Esp Malfunction Giving Me A Headache

[JONSCLK]

Hi all my 2002 clk is still giving me a headache with the esp malfunction and the story so far is that Mb checked it and reported faulty brake switch which was expected so after having that changed it was fine for about a week then its back on at random internvals, Does anyone know what could be the problem or is it possible it could be one of the wheel sensors and are they easy to locate to clean them up.

thanks in advance

jon

 

[mioba]

Had exactly the same on my s class,
random message esp malfunction visit workshop on the console, so i booked in the dealers, when i was on my way it disappeared, but i told them, that that message came up.
they plugged it into thier computer and said there was no errors showing - same old story. they said it was fine.

2 days later exactly the same again, so i took it in, again they said when they started it up there was no errors, again same old story. i am sure they thought i was bluffing them at this stage.

then again it happened, so i i went to the dealers again and dragged the service manager out to show him the error message. I demanded this time i wanted it sorted as it could potentially be dangerous not knowing if there was a legitimate fault or not.

in the end he told me they had a look through all the past records about the esp control units and the only way to rectify it was to change the esp control unit.
Thats what they done and i have had no trouble since - i was fortunate as the car was under warranty.

I am sure this is what it will be with your car, let usknow how you get on.

 

[psmart]

There have been a few posts about the ESP/BAS problems, seems quite common.

On the C-Class, it turned out to be the wiring harness. The ESP ECU sounds like a radical replacement, perhaps a simple check is to get some Kontakt 60 switch cleaner, locate the ESP ECU, un-plug and give a thorough swilling with the Kontakt cleaner, then re-assemble. On the ML, the ESP ECU is located in a large plastic box (says Airconditioner on it and also attached directly to the fuse box), on the inlet manifold side of the engine, 4 screws hold the plastic lid on, and once inside, you can see the Engine ECU, ESP ECU etc. The ESP ECU is well marked. This is based on an ML, so you will need to check on the CLK.

Otherwise, someone with a CLK will need to advise where the sensor contacts are, then you can give them a good swill. If all of this doesnt help, then look at the wiring harness or the ESP ECU. If your under warranty, then you have more options.

 

[Uncle Benz]

Had same message last week. "ESP malfunction - visit workshop". Plugged in my machine and it said something like 'transmission slipping - input/output speed implausible' I must admit, the week before I changed the radiator after reading about trans cooler failures. Seems I did not put quite enough fluid in - took a further 0.25L. I cleared the codes and it has been OK since. I am interested in these loom faults though. Does this only affect the early W203? I have heard they changed the looms a bit in 2002

 

[psmart]

The families W203 C220cdi is mid 2002, one of the first RHD saloons with Sequentronic, and from what I have picked up, only affects these models and the Coupe models, but reading the forum, it probably isnt the case. More like bad connectors, so they just replace the loom as its simpler for the mechanics to rectify.

 

[JONSCLK]

Hi all thanks for the advice ill give them a try and ill let you know how i get on

 

[ELGRINGO]

Hi there is a repair kit for most esp,bas, fault by replacing a few of the wires to the bas control unit on the pump and cleaning the contacts.