SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 03 SL55 AMG - ABC light intermittently on

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jun 8, 2021 | 02:42 PM
  #1  
jallej's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 6
2003 SL55 AMG
03 SL55 AMG - ABC light intermittently on

Occasionally when I go over a speed bump or take a tight turn the ABC light comes on the dash, then goes out. Found the fluid dirty, so recently replaced the ABC filter and flushed the system with proper fluid. Still have same symptom. When pull codes: 1) 552540 - [HISTORY] [64] System pressure too low; 2) 552580 [HISTORY] [128] The variant of control unit Engine or control unit N73 (EIS [EZS] control unit) is not compatible with control unit N51/2 (ABC Control Module).

No driving issues; suspension appears to be operating properly. ABC pump replaced about 30K ago.

Any ideas?

Thank you.
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2021 | 09:32 PM
  #2  
jallej's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 6
2003 SL55 AMG
ABC Light On - Problem Solved!

Posted this about a month ago. I received no suggestions from this forum. In the meantime, I contacted my local dealer; they were unable to advise concerning the 2 codes 1) 552540 and 2) 552580. Car drives fine, just had issue with ABC light coming on dash occasionally when I go over a bump or on a tight turn. then immediately goes off. So, I did some additional research online and found the solution! Replaced the front axle and rear axle ABC accumulators (220 327 01 15). I used the Corteco 80001406 replacement. Today drove my SL on a day trip to Crater Lake; no ABC light on! So, after about 200 miles of driving, curves and many bumps in the road, no ABC light on and everything operating properly.

For those of you interested in very informative information concerning the ABC system, I refer you to this Mercedes Benz ABC System Troubleshooting Guide:
https://mercedes-abc-drive-carefully...y-part-of.html

Happy and safe driving!
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2023 | 12:23 AM
  #3  
I FAR I's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
CL500
Originally Posted by jallej
Occasionally when I go over a speed bump or take a tight turn the ABC light comes on the dash, then goes out. Found the fluid dirty, so recently replaced the ABC filter and flushed the system with proper fluid. Still have same symptom. When pull codes: 1) 552540 - [HISTORY] [64] System pressure too low; 2) 552580 [HISTORY] [128] The variant of control unit Engine or control unit N73 (EIS [EZS] control unit) is not compatible with control unit N51/2 (ABC Control Module).

No driving issues; suspension appears to be operating properly. ABC pump replaced about 30K ago.

Any ideas?

Thank you.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted this about a month ago. I received no suggestions from this forum. In the meantime, I contacted my local dealer; they were unable to advise concerning the 2 codes 1) 552540 and 2) 552580. Car drives fine, just had issue with ABC light coming on dash occasionally when I go over a bump or on a tight turn. then immediately goes off. So, I did some additional research online and found the solution! Replaced the front axle and rear axle ABC accumulators (220 327 01 15). I used the Corteco 80001406 replacement. Today drove my SL on a day trip to Crater Lake; no ABC light on! So, after about 200 miles of driving, curves and many bumps in the road, no ABC light on and everything operating properly.

For those of you interested in very informative information concerning the ABC system, I refer you to this Mercedes Benz ABC System Troubleshooting Guide:
https://mercedes-abc-drive-carefully...y-part-of.html

Happy and safe driving!
Now, THIS is great forum consideration and etiquette!

The post contains some very helpful and insightful followup information with a proven solution to the problem.

Plus, the link to the ABC Troubleshooting Guide was an especially nice addition as it is certainly the single most comprehensive document I have ever seen regarding the Mercedes Benz ABC Suspension Systems. And I have the Star Diagnostic DVD.

The author of the blog, Darren Bruxvoort, should be applauded and commended for his thorough research and hard work.

It is a real treasure!

Thank you kindly, Jallej... Cheers to you and Darren!!
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2023 | 03:00 AM
  #4  
tonylinc's Avatar
Super Member
5 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 623
Likes: 213
From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
I apologize that I missed seeing the first post with the question or I would have responded saying just what he's found out. The front and rear accumulators are parts that are going to wear out eventually. Mine were worn out and I replaced both those and also the pulsation dampener too, I think the three parts cost about $800. Car is like new now and perfect. Very happy to hear that your car is well again. If your ABC is giving intermittent warnings get those parts and replace them! I waited a little too long and the pressure spikes will kill a high pressure hose and then you also need that replaced. This happened to me, and dealership wanted $9000 to replace that hose, saying it takes over 30 hours labor to disassemble most of the front of the car to replace that hose. It's called the Car Killer Hose because of the cost to replace that S.O.B. !!!
An indy shop that does the repair the same way as dealer quoted $5000. I found a local shop owned by two brothers who are engineers and they said, "SURE, we can do that, for two grand. We've done about A DOZEN of those R230s and not one of them has had a problem since." Instead of disassembling so much of the front of the car, they remove the old hose, get a new hose, install the ends, as pigtails cut off at the right length, then thread new hose in the original pathway and use hydraulic hose splicers (rated at over 7000PSI) and VOILA, hydraulic hose replaced with better than-new. I said, "I have the accumulators and pulsation dampener plus 2 motor mounts and a tranny mount, in the trunk, can you install those too?" "SURE, all that for another grand." One day after they received the car, it was all done and ready, the bill was $2900 (plus I had spent about $1000 for all my new parts I had bought) and the car is perfect. If you're young and in good shape you could probably do this work yourself and save even more money, But I'm happy I found these guys. Lucky to find this indy shop with highly capable engineers who are awesome mechanics! They are truly great. I'm kinda glad it all happened this way because that hose was the weakest link, and might have been getting ready to blow anyhow, this being a 2003 SL55 AMG with 92k miles on it. Now, it's got a new lease on life and the car is VERY HAPPY.

Last edited by tonylinc; Sep 21, 2023 at 03:08 AM.
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 08:00 AM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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