ABS light after rear wheel slipping

[ktlimq]

1992 300D.

I had this two times this winter.

Not long after I started the engine, I started my car with the gear at D.
Because there was snow where I parked my car, the rear wheels slipped as I pressed the accelerator pedal.

Then I saw the ABS malfunction light on.

I turned the engine off and restarted. The ABS malfunction light did not come again during the drive.


Is something wrong in my car?

[Theurig]

No nothing wrong with the car. Had this happen to me last winter in New Jersey. Exact same thing. Do a search. I think I had read the same thing somewhere on the board. Someone had given an explanation for this.

[MikeTangas]

I believe it is because the rear wheel sensor is registering the movement while the front sensors don't see any movement. You get the same thing if you jack up the rear and spin the wheels in the air.

[ktlimq]

Thank you very much.

I just found similar remark in the manual, too.

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To rock the car out of soft ground (mud or snow), alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying partial throttle.

Rocking a car free in this manner may cause the ABS warning lamp to come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the malfunction indication.

1992 300D Owner's Manual, p. 61
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