Service Brake Query

[LondonKId]

Hello All,

Apologies about posting this type of query again. I have read through several posts regarding the SBC module - and getting it refurbed etc, but wanted confirmation first before I proceed down that road.
The car is a 2003 E240 with 89k on the clock (see picture).
Got the message "Service Brake - Visit Workshop" come up the other day - haven't done any checks at the moment, and was wondering if this message confirms the SBC refurbishment? What codes do i need to look out for this.

Whats the best route to take regarding this - and what am I looking at regarding cost?

Many thanks all for your assistance in advance.

All the Best

 

[Snake Charmer]

You need to read the codes and save the relevant ones, delete all then see what you have. I believe C249F is a counter code and one of the more common ones to come up, I am currently battling C235C on one of my S211's.

 

[LondonKId]

@Snake Charmer - Thanks for the info.
I shall get that checked out and see what codes are coming up.

 

[LondonKId]

Just want to ask you guys...
With this error message, is the car still safe to drive?

Sent from my SM-N9500 using Tapatalk

 

[Wighty]

Just want to ask you guys...
With this error message, is the car still safe to drive?

Sent from my SM-N9500 using Tapatalk

Does the cars handbook give more details for that fault as to how much you can keep driving ?
After all it is telling you to drive to a workshop .

 

[Snake Charmer]

The C249F code should be safe as it relates to the counter, my S211 with code C235C went to the red angry screaming dash from the white service brake screen driving the car home from purchasing losing the brakes.
You need to know what codes you are dealing with to make a decision.

 

[LondonKId]

Does the cars handbook give more details for that fault as to how much you can keep driving ?
After all it is telling you to drive to a

The Troubleshoot part of the manual states:

Display Message: Service brake Visit Workshop!
Possible cause: There is a malfunction, but the SBC brake system is still available with complete brake boosting effect.
Possible solution: Visit a Mercedes Benz Service Centre as soon as possible. (so that we can overcharge you and have a drink up on Fridays )

I have also read elsewhere that this message can be a cause to several different things:

- if the brake pads have been changed or the brake sensors been tinkered with (without first deactivating the SBC system)
- if the AUX battery is low on voltage (this battery controls the SBC pump)
- the alternator is charging the main battery (main charge on main battery should be 13.4v+)

not sure - but worth checking. I know there was an issue with one of the rear break pads a few of weeks back - which i got looked at.

But i think the best would be to get a STAR diagnostics done to check the codes (as mentioned by @Snake Charmer)

Thanks All.

 

[Wighty]

The Troubleshoot part of the manual states:

Display Message: Service brake Visit Workshop!
Possible cause: There is a malfunction, but the SBC brake system is still available with complete brake boosting effect.
Possible solution: Visit a Mercedes Benz Service Centre as soon as possible. (so that we can overcharge you and have a drink up on Fridays )

I have also read elsewhere that this message can be a cause to several different things:

- if the brake pads have been changed or the brake sensors been tinkered with (without first deactivating the SBC system)
- if the AUX battery is low on voltage (this battery controls the SBC pump)
- the alternator is charging the main battery (main charge on main battery should be 13.4v+)

not sure - but worth checking. I know there was an issue with one of the rear break pads a few of weeks back - which i got looked at.

But i think the best would be to get a STAR diagnostics done to check the codes (as mentioned by @Snake Charmer)

Thanks All.

Do you have a specialist that you intend to use , or do you need a recommendation?
Say where you are in London for the latter .

 

[LondonKId]

Do you have a specialist that you intend to use , or do you need a recommendation?
Say where you are in London for the latter .

To be honest - a recommendation would be grand - especially as it will be a trusted specialist (and a second opinion).
I'm in NW London - near Willesden Green.
Thanks Wighty.

 

[Wighty]

To be honest - a recommendation would be grand - especially as it will be a trusted specialist (and a second opinion).
I'm in NW London - near Willesden Green.
Thanks Wighty.

Wayne Gates Specializing in Mercedes-Benz Servicing & Repairs

The Independent Merc Specialist you can trust. Based in Harrow, Middlesex servicing the surrounding areas and Hertfordshire. Call now to book

www.mercservicing.co.uk

 

[LondonKId]

Hello All,
Firstly - Thank you for the information provided previously, and I apologise for not replying back sooner - but just had a few deaths in the family - so been an emotional turn of events.

Anyhow - I had the car checked and this is what was found:

CODE: C215C
Description: Check component 'S9/1 (Stop lamp Switch)'

CODE: 9091
Description: The contact of the component 'K57/2 (Auxiliary battery relay) does not close or the fuse upstream of the contact is faulty

I have not had a chance to look into this matter since.
As per before, the "Service Brake - Visit Workshop" message only comes up intermittently - so suppose i need to change the switch. - Is it a big job?

At present the car seems to be driving fine (fingers crossed - don't wanna jinx it). Taken it to Manchester and back - a few times to Luton, and around locally.

What would you guys recommend the next course of action?

I am also looking get the auto-transmission serviced (change oil and seal etc.), and have found the following kit on fleabay:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/375407295973 - would this be suitable for the vehicle?

Thank Again guys. Keep well and in good health.
God Bless all.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Hello All,
Firstly - Thank you for the information provided previously, and I apologise for not replying back sooner - but just had a few deaths in the family - so been an emotional turn of events.

Anyhow - I had the car checked and this is what was found:

CODE: C215C
Description: Check component 'S9/1 (Stop lamp Switch)'

CODE: 9091
Description: The contact of the component 'K57/2 (Auxiliary battery relay) does not close or the fuse upstream of the contact is faulty

I have not had a chance to look into this matter since.
As per before, the "Service Brake - Visit Workshop" message only comes up intermittently - so suppose i need to change the switch. - Is it a big job?

At present the car seems to be driving fine (fingers crossed - don't wanna jinx it). Taken it to Manchester and back - a few times to Luton, and around locally.

What would you guys recommend the next course of action?

I am also looking get the auto-transmission serviced (change oil and seal etc.), and have found the following kit on fleabay:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/375407295973 - would this be suitable for the vehicle?

Thank Again guys. Keep well and in good health.
God Bless all.

CODE: C215C

This is the cause easy change, under the dash, clipped to the brake pedal bracket.

 

[Snake Charmer]

CODE: C215C

This is the cause easy change, under the dash, clipped to the brake pedal bracket.

If only all SBC related faults were that easy!

 

[PaulG]

If only all SBC related faults were that easy!

SBC = ££££

 

[LondonKId]

CODE: C215C

This is the cause easy change, under the dash, clipped to the brake pedal bracket.

Thank you for the advice.