SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Seeking insight on dreaded ABC issue
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 7
From: Boston, MA
AMG GTS, SL55 AMG, S5 Sportback
Seeking insight on dreaded ABC issue
Hey all, so I am grappling a bit with the dreaded ABC warnings some of us have to deal with. A few weeks ago I started getting red warning lights that would pop up as I hit a bump. The suspension felt "hollow" as if it was bottoming out. As far as the warnings, I get a ding and the left gauge says ABC, and the right says "Drive Carefully!"
I took the car to a friend's specialty shop and the hydraulic fluid needed to be refilled, which we did. The suspension noticeably stiffened back up and rides much better. However, I'm still getting the warning messages maybe 2 or 3 times during say, a 30 minute highway drive. I was hoping it would stop after the fluid bled back through the system but it has persisted.
They've suggested that I replace/rebuild the pump for the system, which I know is going to be an expensive undertaking. There is a small leak.
I figured I'd post up here and see what the voices of direct experience say. Who has dealt with this before and have you found any innovative solutions? I've searched around the forums as well.
The car is an '05 with 49k miles if that helps.
Thanks so much for any insight,
- James
I took the car to a friend's specialty shop and the hydraulic fluid needed to be refilled, which we did. The suspension noticeably stiffened back up and rides much better. However, I'm still getting the warning messages maybe 2 or 3 times during say, a 30 minute highway drive. I was hoping it would stop after the fluid bled back through the system but it has persisted.
They've suggested that I replace/rebuild the pump for the system, which I know is going to be an expensive undertaking. There is a small leak.
I figured I'd post up here and see what the voices of direct experience say. Who has dealt with this before and have you found any innovative solutions? I've searched around the forums as well.
The car is an '05 with 49k miles if that helps.
Thanks so much for any insight,
- James
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,214
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
ABC pump, from my experience, doesn't last much more than what you have. Buy a new ABC pump and call it a day. In addition, get an inline magnetic filter and mount on the return line right before the reservoir. It's likely you have some metal particles in your lines given the low pressure, low fluid, and leak. The metal particles can start a domino effect in your ABC system that will chew up pumps and clog the valve blocks.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 7
From: Boston, MA
AMG GTS, SL55 AMG, S5 Sportback
Sort of what I was afraid of hearing but I appreciate the direct and prompt insight. I'm holding my breath waiting for the price quote to come back for this...
ABC pump, from my experience, doesn't last much more than what you have. Buy a new ABC pump and call it a day. In addition, get an inline magnetic filter and mount on the return line right before the reservoir. It's likely you have some metal particles in your lines given the low pressure, low fluid, and leak. The metal particles can start a domino effect in your ABC system that will chew up pumps and clog the valve blocks.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 276
Likes: 33
SL500, Miata
"Suggested" suggests to me that they do not know for certain the cause of the warning messages. I believe in your case this really ought to be a straightforward diagnosis which accurately pinpoints the cause of your problem. Did they test the pump with Star Diagnosis?
