak in the valve block, which is not serious. Please clarify the exact message you're getting.

Battery issues and ABC warnings are usually not connected (although you can have both at once...)
Initially it was red & "car too low" , when batteries were dying. Once I replaced batteries it changed to white with blue background and "car too low", now it is white with blue background "Display Malfunction, Visit workshop"
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2023 | 08:46 PM
  #4  
Tom Manning's Avatar
Super Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 184
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Try the scan again. There must be a code or two.

Dying battery can throw up some strange codes, but maybe they're all stored and not current.
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2023 | 12:06 AM
  #5  
TheSpooky's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 111
Likes: 17
From: Central NJ
2005 SL500, 2022 RX350, 2016 GLC300 4Matic(Sold), 2008 RX350 (sold), 2003 RX300(sold)
Originally Posted by Tom Manning
Try the scan again. There must be a code or two.
Dying battery can throw up some strange codes, but maybe they're all stored and not current.
Most were stored but there are several current. I will re scan and report some.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:05 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE