SL/R231: Turning OFF Traction Control and ABS
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 8
Likes: 3
2013 SL 550
Turning OFF Traction Control and ABS
Guys, am going crazy here! Trying to turn-off ma R231 2013 SL 550 ABS and Traction control OFF to change my rotors and pads and paint my calipers, and a tech told me I HAD TO turn off ABS and traction control. So I went on the internet, and found many times the same procedure: 1/ go ignition position 1 on Odometer, press left to get on trip and 2/ go to position 2 and press the call button first, hold it and press OK to get the Vehicle Data / Dynamom menu, press OK, click OFF and your are done. Simple right...! Well, no matter how many times and how long I tried pressing this Call button + OK, I NEVER get to the Vehicle Data menu....! LOL! What am I missing here...!? Anybody, please help...!
Other idea, how do I physically disconnect the ABS box?
Cheers,
Eric
Other idea, how do I physically disconnect the ABS box?
Cheers,
Eric
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 739
From: Nor-Cal
2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
If you have an R231 the only thing you will need to do is put the rear brakes in service position.
If you get new pads, you may also need to adjust the rear piston by screwing it in with a special tool.
DO NOT let the brake system run dry. Cap the brake lines right after you disconnect them, and THEN remove your brake calipers. If the brake fluid does run dry you might need to bleed the ABS pump via STAR/XENTRY. Disabling TC and ABS has no effect on the R231 bleed procedure and isn’t needed. (R230 with SBC is a different procedure )
Many folks just paint the calipers on the car….
Good Luck.
If you get new pads, you may also need to adjust the rear piston by screwing it in with a special tool.
DO NOT let the brake system run dry. Cap the brake lines right after you disconnect them, and THEN remove your brake calipers. If the brake fluid does run dry you might need to bleed the ABS pump via STAR/XENTRY. Disabling TC and ABS has no effect on the R231 bleed procedure and isn’t needed. (R230 with SBC is a different procedure )
Many folks just paint the calipers on the car….
Good Luck.
Last edited by crconsulting; May 31, 2022 at 10:32 PM.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Actually, R230s with SBC did require disabling the brake system, like @crconsulting said. I've replaced my pads on my R231 (with the "H.D. Brakes" code U28) without disabling anything. Make sure you have your parking brake off.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
EDIT: Disregard the below and follow the video in the post from @crconsulting
You may also consider getting the proper brake piston tool when changing the rear pads. Something like this is very useful, especially if you have more than one brand of car you work on.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You may also consider getting the proper brake piston tool when changing the rear pads. Something like this is very useful, especially if you have more than one brand of car you work on.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Last edited by JettaRed; Jun 1, 2022 at 07:26 AM.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Actually, R230s with SBC did require disabling the brake system, like @crconsulting said. I've replaced my pads on my R231 (with the "H.D. Brakes" code U28) without disabling anything. Make sure you have your parking brake off.
EDIT: While the above statement is true, putting the brakes in service position would be so much easier.
Last edited by JettaRed; Jun 1, 2022 at 07:28 AM.
