One possibly theory that I have is that the new sensor reads much more accurate than the other ones, which confuses the crap out of the airmatic ystem.

I think calibration will fix this

 

However, do know that your car is due for the arm linkage to be replaced at this point. They're not that expensive; I did our cars about 3 years ago. That ball joint will eventually give way, and when it does, the height sensor's arm will slide down, thus giving your car the wrong height information. When this happened to my wife's car, the car's rear end sagged down due to the rear AIRmatic springs deflating, thanks to the computer saying, "oh, we're too high, gotta let air out! So, just a heads-up.

 

Update;
I received the new sensor, installed it and got that "Airmatic Visit Workshop" error.
Popped in at my local MB agents, who hooked the car up and the sensor should give two voltage output readings. One for the 'UP' motion, another reading for the 'DOWN' motion.
This sensor only gave the 'UP' motion reading.... The 'DOWN' was totally absent.
On removing the new sensor and double checking the part number... perhaps this is an updated component compared to the old?
Original #A 010 542 76 17
Replacement #A 010 542 77 17
I'm now waiting on the exchange unit ......

 

Apparently A 010 542 76 17 remains available. This is, from what I can determine, the 4matic version of the part.

1994-2009 Mercedes-Benz Turning Angle Sensor 010-542-76-17 | MB OEM Parts

1994-2009 Mercedes-Benz part # 010-542-76-17 - Turning Angle Sensor

www.mboemparts.com

The part A 010 542 77 17 appears to be for the 2WD (RWD) cars.

It's somewhat confusing, because in the "Vehicle Fitment" section for both part numbers, it shows both 4matic and Base cars. However, in the Details section, it'll say either "W/4-MATIC" or "W/O 4-MATIC". Given that, I'd see if you could get the original part number, if still available in South Africa.

 

Yes, even the agent was a little confused as to ordering the correct part no.
Fortunately I now had the original in my hand, hence he then had the correct part no.
Of course, I took a chance on my first visit to them, assuming the agent would order the right part no. As to why I never removed the sensor up front, was once the sensor was removed, the car is unusable.
Moral of the story ; always try take the original sample along!
PS; Once the new sensor is fitted and 'all is good', I'll slice open the old sensor - just to see just what is inside of it: rheostat vs LED...

 

Feedback on the rear height level sensor.

I ordered the Arnott unit #RH-3500 - equivalent for #A1015427617.

Installing the sensor is simple - 15 minute job.

So far (2 weeks later) the rear has not sagged - as previously - yet. Done a few test rides....all appears fine.

I'm in two minds (I'll sleep on it a bit longer! 😄) whether to take the car in for suspension calibration of not. The car RAISES / LOWERS perfectly as well. I read previous posts where the average 'normal' wheel arch body height is ± 28" / 72cm..... which is exactly where my cars height is. Seems calibration isn't thus necessary if all else is good.

At this stage yes, I'm prepared to say the rear sensor was faulty!

 

@cowboyt

"The part A 010 542 77 17 appears to be for the 2WD (RWD) cars."

At the MB agents I saw their diagnostic show this '77' sensor only produced one voltage output, not the required two. Hence my immediate 'Airmatic visit workshop' error on starting the car.

I noticed some parts shops state this '77' sensor is for 'headlight' use too? 🤔 I have never worked on either headlight, so I have no idea what 'levels' them. Perhaps this leveller uses the single output '77' sensor?

On cutting open the original faulty sensor, (I've posted on cutting this open) perhaps the '77' only ONE FET versus the '76' which has TWO FET's?

OR
Was the '77' a 'factory fault' component....?

PS; My car is the 2WD model.

 

@cowboyt

"The part A 010 542 77 17 appears to be for the 2WD (RWD) cars."

At the MB agents I saw their diagnostic show this '77' sensor only produced one voltage output, not the required two. Hence my immediate 'Airmatic visit workshop' error on starting the car.

I noticed some parts shops state this '77' sensor is for 'headlight' use too? 🤔 I have never worked on either headlight, so I have no idea what 'levels' them. Perhaps this leveller uses the single output '77' sensor?

On cutting open the original faulty sensor, (I've posted on cutting this open) perhaps the '77' only ONE FET versus the '76' which has TWO FET's?

OR
Was the '77' a 'factory fault' component....?

PS; My car is the 2WD model.

I have the same problem with my 06 s430 rear end on the ground. I had just finished replacing right rear wheel bearing went to lower the car down and the rear sat on the ground, i am wondering if i damaged the rear leveling sensor when i did this repair? Anyone have an idea? Thanks in advance .

 

Is this after starting the car to build up pressure?
Left & right equally dropped ± the same?
The possibility of damaging the level sensor is remote.
Did you have to loosen, remove the rear torsion bar the sensor is attached to?

 

Yes on the right only, to repair the wheel bearing. I did start the car a ran it . The front seems fine the rear is sitting on the wheels , and this happened as stated after lowering the rear . The rear was on jack stands for 2 weeks waiting for parts

 

Just loosen not remove.

 

I'm lost....

"Just loosen not remove" ..... what?

 

I did not remove the sway bar , I examined level sensor it seems ok , but have not replaced it yet .

 

Have you tried to raise the car with the dash 'RAISE' button?
Does that at least raise the car at all?

 

No . I tried that nothing happened. The front seems fine hight wise . It just seemed weird that the back end sank right when i took out the jackstand from fixing the rear wheel bearing.

 

Update . I replaced rear level sensor and arm . The rear end raised to above the tires . No more red warning light , i still get the white warning aromatic light . I did hear a pop just before the light came on , unknown what that was .

 

Unhappy update : the rear end fell back down will not raise. I am at a loss Any suggestion : my scanner doesn’t read the suspension i am at the point of having it diagnosed at the dealer right now its yard art .

 

Since you're doing your own maintenance on this car, I now would strongly you talk to member doni01 about an SDS setup, which will read every module on these cars. I have two of his and can vouch that he does a good job.

 

Thank you