Vehicle speed sensor 'A' code P0500 (BAS,ESP,ETS,ABS - lights)
 

Vehicle speed sensor 'A' - fault code P0500 'A', ML320, 2002 model
Does 'A' mean it is on the left side front or rear wheel sensor
Please help?
Has anyone else replaced same?
* If so would this be classified as a rocket science project?
* does the sensor sit on the outside of the hub or inside the bearing?
* Front ball joints replaced 8000 km ago - could the job have messed things up?
* Any pictures or schematic drawings appreciated

If the Garoge did the work how much did u pay?

ON that truck you should get a traction code like "C 1000".
Generic engine codes like that don't lead to a diagnosis of the problem.. Code must be read from traction & transmission systems.

Thanks Doc for responding
 

Thanks for the additional info Doc.

The facts: leading up to the dash lights been illuminated like a Xmas tree was that the wife was driving through tons of water during a thunderstorm.
However, I am no rocket scientist and if I interpret 'generic' u mean that only MB diagnostic/code reader machine can provide the test and not a generic diagnostic/code reader machine and/or there is a specific machine to be plugged into the transmission/traction port - and this port is someone where else in the vehicle other than the port situated under the drivers dashport.
Or is it possible that the generic diagnostic/code reader machines give out diff codes numbers and letters to the Mb for the exact same problem
In other words if one was to plug the MB diagnostic/code reader one would receive "C 1000" while a generic diagnostic/code reader machines would give a reading P0500 (vehicle speed sensor A left side)

Forgive Doc but I am confused can you elaborate


Thanks Doc

Miracles do happen but for how long remains to be seen
 

The mechanic I know ran a snap on trouble shooting code reader; producing Vehicle speed sensor 'A' - fault code P0500 'A', when he looked it up on the internet stated that the mentioned sensor above was on the left side of the vehicle either left front or left rear, but no further elaboration.
Here is the kicker he reset the dash lights and stated they will return - which they did, however, exactly one day after the initial dash warning lights came on they disappeared or were no longer iluminated all butthe check engine light but moments after this miracle the the engine light disappeared or were no longer iluminated - go figure

Miracles don't always last - it rained again
 

all the lights mentioned went on again but as sson as it dried up the lights dissapeared Any suggestions?

Have MB repair shop check codes from traction system for proper diagnosis..there are at least 50 different codes that could come out of that system.

It's just as M.B.DOC said.

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/pix/MIL.jpg

If the ABS light comes on it indicates a problem with the ABS system like a wheel speed sensor with loose connection, which also lights up the other lights.

The P0500 is read from the engine controller and indicates there is a VSS vehicle speed sensor problem:
P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/dtc.html

To figure out what exactly is wrong one needs to read the traction controller which gives the Cxxxx fault codes.

Some ABS info for troubleshooting is here:

http://www.mercedestechstore.com/pdfs/327_traction_and_braking/327%20HO%2002%20ABS%20(WJB,GC)%2002-25-04.pdf

I hate to beat a topic that has been talked about several times, but just want to make sure I gathered the correct info that I have read in these forums.

I have only had my ML430 for a little over a year and with no problems. I bought it used and I love it. Lots of power and fun to drive. Recently I replaced the original battery and this is where I was introduced to indicator and warning lamps. After battery replacement the BAS/ESP and ETS lights were illuminated but soon extinguished after driving a short distance. Everything was back to normal until recently when on a trip to the beach, the BAS/ESP and ETS lights came on again. This time they are staying on. Rechecked the battery and it is deffinately good. So after reading in these forums, I see where it is a likely candidate that the stop light switch could be bad, which is located at the brake pedal.

Other than taking the ML to the dealer to have the codes read, is there anything that I may be missing or overlooked that I should check or read? I would appreciate your help.

After replacing the battery you must re-activate the Steering Angle Sensor as follows:

1. Start engine.
2. Turn steering wheel from lock to lock.

The ADS or ESP malfunction indicator lamp (A1e27 or A1e42) should go out.

At this time it may also be the stop light switch.

Hope this helps.

