BAS/ESP & ABS Fault Indicator light on

[RCA918]

Hi

My E240 2001 BAS/ESP & ABS came on yesterday whilst I was driving. The 2 indicator came on at the same time. But each time I turn off the engine & restart the 2 fault indicators dont come on till I depress the brake pedal.

Checking my service record, on 15/07/05, the Front Brake Pad, Brake Disc and Brake Fluid had been replaced.

Can some pls help diagnose this fault? Prviously I had these kind of fault indicator lights up when I unplug & plug back the battery under the back passenger seats.


Kind Regards,

 

[Blobcat]

A very common fault and generally quite easy to fix. You need to replace the switch at the top of the brake pedal.
Attached is a link to one of many threads;
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=17583&highlight=bas+light

You can get these indications when changing the battery. The steering angle sensor needs to be reset by turning lock to lock.

 

[jberks]

Just second Blobcats answer. Brake light switch - definately. There aren't many W210's running around with the original switch. Mine went at 4 years old - same symptoms. Switch is around £8 and 5 mins to fit so not worth messing about.

 

[RCA918]

Thanks.

Is the Brake Light Switch fault caused the 2 faulty signal or is there another cause besides the Brake light switch. There are the BAS/ESP & ABS fault.

Kind Regards

 

[jberks]

Sorry, I don't quite understand the question but basically the switch can fault whilst the brake lights appear to still be working. As the ABS,BAS and ESP all rely on a signal from the brakes to function correctly, a fault detected in the switch causes all 3 systems to shut down.

 

[RCA918]

Thanks.

Is the car drivable with the Brake Light Swicth disconnected. Can you post what the Brake Light switch look like?

Kind Regards

 

[Blobcat]

Yes you can drive it but you do not have the ABS or Brake Assist functions. Crazy I know that a faulty switch causes you to loose ABS but thats the way it is.
If you check the first 6 digits of your VIN against this wonderful Russian site you can then drill down to the switch.

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb0.asp?TP=1

 

[RCA918]

Thanks.

I have open the cover beneath the steering column. I have remove the Brake light switch adjoining the Brake pedal.

Now I am quoted by MB dealer AU$51, which is dearer than US$20. I will look for spare parts dealer with more reasonable price $$ on www


Kind Regards

 

[jberks]

Errr- don't remove the switch before you have a replacement, or you may need to order a new rear bumper at the same time!!
The switch has 2 sections. The one that signals the ABS etc can fail but it's rare for the side that drives the brake lights to go. So, leave it in which will keep your brake lights working for now, and swap it out when you get a replacement.
There are several UK suppliers that do the switch, though for the cost we tend to go to the dealer, but it does imply you should be able to get one elsewhere. AU$51 is crazy for a part we pay so little for here.

 

[RCA918]

I had just removed the Brake Light Switch & decided to test it by puting it back again. Guess what, the 2 Faulty Indicator is no more. Is it possible the swicth is working again?

I drove for half hour in light traffic, made a number of turns left & right, even reverse. The fault signal is no more.

But I will keep the cover beneath dash open for another 2 weeks & hopefully its 100% confirm that the fault is fixed.

Kind Regards

 

[jberks]

Temporary fix. I've never heard of one being resurected long term. Gives you time to source one from a more reasonable source though.

 

[Blobcat]

Temporary fix. I've never heard of one being resurected long term. Gives you time to source one from a more reasonable source though.

Mine hasn't failed again since 22nd Feb 06. So it's lasted 3.5K miles and 2 months. Though I know that now I've mentioned it it will fail on the way home :sad:

 

[RCA918]

Thanks all.

Wish me luck that its all OK

Kind Regards

 

[jberks]

Good luck all.
Mine went about 3-4 times in total. Several months from the first to the second and then another couple of months to the third etc. So, not exactly a regular or constant problem but based on how little it cost, I had a new one put in anyway.