Adjustable Shock Absorber Malfunction Light... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 05-14-2003, 09:27 AM

When I am driving down the road, normal speeds and everything, the shock absorber malfunction light comes on under the speedo. I use the switch occasionally

. But I would like to know why it just spontaniously lights up.

#2 05-15-2003, 08:47 AM

no help?

#3 05-15-2003, 07:01 PM

The one time mine came on was when the hydraulic fluid reservoir was a little low (that seeping hose I mentioned earlier...)

It is right beside the washer fluid reservoir, just behind the passenger side headlamp. Seems like it has a rubber stopper cap with a little dipstick on it to check it with.

Be sure to use jen-you-wine MB fluid if that's the problem.

Travis

crconsulting · #4 05-16-2003, 11:57 AM

Yep,
Mine does the same thing. I'm trying to nail it down now. Can you trigger it by pushing it hard thru corners and/or putting the shocks in "firm" or "sport" mode? if not what is the trigger?

My fluid level seems to fluctuate greatly. which makes me think the shocks are "bleeding down". how 'bout yours? When you see the light go on, go check your fluid level. Is it above or below the two hi/low level marks on the reservoir??

Also does your suspension make noise like a slight "clunk" as you load the and unload the corners when the light is on?
as if the suspension is locking out just ever so slightly?

Looks like the PO replaced all the accumulators on my car. I'm thinking I'll start with bleeding the system first (easy) also don't know the history of the hydraulic fluid in the car. i.e genuine MBZ or something the mechanics had on the shelf....

These things do trigger a code when that ADS light comes on. Bringing it to a dealer may be the best way to track it down. Unfortunatley my snap on MT2500 scanner will not retrieve those codes!

There is a lot of info on the ADS system for our cars on the All Data site http://www.alldata.com/ If your a serious DIY'er you may want to get a memership for your car.

I figure I can't loose by bleeding my system I'll flush all the old fluid and at least know what's in there.

I'll let you know my results as soon as I get some time to deal with this....

CR

97 sl600 sport (brilliant silver)

spinedoc · #5 05-16-2003, 05:15 PM

Hey guys Im not sure if this is the same issue, is your adjustable shock light the same as the ASR light? Do the SL500's have adjustable shocks? Im just curious because my car has the ASR light go on and the throttle cut back sometimes on left sharp turns, but the wheels are NOT slipping, its very weird. Sometimes I do hear a small clunk also, but I thought it was just the trunks contents shifting.

Thanx much.

#6 05-16-2003, 06:42 PM

When the anti-skid function actuates and backs off the throttle, applies individual brakes, and flashes the "achtung" light on the speedometer, you really did have some tire slip. It's quite sensitive...you may not perceive that you're sliding, but it has fine-toothed counters on the wheels and it knows when you're 'yah-hah'ing a little too aggressively. The good news is that you can turn it off if you really want to get squirrelly...the clunk you hear when the ASR activates is probably one of the brakes applying.

I think the hydraulic suspension, which was standard equipment on the SL600, was available as an option on the SL500, but I don't recall seeing one. Mine has been completely reliable other than the very, very slow leak on the hose under the oil pan until I hit the mother of all potholes the other day and blew apart one of the valves in the rear. Had to replace the valve and both rear accumulators.

The fluid level in the reservoir is going to vary quite a bit as it raises and lowers the car and changes the damper settings; I don't think that's anything to be worried about. But if it gets too low it turns on the light on the dash, so I'd check the level first thing.

Travis
Black/black/black '97 SL600

spinedoc · #7 05-20-2003, 11:07 AM

Travis, thanx for the info. My ASR problem is a bit more odd though. Sometimes the ASR engages, the achtung light flashes and the throttle cuts back, but as long as I have the accelerator pressed, could be a little or a lot, the ASR continues to flash and the throttle continues to cut back. I have kept this up for a couple of minutes. The ASR only shuts off if I completely take my foot off the accelerator, then it goes back to normal. Now obviously Im not slipping for a couple of minutes going 25mph down a straightaway. It seems like something is getting stuck.

For what its worth otherwise the ASR works fine. If I slip around a corner then the ASR kicks in for a second or two, like normal. Just sometimes it seems to stick in situations where I really dont think I am slipping.

suginami · #8 05-20-2003, 06:19 PM

I believe only SL600's have the adjustable shocks.

crconsulting · #9 07-17-2003, 03:46 PM

Ok just updating the post for further reference for anyone with the same issues in the future.

I have bled the ADS suspension with official mercedes suspension oil after finding a slight leak in the hi pressure line (the one that runs under the engine and bolts to the oil pan). Have found one more slight leak in the tandem pump not looking forward to that one. I have ordered the seals and plan on doing that next.

The suspension clunk was actually caused by the exhaust. Just loosened bolts under the center crossmember and pulled everything down a few mm. Noise gone. I thought it was suspension noise but when the malfunction light comes on accoring to the WIS it puts the dampeners in "full stiff mode" the extra stiffnes caused the chassis to flex just that little extra. coupled with the fact that I replaced the motor mounts that probably raised the engine and exaust a few mm. Man, they really shoehorned these 12's in there!!!

Also tried adjusting the front ride height as this has been altered. The PO's shop had done a bunch of suspension work. New lower control arms (which were not torqued properly and therefore loose), center link and accumulators. when I got this car it made so many clunks turning & accellerating etc. I understand he was under the impresssion that it was suspension related when in actuallity I found the motor mounts and exhaust to be the culprits. I guess he got tired of throwing money at the car. sounds like he needed to find a new shop though as he wasn't a DIY guy. The car now drives like it it should, silky smooth and the malfunction light now only comes on after I have crossed the 65mph speed. but it's still intemittent after that speed has been crossed i.e. could come on 5min after 10min not at all or just as I cross over that 65mph speed mark. I suspect the front leveling valve but when I put the car on ramps and moved the lever on that valve up and down the car seems to respond accordingly.
All in all though, the light now comes on a lot less and is more "predictable".

So I guess after I do the pump seals, if the malfunction light returns, I'll be bringing it to the dealership to get the code read off the ADS. Its time for an alignment anyways since the contriol arms were loose.

Just a quick Poll for anyone who wishes to respond and has ADS on their car. How long, in seconds or minutes, does it take to raise your car to its highest level (from both lights pulsating to steady illumination on the ride height switch on the dash)???

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CR

97 SL600