Rene

I also have a 99 ML320 with consistent BAS/ESP/ETS lights on. The other thing that happened at the same time is that the cruise control no longer functions. Lights came on all at once and have never gone out.

Took the car to the local independent MB shop where he used the computer to check codes and told me it was the steering angle sensor...requiring replacement of the whole steering column. However, I had not realized the cruise control was out at that point so I'll have to talk to him about it before he goes ahead with the repair. He did try the reset business with turning steering wheel lock to lock etc with no change.

I was with him when he checked the computer and saw the code for the steering angle sensor. When people are talking about replacing the brake switch, is that in lieu of checking the computer codes? Do the codes mislead? I'd hate to pay for the whole steering column replacment to find out I just needed a new brake switch.

I would replace the Brake Switch first (cheap fix) and see what happens before letting your independent fix anything. See http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/1166641-ets-bas-warning-light-fix.html?highlight=brake+switch+replacemet for DIY instructions. My 2 cents.

Thanks. Do you know if the brake light switch could also have anything to do with the cruise control not operating? I've seen lots of posts regarding the brake switch but no one else mentions the cruise control. The cruise control stopped working (won't turn on) at the same time (approximately...I obviously did not notice it simulateously) that the BAS/ESP/ETS lights came on.

I do not think that the cruise control is related to the BAS/ESP/ETS lights. It just does not make sense that it would. But I am not 100% on that. And as far as the switch....since it is a $25 item, I am going to replace that first, then if I have too I will get the codes read. I will replace the switch this weekend and post results.

Oh, I found the switch here.

At least I am thinking this is the correct part. Will know for sure once I remove the existing one. :-)

Yes............. a faulty brake switch will affect your cruise control. :thumbsup:

I replaced the brake switch today and the BAS/ESP/ETS lights are out. Everything looks like it is back to normal. Just wanted to say thank you for you help. :)

The part was only $14 at the dealer. Very cheap fix.

Addtional problem ETS light Flashing intermittently
 

Thank you all MBDOC, WOLFGANG, ML 320, Azinn .......for all the advice

I have the 2002 ML 320 Km 136 000
Here is the problem I have not done much: mostly excuses being; 2 small kids and the fact that my ABS ETC etc and eventually the engine light sensor only comes on when it rains, further complicated by the fact that I just rust protected the vehicle underneath and on 2 occasion despite it raining the above sensor lights did not come (I assume the Rust proof agent acted as a waterproof for a while) I did take a visual observation under the vehicle looking for chaffed wires etc but must admit I could have been more thorough - I was shocked to find the one sensor right rear wheel disconnected ???? - remember the Snap-On "obd" reader gives PO 500 "A" indicating left side fault code (and yes MBDOC and Wolfgang said; take it to Merc so they can run a diagnostic on the proper Merc machine and I think he further stressed that they run scanner on the transmission sensor port), however, the ABS, ETS etc. and eventually the engine light sensor are back on again with the rain and will probably stop illuminating the dash when it dries up again.
But now I have an additional/further problem, doing a one direction 560 Km road trip I had no problem Averaging 125 km/h and using speed cruise control but on the return trip on a perfect dry road with he speed cruise control on the cruise control The Electronic traction stabilizer (ETS) started flashing (thereby automatically disengaging cruise control) and on one or two occasion felt a miss/hesitation, but it was not a engine, plug misfire. Under load or acceleration from 100 km/h and up, the ETS - Electronic traction stabilizer would flash intermittently - there where no other lights illuminated on the dash like when it rains, when I pulled into gas station radio off, window open, I felt and heard a intermittent rubbing/grabbing notice and sound from my left front wheel, upon a roadside visual inspection of rotor and pads for obstruction – none find.
My conclusion, Its not a wheel bearing causing the speed soensor to act up as there is no Whining noice eminating from and when I raised the front of the vehicle there was some play on both front wheels at 3 and 9 position, I assume now that there is a front left speed sensor or wiring problem from this point to the fusebox and is sending error code to the computer telling it that I am loosing traction on the front left wheel and braking as a result but I thought the ETS only engages up to 80 Km/h - if so must be real screwed up sensor

