ASR Warning mystery - Benzworld.org

GeorgeCR · 02-02-2008, 08:59 AM

First I like to say hi to everyone from sunny Costa Rica.

I like to ask for help if I can.

I have 1998 E320 with 55,000 miles. Runs and looks great.

Recently my ASR warning light comes on then it switches to BAS. Then stays on. The car still runs like nothing happen. Still fast no other symptoms at all.

I can go for days with aggressive driving and nothing happens, then other day I go very slow and the ASR then BAS light comes on for no apparent reason.

I have spend hours searching forums and it looks like many people having the same problem. Mine is different because it doesn't go in the limb/slow mode at all. it has full acceleration etc.

Most answers are:
Faulty brake switch (I tested this one and looks fine). How? Press the bake pedal and start the car, keep it pressed for 3 minutes and release the pedal, if the ASR light on comes on = faulty switch = change it!
(not my case)

Then it could be alignment (that will have the light on every day)
not my case

Dirty sensors (again light will come on every day)
not my case

Anything else that anyone can suggest?

Or I can just bridge pin #1 to pin #6 and the light should go away.

Any other suggestions? (no I haven's run the scan yet)

TIA

**Matt L** · 02-02-2008, 09:29 AM

Test the brake lamp switch with a new one.

As for dirty sensors, that may or may not cause the fault every day. If the alignment were off, you would have tire issues.

Raylee177 · 02-02-2008, 11:34 AM

I would follow Matt L recommendation first.

Gasman59 · 02-02-2008, 11:50 AM

Brake Light Switch. I had the same symptoms, and very intermitant. I installed a new switch (they are actually quite inexpensive) and no problems since.
Even if it is something else, I guarantee you will need a new switch in short order.

BTW, We just returned from Costa Rica. Rented a friend's house on the mountain overlooking Tambor.
Lovely country and the nicest people. I am jealous.
We were there for two weeks and it was not enough. I cannot wait to return.
Next time we will not drive from San Jose, in preference of Sansa air.

One question though, how does one keep a car clean with all of those dirt roads and dust?

(We rented a 4X4 SUV).

Best Wishes,
Ron

GeorgeCR · 02-02-2008, 01:14 PM

Thank you all for the help.
I will follow all the advise and see if I can solve the issue.

Beside that the car is absolutely fantastic (hate to see the ASR crap).

BTW: I am glad to hear that you liked CR and had a good time.
The country is great except the roads.

I am not Tico, but have been living here for last 19 years and still love it.
Opportunities are enormous (still)

I am working on this babe: Costa Rica beach condos - Castillo Flamingo - contact

Thank you all very much again.

G

Gasman59 · 02-02-2008, 02:34 PM

George:
Just to reinforce the brake switch concept.
When I purchased the car the PO mentioned that "A couple of times the computer totally glitched, lights, warnings, etc." each time he pulled over shut off/restarted and all was well.
Jump forward, Soon after buying the car I was driving my wife and friends to Manhattan for a show.
Lots of stop/go traffic and the same thing happened.
After we parked and returned from the evening, all was well.
A week later I installed a new switch and there have been no episodes for over a year.
It can be VERY intermittant.

I hear CR is peaking and Guatamela is the next steal.

Best Wishes,
Ron

GeorgeCR · 02-02-2008, 02:45 PM

I just did the battery trick as suggested. I have to take it on the road first and see if cured. If not switch replacement is next on the list.

CR peaking? Yes and no. Some areas like Escazu - San Jose, Jaco, Tamarindo, Los Suenos etc. yes.

Other areas still have time to grow and make very "large" profits short term Potrero, Penca and all near etc.

Some long term money maker is: Golfito and south.

But, one has to have knowledge if not you get burned badly.

BTW: the weather is 32c and SUNNY

Best,
G

GeorgeCR · 02-05-2008, 08:14 AM

Latest update:

Did the battery trick. =
disconnected battery
pressed the brake pedal 30 plus seconds
reconnected battery
centered steering (moving all the way from left to all the way right)

reprogram rest of the car (radio, roof, windows etc.)

WORKS so far. No light last two days.
Looks like it's fixed.

Thank you all