97 E240 Traction Control Problem

[Mikesmerc]

Hello all, just test drove the above petrol car and found that when I accelerate the traction control warning light comes on and kills the power from the engine. Now I know this is how it works but Im no where near loosing traction, works fine if I disable it. Any ideas where the problem could lie?, Im trying to bid for this car and want an idea of how big/small/expensive this fault could cost.
Thanks
Mike

 

[thespirit3]

I know nothing about traction control on Merc's - but, I'd initially suspect a faulty sensor on one of the wheels. I've heard of this with Audi's before - and it's a simple DIY job (once the part is acquired from a dealer). I haven't done this myself though - just had the story from an A6 owning friend over a pub meal one weekend

However, perhaps best to call a dealer, speak to their parts dept - explain the situation and the problem - most mechanic types are usually happy to advise ...

 

[jberks]

To be fair, it could be anything from a faulty sensor to a whole control unit.
You need to get it in for a diagnostic and quote before settling on a bid. I assume the seller isn't willing to sort it which should concern you as there are 2 possibilities. 1) he just can't be bothered or 2) he knows exactly what's wrong and what it will cost and is hoping to find someone who thinks it's a £50 sensor and they are getting a bargain as a result,when in fact, it's a £1000+ hit.

 

[carabind]

J Berks is absolutely right, you really want this sorted by the seller before you take ownership. If a dealer, you might be able to gain sight of the V5, (just checking how many previous owners, !)and track down the previous owner and ask them about their experiences about the car.
I managed to so similar a few years ago on a Capri, and the tale of gearbox problems made me steer well clear. Also, if this fault is evident, I wonder what else might be lurking to raise it's head in a month or so when you really get to know the car ? There will always be another car, probably worth passing on this as it is

 

[stumpy]

This could be a can of worms as the traction control system is often piggy backed with other systems like ABS, and tyre pressure monitoring etc.

 

[Mikesmerc]

Thanks for the help guys, met the salesman yesterday, said he is going to do a diagnostic to pin point what is actually at fault and I will take it from there, or not.
Mike

 

[Mikesmerc]

Just had a chat with the salesman and he is saying the problem is being caused by worn (eggy) rear tyres as the diagnostic shows the system to be ok. Now I put it to him that if I swap the front with the rear tyres would this cure the said fault. He didnt know, what do you guys think?, Im a bit doubtfull about this theory. I can have the car for a week on trial if I want. I know traction would be lost on hard acceleration from standstill with worn tyres but not when cruising at 40 or 50 which is showing up at the moment.
Thanks
Mike

 

[OmniCognateNeutronRangler]

take it on trial and take it to another dealer and get them to run diagnostics on it. I don't see how warn tyres could cause this unless they are slicks, and as you said it works fine with ESP turned off. If you are really interested in buying it I would certainly take him up on the weeks trial and possibly spend a little bit of money getting it checked out by someone else (who has a less vested interest).

 

[Mikesmerc]

Thanks Omni, have the car at the moment and the rear tyres look pretty bad, perished and bulging side walls. I presume the distorted shape of the tyre is showing up as a fault as one is rotating slightly more(or less) than the other one and thinks that it is loosing traction. Farfetched? The traction control light only comes on when the accelerator is pressed when cruising at 40 or 50, if it was a tyre issue shouldnt it light up as soon as I start moving?
Mike

 

[Myros]

Wth

are they doing, letting you out in a car with rotten tyres, Mike. I'm sure EU product liability laws extend over the water to Eire. Be careful they don't have you driving to an early grave. The least you'll want out of then aresome new tyres and then test the ESP/traction control.
I'm not sure I'd buy from someone who values their customer's lives so cheaply.

 

[Mikesmerc]

Thanks for your concerns Myros, but to be fair the car was for sale in the "trade only" section and for sale as seen. I think its fair enough if you know enough about Mercs, but the more I own and the more modern they get it seems the less I know about them. Will play it by ear.
Rgds
Mike

 

[television]

and the more modern they get it seems the less I know about them. Will play it by ear.
Rgds
Mike

You are not alone on this point, I find it hard work keeping up with it all, it not only the new things, its when something else has been added to an existing system like now you have Distronic plus, the original SBC was updated, it gets to the point where you have to be so careful in answering a thread.

Malcolm

 

[Mikesmerc]

I dont think I will be able to many technical queries anymore Malcolm as Im totally lost with the modern stuff and anything I knew about the old stuff is fading from my memory fast, think I have downloaded the contents of my brain on here, dont bother looking for it cos its not too immpessive.
Mike

 

[Mikesmerc]

Hello all, just an update on the traction control problem. It turns out that the spare wheel which had been fitted to the front had a tyre which was 65 high instead of 60, problem solved.
Very happy until I found out whoever replaced the alloy had used the long wheel studs on the steel wheel, nackered the hub. Sorted now replaced the hub with a new one, a 10min job.
Thanks all
Mike