Conclusion I hope to do a better visual inspection for chaffing/short and remove Front left wheel and check under fuse box. And thanks to Nisan for you’re good advice OHM meter check on all three sensors remember the right rear one is disconeected - thank you
My reservation to follow MB DOC wolfgang ..... advice yet: is that it has been my suspicion that a wire/electric problem can take many hours and that the Technicians labour book does not specifically say how many hours, perhaps I should tel merc and find out how much it is to run diagnostics (presumably 1hr labour) and what’s the maximum labour that can be charged after that and lights only come on in rain.
So I think I am going to give it one more stab (do I wish I had the WIS or factory manual now !@#$~#$!#$%!) taking the above into consideration and IF I FAIL recognize defeat and call the MERCEDESE MINT Dealership

A similar problem and thread
 

Click here
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/ml-gl-g-wagen-r-class-unimog-sprinter/85981-abs-ets-esp-lights-coming.html

Something doesn't add up. If the wheel speed sensor is disconnected the ABS malfunction light should be lit up.

Those lights are a "free diagnostic" bundled with all MLs. :D

Thanks for the post Wolfgang I will attempt to take a picture of the disconnection above and post same here just in case i have my sensors screwed up but if my memory serves me its the one next to the brake thickness/depth sensor.

What do u mean "free diagnostic"?

Thank you all those for their wonderful posts.
I found the problem some time ago - (sorry for the delay) on my ML 320. It happens to be the brake sensor wire chaffed and the wheel speed sensor wires chaffed behind the left rear wheel.
as the wires cross the left main frame and along the gas tank.
The first pic (specifically the corroded area) is the offending section.

I finally posted the pics above

BAC/ESP light stays lit after replacing battery.
 

Replaced battery in my 00' ML 320. BAC/ESP light stayed lit.
Thanks to RRodz for advice on how to re-activate the Steering Angle Sensor.

Cheers

Chris

BAsw ETS lights on and cruise not working, replace brake switch located at pedal.
 

Just to confirm, on my 99 ml320 the BAS and ETS lights came on and cruise would no longer engage.

Parked the ml in the Mercedes customer parking reached down popped out the switch (removed cover at home prior to heading to the dealer). Parts rep handed me the incorrect switch so I showed him the actual switch, he then handed me the correct switch (similar but different connector).

Paid $27 CDN for the switch. Walked out to vehicle rotated switch into place and started ml320. Voila, no fault lights and cruise works.

I assume that the switch was signalling the ECM that the brake was applied while roading so cruise will not engage and anti lock brake/stability systems react to the false signal from faulty switch.

No diagnostic$ required, thanks for posting the tip.

Mark L :):pleased::)

About a month ago I replaced the brake sensor
 

Everything was going great given my repairs mentioned - no lights etc.
About mnth ago cruise control would not engage, replaced brake switch and all is good like a pig poo once again

Steering angle sensor
 

I have already replaced brake switch and done reset procedure to no avail. BAS/ESP is still on and dealer says steering angle sensor needs to be replaced for $1500!

Does anyone have any other suggestions besides Vaseline?

Independent tech says no after-market alternative available.

Cheers,
Mark
2000 ML55 - 103K and still going.........

Mark
 

Silly question perhaps, but what is the Fault code and if so what does the code represent or indicate?

BAS/ESP, ETS & ABS WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AFTER DRIVING A WHILE
 

BAS/ESP, ETS, & ABS WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AFTER DRIVING A WHILE, I TURN IT OFF COOLS DOWN AND THEY GO OUT AN THEN AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO RUN A DIAGNOSIS & THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR IS FAILING BUT IM NOT SURE THAT WILL WORK.

However, I am no rocket scientist and if I interpret 'generic' u mean that only MB diagnostic/code reader machine can provide the test and not a generic diagnostic/code reader machine and/or there is a specific machine to be plugged into the transmission/traction port - and this port is someone where else in the vehicle other than the port situated under the drivers dashport.
Or is it possible that the generic diagnostic/code reader machines give out diff codes numbers and letters to the Mb for the exact same problem

Other than issues related to emission (ODB2), a generic scanner won't find issues with the traction system.

A scanner must read traction system to diagnose that type of problem.