ABS/ETS finally FIXED!

[dvd956]

Hello guys ... I would like to thank all of you for the tips here !!! got mine fixed today, no more ABS ETS light up !!!!
paid $25.80 at MB dealer + tax and that was all !!

[Tabaka]

it's a great feeling to get that indicator off your instrument panel isn't it

[Rick_2000_E320]

Checking back in with you guys to report my success and repay this wonderful board by contributing some other, hopefully helpful, info on my experiences with my 2000 E320. The brake switch is $18 from a dealer. When I got it I asked, "Hey, is there a recall on this defect yet?" The parts guy said, "There ought to be for as many of these as I sell."
I found removing the panel was the most difficult part, because I took it completely out. This is NOT necessary. If you do, you have to remove the hood release, and OBD connectors. But if you just let the panel drop down a few inches you can easily get access to the switch, it's right there in front of you. You DO NOT have to get down on your back and look up into the maze under the dash. This alone will save you 30 minutes. My suggestion, since your model may differ from mine is to buy the new part first and note the tab on it, which when pushed, allows you to easily rotate the switch 1/4 turn and remove it. Then there are two wiring connectors to remove. That's all, there was no "ratchet" adjustment on mine. In fact you can test the functioning (see if your error lights go out and the brake lights work, before you physically reinstall the switch.
My BAS/EGP lamp went out, ABS lamp went out, brake lights worked !! Gave it a test drive and the cruise control is working again. Yippee!
I might point out that if you are reading this thread and HAVE NOT yet experienced these errors please note that probably the most serious of the symptoms is NOT reported to you in error messages. I mean, you can live without cruise control, electronic stability control and even antilock brakes, but do you want to be driving without brake lights? I was, for a couple months now and I thought my error lights was related to a defective speed sensor on the brake caliper, and been waiting for warm weather to get to it, when my wife was following me one day and told me I had no brake lights.
$18 total cost. Zero labor $$, Thanks to benzworld.

Rick

[Matt L]

Thanks for the update, Rick.

That tip on not completely removing the panel looks very helpful.

[pansa]

Hi. I've been going through the various forums looking for advice on the BAS/ESP visit workshop error and would appreciate it if someone could confirm that I understand the problem correctly.

I have a 2001 E320 station wagon that cuts out (limp mode?) when I accelerate hard. The BAS light comes on and the display reads ESP error visit workshop. If I stop and restart the car it clears.

I've read a multitude of threads and am now confused. Should I change the break switch (most common advice), replace the battery, do something to the throttle thing, clean terminals, look at other sensors, change transmission fluid...I'm unsure...and not very technically minded. Guess what I really need to know is, could the limp mode/cutting out be due to a faulty break switch. Some threads seem to indicate that this is the case but it appears that many of the posters are only experiencing the BAS error message as opposed to the car going in to limp mode.

If I took the car to a garage with a diagnostic machine would they be able to provide a definitive answer?

Hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Thanks.

[pansa]

...brake switch....sorry.

Also, I can turn off the ESP and the problem still happens. I've found driving in W mode is less sensitive to abrupt changes and consequently the problem occurs less frequently.

[Rick_2000_E320]

Pansa - On my 2000 E320 I had all those error lights but the car didn't go into limp mode.
If you still have brake lights functioning I doubt the problem is caused by the brake switch.
HOWEVER, it is an easy fix to change out the brake switch if you read my post above, and cost is minimal, and since your car is about the same age as mine you probably are going
to have to replace it soon anyway. - Rick

[E430IRL]

Pay attention to the length of the actuator (plunger),as it is on a ratchet system and your new switch needs to be the same length, otherwise it will not operatet properly.

Dealer told me to pull out the switch plunger fully, but nothing seems to be happening unless I was to pull so hard it could break

[JOE55]

To our newbies: pansa, Rick 2000 E320, E430IRL - Welcome to Benzworld. can you guys pls. complete your user PROFILE - vehicle yr & model and location. Just go to your UserCP (control panel).

Thanks,
JOE55

[4EveRomeo]

Thank you ALL for the Info.


I have a 2002 E55 AMG with about 54,000 miles.

I had my ESP/Brake Assist/ABS turn off/ Brake Lights stayed on AND my shifter would not move from park....

Diagnosing TIP: (sometimes Esp/Abs/Brake assist WOULD work, if lights were not on yet... but the traction control light (Triangle) not flash as usual when I would try to "peel out" ... AND my brake lights would still be on)

So I went to purchase a brake light switch for about $22 dollars are the Benz Dealer.

Reading these Threads I figured out it must be the Brake Light Switch...
I printed out my instructions... And got to work!

45mins later... I removed all screws as stated, but was afraid to pull the cover underneath off without breaking something... So what I did...


To get to the Brake light switch.. I instead, I cut a 4inch line by the piece of plastic which is located by the brake petal which allowed me to gain access to this now "famous" brake light switch...

Still Very very difficult to reach in and change it out. But like I stated, the cover would not remove easily, (very good clips) and I was afraid to break something worse.....

I just fixed it about 20mins ago, went for a ride... Car worked as normal, no other reset Needed. Came inside and wanted to Thank you ALL for your support!

Goodluck! Do not be afraid of a little sweat