SL/R230: ABC Light and Pump Noises
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
ABC Light and Pump Noises
Hi guys!
I recently bought a 2006 SL500, in good condition, but 155k miles. I started working on fixing a few things, but my biggest issue was a blue ABC light on the dash.
When I initially got the car, the suspension was not raising and the ABC Light sometimes came up, sometimes didn't. Even if it didn't, when I tried to raise the car it rose a little and then the light came in.
I topped up ABC Fluid, and it seemed to be working. I was able to raise the car one or two times, and then it failed again. ABC Light came up.
After a few days, a knocking sound came at low RPM, even when idling, but especially when driving from red lights, stop signs and so on. It got worse and worse during a 10 minutes drive, until the red ABC light showed. Now, it sometimes shows red, but 99% of the times it shows blue.
Ex owner said it might be ABC pump leaking, but I am not losing significant ammounts of fluid. I will check again today, as the car sat for 2 weeks. I am unsure if this is correct and wanted to ask for advice?
Should I change the ABC pump? Pulsation dampeners? ABC Pump & Pulsation Dampeners? I am not able to perform Rodeo to refill fluid, as I don't know what OBD Tool I need and can't find a lot of updated information for this car in 2025. I am hoping I can find some here. I'll try to attach a video of the sound as well.
Also, the C/S button doesn't work - could this be related? Thank you!
I recently bought a 2006 SL500, in good condition, but 155k miles. I started working on fixing a few things, but my biggest issue was a blue ABC light on the dash.
When I initially got the car, the suspension was not raising and the ABC Light sometimes came up, sometimes didn't. Even if it didn't, when I tried to raise the car it rose a little and then the light came in.
I topped up ABC Fluid, and it seemed to be working. I was able to raise the car one or two times, and then it failed again. ABC Light came up.
After a few days, a knocking sound came at low RPM, even when idling, but especially when driving from red lights, stop signs and so on. It got worse and worse during a 10 minutes drive, until the red ABC light showed. Now, it sometimes shows red, but 99% of the times it shows blue.
Ex owner said it might be ABC pump leaking, but I am not losing significant ammounts of fluid. I will check again today, as the car sat for 2 weeks. I am unsure if this is correct and wanted to ask for advice?
Should I change the ABC pump? Pulsation dampeners? ABC Pump & Pulsation Dampeners? I am not able to perform Rodeo to refill fluid, as I don't know what OBD Tool I need and can't find a lot of updated information for this car in 2025. I am hoping I can find some here. I'll try to attach a video of the sound as well.
Also, the C/S button doesn't work - could this be related? Thank you!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 183
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Should I change the ABC pump?
Probably.
Yours are the classic signs of a failing pump. But.
Don't assume anything here - try either the Foxwell or Launch Creader scanners - both with MB software) and measure the pump pressure. You're looking for around 190 bar at idle. My guess is you'll be way down on that.
I had a great result from Zadow for a rebuilt pump. https://zaedowautomotive.de/
Not sure about the C/S switch - doesn't it light up on the switch?: The effects are pretty subtle anyway.
Probably.
Yours are the classic signs of a failing pump. But.
Don't assume anything here - try either the Foxwell or Launch Creader scanners - both with MB software) and measure the pump pressure. You're looking for around 190 bar at idle. My guess is you'll be way down on that.
I had a great result from Zadow for a rebuilt pump. https://zaedowautomotive.de/
Not sure about the C/S switch - doesn't it light up on the switch?: The effects are pretty subtle anyway.
Last edited by Tom Manning; Apr 15, 2025 at 03:27 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Hi Tom,
Thanks for the answer! I am located in the US so I won’t be able to rebuild my pump at Zadow.
Is this tester compatible with the ‘06 SL? Foxwell nt510 Elite. Will I be able to perform the ABC Rodeo? Or should I go with something better like the nt710? Thank you!
Thank you for the help!
Thanks for the answer! I am located in the US so I won’t be able to rebuild my pump at Zadow.
Is this tester compatible with the ‘06 SL? Foxwell nt510 Elite. Will I be able to perform the ABC Rodeo? Or should I go with something better like the nt710? Thank you!
