SL/R230: red BRAKE warning on dash
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: West Vancouver BC, So Cal
2007 E63, 2004 SL 500
red BRAKE warning on dash
Hello all,
My wife has an 2004 SL500, and the dash has the beautiful red glow is coming from the dash, BRAKE, may need increased distance to sop message is on. We have done the turn on and off, still there, no loss in braking power of any kind, no leaks reservoir is at max, and no code. We replaced the accessory battery in the trunk and it still is on. Would really appreciate some insight as to what it may be, a wheel speed or ABS sensor. Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Jason
My wife has an 2004 SL500, and the dash has the beautiful red glow is coming from the dash, BRAKE, may need increased distance to sop message is on. We have done the turn on and off, still there, no loss in braking power of any kind, no leaks reservoir is at max, and no code. We replaced the accessory battery in the trunk and it still is on. Would really appreciate some insight as to what it may be, a wheel speed or ABS sensor. Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Jason
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,468
Likes: 5,356
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Have it checked out. That warning may indicate low brake fluid or malfunctioning brake booster. For moderate braking you may not notice any issue initially, but if your wife gets into an emergency braking situation things may not turn out well for her.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 471
Likes: 119
From: North West England
SL500
I think this may also be due to the SBC brake counter, which after a certain amount of brake actuations puts up this message as it is presumed the SBC unit is near end of life and needs replacing.
There is a recall or something on this in the USA only.
Get it scanned with STAR SDS or have someone confirm the reason.
There is a recall or something on this in the USA only.
Get it scanned with STAR SDS or have someone confirm the reason.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 365
From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
That light is typically low voltage, but can probably be triggered by other SBC issues. If the pump life is exceeded, you get a white visit workshop message.
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 161
Likes: 13
From: Guthrie, OK
SL55, Opel GT, 70 LT-1, BMW 745 turbo, MRoadster, 49 Stude truck, 69 Z/28, Ferrari project
My 04 SL55 has the BRAKE warning light in white. Fluid is not low. Brake pads are not worn. Push the right side of the bottom left button on steering wheel (forget terminology... maybe menu) and it goes out. Car drives normally. Brakes work fine.
If I am reading the above correctly, it means that once the SBC reads a predetermined number of brake applications, that light comes on because the pump is "presumed" to be at the end of its life. One post indicates that means the SBC control unit is at the end of its life. Is it one or both? Is there a way to reset without replacing both the control unit and the pump?
Also, just read that the SBC pump and controller are now warranted for 25 years. Is that correct?
Guessing that means it has to go to an MB dealer for service?
If I am reading the above correctly, it means that once the SBC reads a predetermined number of brake applications, that light comes on because the pump is "presumed" to be at the end of its life. One post indicates that means the SBC control unit is at the end of its life. Is it one or both? Is there a way to reset without replacing both the control unit and the pump?
Also, just read that the SBC pump and controller are now warranted for 25 years. Is that correct?
Guessing that means it has to go to an MB dealer for service?
Last edited by LynnBilodeau; Dec 15, 2024 at 12:47 PM.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: West Vancouver BC, So Cal
2007 E63, 2004 SL 500
just a quick update it was the SBC pump and associated items. Mercedes dealer took care of everything under warranty. Thank you everyone for your responses and in sights
Jason
Jason
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 14
Likes: 8
From: Cloverdale VA
2003 SL500
In my case the ABS Pump cycles about 15 times after a brake application. This is stopped, in my garage with the car running. ABC Fluid level is full, brake fluid level is full.
Guess I'll call the dealer.
