Yesterday the ASR lit up on the right hand side on the instrument clusters, but the triangle warning light did not (centered between the speedometer). I tried the ASR toggle but the ASR was still lit up. I did visualy check the fuses, however no luck. As an additional note the cruise control stopped working at the same time. Could washing the car have anything to do with this.
Good question, unfortunately, what with one thing and another, my car seems to be spending most its time in the stealers, so I don't worry too much about cleaning it and everytime I leave it there I get the most expensive tin of mints known to mankind with a courtesy valet, which, of course, makes it all worthwhile!?
If there is an ASR fault, then the cruise control is disabled. It should start working when the ASR problem is solved. The ASR relies on the speed sensors for each wheel. Dirt/debris can interfere with their function so yes a car wash has the potential of resulting in some debris being splashed onto one. I had the fault come in one time during a heavy rain. It went out a couple of puddles later and I assumed whatever got splashed on was splashed off. So take a hose and spray off the wheel sensors. The are located behind each wheel. It won't do any harm and you may get lucky.
If this doesn't work, the brake peddle switch can also cause ASR faults. I had to replace mine to resolve the problem on another occassion.
I have a 1998 SLK230 (automatic). Few days ago I noticed that the ASR warning light came on (only the warning, not the Hazard triangle light). After lot of reading, I tested a few things.
After starting the engine the ASR is off. After a few minutes of driving ASR light comes on. If I manage to drive without braking (hand brake and luck...), the ASR wont come on.
And when I start using the brake, after a few brakes, the light comes on when "releasing" the brake.
I also tested this, without moving the car. After starting the car, keeping the hand break take the car our of P, and press the brake pedal a few times.
In a few tests, I noticed that the ASR comes on no matter if the gear is in P or D.
I didn't see any issues with the break light.
Now, .. I am thinking, that since the car is not moving, likely it is not the speed sensor. (Hall effect sensor).
Based no these tests, can we conclude that very likely it is the brake switch ?
How difficult is changing this switch? I have already opened up the plastic trims before (for chaning the bulbs behind cluster). Is the switch easily accessible near the pedal? any tools needed?
Only the bottom black plastic panel under the dash needs to be removed. The switch mounts in a bayonet manor. It is easy to figure out which way to turn the old one to get it out by inspecting the new one. You need to have the seat all the way back and it is a tight fit under the dash to reach the switch but it is possible. There is also an electrical connector that needs to be unplugged from the switch.
Linear Mode