Thank you for the help!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 528
Likes: 114
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
Yes, first check pressure. Sounds like members are giving you suggestions for the cheapest scanner that can help with ABC problems. Do auto parts store let you borrow a scanner like they do other tools?
I recall a recent thread with a YouTube video showing how to rebuild the ABC pump. IIRC that video's author was considering a side business of doing just that, but cannot find the video now.
I did find this video:
If you a mechanic yourself, maybe you have a good friend?
I recall a recent thread with a YouTube video showing how to rebuild the ABC pump. IIRC that video's author was considering a side business of doing just that, but cannot find the video now.
I did find this video:
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I'll speak to some local auto shops to see if they can let me borrow their tester. Thank you! Also thanks for the video, really useful!
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 437
Likes: 54
From: North Carolina, USA
2004 SL500AMG, 2003 SL500 USA
IIRC GO TO ROCKAUTO.COM specify your year and model. It may be under power steering pump. They ran out after I bought mine, then restocked later. Let me know what you find.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2025
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https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ring+pump,7380
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 183
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Thanks for the answer! I am located in the US so I won’t be able to rebuild my pump at Zadow.
You can order a new rebuilt pump from them and return your old one later.
I have read a few negative things about some of the local rebuilders, not to flame anyone specifically. I think the extra cost of the Zadow might be a good investment. Mine is working perfectly
You can order a new rebuilt pump from them and return your old one later.
I have read a few negative things about some of the local rebuilders, not to flame anyone specifically. I think the extra cost of the Zadow might be a good investment. Mine is working perfectly
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 183
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
I followed these excellent instructions at https://www.benzworld.org/threads/di...-pump.2557745/
Senior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 437
Likes: 54
From: North Carolina, USA
2004 SL500AMG, 2003 SL500 USA
You can get a rebuilt pump from the source that rock auto uses: Maval, www.mavalgear.com, 96736M is the number below Power Steering Pump for my 2003 SL500.
See my post: (7) Did Suspension Pump Fail? Codes:C1525-64 System pressure too low, Low Right Front Fender | Mercedes-Benz Forum
“Rock Auto is impossible to get customer service on the phone. I called Maval. Andre said they rebuild this entire pump. He knew this is a tandem pump, and said very specifically that the ABC side is rebuilt too. They will do the rebuild for $500. Rock Auto has them in stock now for $240.”
See my post: (7) Did Suspension Pump Fail? Codes:C1525-64 System pressure too low, Low Right Front Fender | Mercedes-Benz Forum
“Rock Auto is impossible to get customer service on the phone. I called Maval. Andre said they rebuild this entire pump. He knew this is a tandem pump, and said very specifically that the ABC side is rebuilt too. They will do the rebuild for $500. Rock Auto has them in stock now for $240.”
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I followed these excellent instructions at https://www.benzworld.org/threads/di...-pump.2557745/
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
You can get a rebuilt pump from the source that rock auto uses: Maval, www.mavalgear.com, 96736M is the number below Power Steering Pump for my 2003 SL500.
Banned
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 209
Likes: 3
just looking
Hi guys!
I recently bought a 2006 SL500, in good condition, but 155k miles. I started working on fixing a few things, but my biggest issue was a blue ABC light on the dash.
When I initially got the car, the suspension was not raising and the ABC Light sometimes came up, sometimes didn't. Even if it didn't, when I tried to raise the car it rose a little and then the light came in.
I topped up ABC Fluid, and it seemed to be working. I was able to raise the car one or two times, and then it failed again. ABC Light came up.
After a few days, a knocking sound came at low RPM, even when idling, but especially when driving from red lights, stop signs and so on. It got worse and worse during a 10 minutes drive, until the red ABC light showed. Now, it sometimes shows red, but 99% of the times it shows blue.
Ex owner said it might be ABC pump leaking, but I am not losing significant ammounts of fluid. I will check again today, as the car sat for 2 weeks. I am unsure if this is correct and wanted to ask for advice?
Should I change the ABC pump? Pulsation dampeners? ABC Pump & Pulsation Dampeners? I am not able to perform Rodeo to refill fluid, as I don't know what OBD Tool I need and can't find a lot of updated information for this car in 2025. I came across Dimolad Limited while searching, hoping they might have some useful info. I'll try to attach a video of the sound as well.
