Help - I need some advice re my ABS

[patchpickford]

I have a 2002 ML270CDi, 52k miles on the clock I have owned it from new.
After approx 7/8 minutes of running the engine the following fault/warning messages light up
BAS/ESP
ABS
ETS
Handbrake.
The car then "sticks" in whatever autogear I am in at the time and the speedometer and fuel guage stop working as well as my cruise control. If I then stop and re-start the engine it all re-sets but then goes off again after another 7/8 minutes.
My local MB dealer cannot diagnose the problem other than to suggest that I replace the ABS which will cost me c. £1,500, however they are not absolutely certain it will make a difference. I am loathe to spend this much money without having the certainty that it will fix the problem.

Anyone got any ideas out there????

 

[Xtractorfan]

Its worth having your battery checked just to ensure its pumping out 12 volts,

 

[brandwooddixon]

When you say 7 or 8 minutes running do you mean driving or stationary?

Most ABS faults are only found if you use the braking system or are moving.

Does the problem occur if the vehicle is left idling for 8 minutes?

 

[patchpickford]

Abs

When you say 7 or 8 minutes running do you mean driving or stationary?

Most ABS faults are only found if you use the braking system or are moving.

Does the problem occur if the vehicle is left idling for 8 minutes?

Patch - Idle or running it is the same - 7 mins and then the whole dashboard lights up with warning lights. Had my battery checked today. It is Ok

 

[brandwooddixon]

Hmm.

Brake light switch is usually a first port of call with these lights - about £8 and 10 mins to change.

I can understand your reluctance to pay for an ABS unit with no guarantee of a cure.

I'd be tempted to check the battery voltage whilst the car is running - it should be around 14V. See if this changes as you approach the 7 minute time window.

Is this time window always the same? Even when the car is warm?

If it is then it could be that some diagnostic is running and takes that time to flag a fault.

Did the garage read off any fault codes, which lead them to believe that it was the ABS unit?