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ABC warning light over rises in road

2335 Views 10 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  [email protected]
My 2003 SL55 with 83K miles is in great shape and performs flawlessly. It doesn't leak anything, and the suspension doesn't sag after sitting for weeks, although I usually drive it every few days. The height adjustment buttons on the center console work fine. I leave it in the upper levels due to a steep driveway and rough roads near me. I lower it for highway trips, maybe twice a month. The ride is silky smooth and corners nice and flat .The fluid is clean and green and reads the proper levels both AN and AUS (running and off). I've added about 1/2 quart since I bought it when it first started giving ABC warnings occasionally and I learned how to check it. I thought one or more accumulators had leaked through since no fluid leaks out. The ABC warnings quit for about a year, but returned recently. There is one delta road on the way to our favorite eating spot that has a series of rises and dips that trips the warning every few miles, if I have my wife with me. Short trips around town don't trip it at all if I'm by myself.
So, since I'm retired and have 3 cars and a truck and motorcycle, I put very few miles on the SL55 each year.
So all this begs the question, do I want to throw money at this "problem". I've read much about this system, and realize how many parts may be involved if I take it to my local indie. I'm also considering buying 2 accumulators for about $200 from CARID, and replacing them myself in hopes this will solve the problem with the beep and red ABC warning. This would be pretty hard for me since I'm 76, but would cost about the same as an estimate from the Indie. Or do I just drive it and not worry about it since I put so few miles on it? Or just park it and drive something else. The problem is, I love driving this car. Any opinions would be appreciated.
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Thanks for the quick replies!
After speaking with the Indie I've used in the past,(and my wife) I made an appointment for an estimate.
I'm apparently getting too old for this job. I'd hate to die with any money in the bank anyway!:rolleyes:
I had my indie do it. It was not ridiculous. He only charged me $650.00 to diagnose and replace 1 accumulator in front, fluid, filter flush and bleed ...rodeo test. You won't believe how much better the car rides. I think he gave me a hell of a deal!
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I'd be happy with that result too!
So I just got an estimate from my local shop I've used before, and they want to change all four accumulators, filter and fluid with genuine Mercedes parts with a three year warranty. Including the diagnostic and taxes $2301 out the door. With encouragement from my wife, I gave them the go ahead. I really like this car and don't ever want to sell it.
So I just got an estimate from my local shop I've used before, and they want to change all four accumulators, filter and fluid with genuine Mercedes parts with a three year warranty. Including the diagnostic and taxes $2301 out the door. With encouragement from my wife, I gave them the go ahead. I really like this car and don't ever want to sell it.
Btw I’m getting the old parts back with the car in the morning
I’m curious to see what shape they are in
If any are good I would give them to a member if anybody is interested
So I picked up the car and old parts and took it for a spin. Seems perfect now.
I checked the 4 accumulators and only one big one was blown. But I'm happy that I had it all done at once plus a flush filter and rodeo.
I also just got new tires, so hopefully I can just enjoy it, which I really do.
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