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2002 E320 4-matic wagon ESP off switch not working

3K views 7 replies 3 participants last post by  Musikmann 
#1 · (Edited)
Just picked up 2002 E320 4-matic wagon with 123,782 miles yesterday from Louisville, KY. Car has good maintenance history. Prepurchase inspection was performed and a couple issues have been taken care of before picking up, including water pump and idler pulley replacement, R&R reseal differential, and brake light switch replacement. Computer scanning revealed no error code.

It took me 10 hours to drive straight back from Louisville to Ames, Iowa. Everything went fine except ABS/BRAKE/BAS-ESP lights came up twice for a short time. After arriving in Iowa I had a chance to read operator manual. So, I tried pushing ESP-off button to see what would happen. (I am very new to 4-matic). There is nothing going on on the panel, indicating that ESP cannot be disengaged? After trying to search thru previous posts, I couldn't find any discussion about this issue. I have tried open up the center console, disconnect and reconnect ESP switch with no change.

Another issue is SRS light always on when there is someone sitting in passenger front seat. From previous reading previous posts I think it is indicating either seat sensor is bad or wiring problem. I will most likely wait a couple weeks until I have a little more time to explore it.

What might be the problem regarding ESP switch? Could ESP switch been bad or anything more serious? I cannot tell from driving whether there is anything wrong with the car. Any help will be highly appreciated.
 
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#2 ·
On the multiple lights, there is a good chance at that mileage that the brake light switch is getting goofy needs to be replaced, a $18 dealer part and a 20 min DIY that is listed in the sitckies above.

The SRS sensor is a common faliure, the shirt term "fix" is to ull the SRS bulb from the cluster, then only the LED on the tranny console will light up. The 2nd "fix" is to order a SRS emulaotr from eBay (actually the seller has a very good reputation) which bypasses the sensor and kills the lights. 3rd, and genione fix, is to replace the seat sensor.

It is possible the ESP switch has been gummed up by a spill, you can always try sprayng the shit out of it with MAF cleaner which is a good non-residue spray.

Keep the faith !
 
#4 ·
Well, if the lights came on immediately after a braking action, then the new switch would be suspect. Either a China switch (not good quality to save $3-$4) or a OE switch installed properly.

If the lights came up upon starting the car, but not braking related -then could be one of the few signs of a failing battery - so a good time to check the battery and battery connections and ground - after you become familiar with the reset instructions in the owner's manual (including radio code, steering angle sensor reset, windows-doors-sunroof) which you need to do after a battery disconnect.
 
#5 ·
Have to clarify a little bit on the issue. OE Brake light switch was installed by a reputable mechanic after prepurchase inspection. Panel light, as described earlier, came up suddenly twice when I am driving at 60mph and stayed for about 2 seconds. It happened again this morning for a short time when I drove at about 55mph. I didn't feel anything when the light came up.
 
#7 ·
Car was scanned at the time it was inspected, before brake light switch was replaced. I don't know exactly what kind of scanner did they use. However, it's a garage specialized for Mercedes and BMW in Louisville. I don't recall exactly why they recommended brake light switch replacement.

Just for an update, I did try to spray ESP switch with CRC QD electronic cleaner with no different.
 
#8 ·
OK thanks for the further info. I know Louisville (somewhat) because my girlfriend lives there so have spent some time. I think I know the garage you are talking about but have forgotten the name. FWIW, there are a couple listed in the "Recommended Shops" forum. I would think they have an SDS or equivalent if they are MB specialists.
 
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