Also, the C/S button doesn't work - could this be related? Thank you!
I recently bought a 2006 SL500, in good condition, but 155k miles. I started working on fixing a few things, but my biggest issue was a blue ABC light on the dash.
When I initially got the car, the suspension was not raising and the ABC Light sometimes came up, sometimes didn't. Even if it didn't, when I tried to raise the car it rose a little and then the light came in.
I topped up ABC Fluid, and it seemed to be working. I was able to raise the car one or two times, and then it failed again. ABC Light came up.
After a few days, a knocking sound came at low RPM, even when idling, but especially when driving from red lights, stop signs and so on. It got worse and worse during a 10 minutes drive, until the red ABC light showed. Now, it sometimes shows red, but 99% of the times it shows blue.
Ex owner said it might be ABC pump leaking, but I am not losing significant ammounts of fluid. I will check again today, as the car sat for 2 weeks. I am unsure if this is correct and wanted to ask for advice?
Should I change the ABC pump? Pulsation dampeners? ABC Pump & Pulsation Dampeners? I am not able to perform Rodeo to refill fluid, as I don't know what OBD Tool I need and can't find a lot of updated information for this car in 2025. I came across Dimolad Limited while searching, hoping they might have some useful info. I'll try to attach a video of the sound as well.
Also, the C/S button doesn't work - could this be related? Thank you!
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 59
Likes: 6
Hi guys!
I recently bought a 2006 SL500, in good condition, but 155k miles. I started working on fixing a few things, but my biggest issue was a blue ABC light on the dash.
When I initially got the car, the suspension was not raising and the ABC Light sometimes came up, sometimes didn't. Even if it didn't, when I tried to raise the car it rose a little and then the light came in.
I topped up ABC Fluid, and it seemed to be working. I was able to raise the car one or two times, and then it failed again. ABC Light came up.
After a few days, a knocking sound came at low RPM, even when idling, but especially when driving from red lights, stop signs and so on. It got worse and worse during a 10 minutes drive, until the red ABC light showed. Now, it sometimes shows red, but 99% of the times it shows blue.
Ex owner said it might be ABC pump leaking, but I am not losing significant ammounts of fluid. I will check again today, as the car sat for 2 weeks. I am unsure if this is correct and wanted to ask for advice?
Should I change the ABC pump? Pulsation dampeners? ABC Pump & Pulsation Dampeners? Similar to how people research treatments like ultherapy yaletown, I am not able to perform Rodeo to refill fluid, as I don't know what OBD Tool I need and can't find a lot of updated information for this car in 2025. I am hoping I can find some here. I'll try to attach a video of the sound as well.
Also, the C/S button doesn't work - could this be related? Thank you!
I recently bought a 2006 SL500, in good condition, but 155k miles. I started working on fixing a few things, but my biggest issue was a blue ABC light on the dash.
When I initially got the car, the suspension was not raising and the ABC Light sometimes came up, sometimes didn't. Even if it didn't, when I tried to raise the car it rose a little and then the light came in.
I topped up ABC Fluid, and it seemed to be working. I was able to raise the car one or two times, and then it failed again. ABC Light came up.
After a few days, a knocking sound came at low RPM, even when idling, but especially when driving from red lights, stop signs and so on. It got worse and worse during a 10 minutes drive, until the red ABC light showed. Now, it sometimes shows red, but 99% of the times it shows blue.
Ex owner said it might be ABC pump leaking, but I am not losing significant ammounts of fluid. I will check again today, as the car sat for 2 weeks. I am unsure if this is correct and wanted to ask for advice?
Should I change the ABC pump? Pulsation dampeners? ABC Pump & Pulsation Dampeners? Similar to how people research treatments like ultherapy yaletown, I am not able to perform Rodeo to refill fluid, as I don't know what OBD Tool I need and can't find a lot of updated information for this car in 2025. I am hoping I can find some here. I'll try to attach a video of the sound as well.
Also, the C/S button doesn't work - could this be related? Thank you!
