SLK ESP warning light

[Red Popinjay]

I recently bought an X reg (2000) SLK 230. Intermittently the ESP warning light comes on. I have travelled back from Barnsley to Birmingham without the light comimg on but equally just a trip of a couple of miles will sometimes result in the light coming on. ( normally but not always a few seconds after braking or cornering). I took it to a MB dealer who connected the car to a computer just to tell me it was an intermittent fault. Can anyone help me in identifying or rectifying the fault. Much obliged.

 

[Blobcat]

The ESP light comes on to let you know that the traction control is working. Considering the condition of the roads recently it is happening to a lot - check out the thread 'Slippy Roads' http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=16514
Also check the condition of the tyres they may be on the bald side of legal. It is very easy to light up the tyres.

 

[Red Popinjay]

Malfunction indicator light

Thanks for the reply . I should have been more precise. It's the ESP malfunction indicator lamp that illuminates the letters ESP on the instrument cluster, but thanks anyway I take your point about slippery roads!

 

[jberks]

Does it just go out again or stay on until you restart the engine.
Does any other warning come on with it - e.g. BAS or ABS?

 

[Red Popinjay]

Hi Jberks
In reply to your posting. The BAS and ESP light come on together. I think it's the same bulb for both on this model. I think its called the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp. Once on, they stay on until I switch the engine off, then dissapear until the next time.

 

[bundy]

sounds like our old friend the brake light switch to me!!

 

[Red Popinjay]

Thanks I'll try that.

Thanks for the advice from you all. I'll try another test and that might lead to the brake light.

 

[jberks]

Could be ... but - you say that its been on a diagnostic machine. The fault code for the brake light switch is clear so I have my doubts. It is odd that the dealer couldn't find an appropriate fault code. I suspect he has cleared the faults and is hoping for a blatant one to crop up. Did they say what fault codes appeared? It will have logged the reason for the fault but sometimes they aren't obvious and codes can be misleading with one report masking the real problem, hence he is waiting for the problem to become more obvious.

 

[Red Popinjay]

Fixed now. Lateral sensor

It's fixed. It was a faulty sensor to detect lateral movement. Seems to be fine now. Thanks for your help.

 

[evobike]

esp light

i know this a little old now, the esp light also indicates a low battery voltage of below 10volts, so the manual says, but this can happen on any battery that has a good 12 volt output but very low holding charge, as the slk runs, the alternator is constantly trying to charge your battery and low voltage (that is below 10volts at times) is given to every where else on the system, remedy is, have your battery checked at a good garage, if need be, change the battery with a Banner brand, not a dealership battery, but damn fine battery which can be had for less than £60.00

hope this helps

 

[television]

i know this a little old now, the esp light also indicates a low battery voltage of below 10volts, so the manual says, but this can happen on any battery that has a good 12 volt output but very low holding charge, as the slk runs, the alternator is constantly trying to charge your battery and low voltage (that is below 10volts at times) is given to every where else on the system, remedy is, have your battery checked at a good garage, if need be, change the battery with a Banner brand, not a dealership battery, but damn fine battery which can be had for less than £60.00

hope this helps

This has always been the case with ESP-ABS-BAS and low voltage. though the brake light switch is the main reason for the ESP/BAS light comming on across most of the range.



Banner Batteries are OE to MB and come as standard fitting.


Malcolm