Twice in last week (in 2 of about 10 cold starts), the ASR Light came on and 500E went into a limp mode. First time after the one night I ever left it outside (in the rain at a hotel), and after 100-200 feet driving a hard right turn from parking lot to street, and second time after sitting in my garage a day or so following being driven in heavy rain, and then driving about 200 feet of driving and a hard right turn. Local independent MBZ mechanic says throttle actuator probably needs replacing at cost of $1500, but that confirmation will be after reading codes. With the first occurence being after sitting overnight in heavy rain, I'm wondering if there is either an electrical or wheel wiring issue instead. I notice other posts discussing the actuator as well as wiring harness as potential causes. If anyone has a suggestion as to a less expensive remedy, I'm open, and of course willing to by pass the whole thing for the sake of performance, assuming that remedy is economical. I tried posting this message on the ASR Switch Defeat string, but somehow it didn't seem to post, so I'm hoping this is not redundant.

Norman: Thanks for the inquiry. I've been reluctant to report what developed after the last e-mail exchange, since it would not seem logical from a diagnostic standpoint. Anyhow, the vehicle went into a limp mode one more time in early January, again preceeded by a sudden "whirring" type sound, which this time I thought may be more of a "growling" sound, like that from being low on power steering fluid. So I quickly checked the power steering fluid, found it was low, topped it up, and have since driven another 2 1/2 months or roughly 2000+ miles, without any problem with the ASR Light or going into a limp mode. My initial impression was that it was a coincidence, as it would seem there would not be an association between the two systems. Any explanation would be appreciated.

My ASR light only came on after a minute or so of operation, while engine was cold, and would shut off only by shutting engine off and restarting.

However, I'm almost 3 months down the road with no symptoms, so just keeping my fingers crossed.

Good luck.

Have you had the engine wiring harness checked (or has it already been updated yet)? That can also give similar behavior. Do a search or two on "500E or M119 engine wiring harness".... If you don't find what you need give the folks in Tech Help Forum a post.

Hope this helps...Lee

Lee:

I just noticed this response from you, and thank you. I've now gone about 4000 miles with no return of the symptom, so will age the situation a little more.

Chris