ABS, ETS & Cruise control on 210 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dtimmester · #1 09-12-2008, 04:42 PM

This is a 1997 E300D. My ABS and ETS lights are on. I replaced the front brake pads and sensors that were worn to the point that the sensor was just starting to make contact. The lights still didn't go out so I discounected the battery thinking the system needed to be reset. Unfortunately, that didn't solve the problem either. Also, I just discovered today that the cruise control is not working. I don't know if this is related but I thought I should add that to the mix. I would like to try and solve this without taking it into the shop. Any experience/input/etc. would be greatly appreciated. I have only had this car a few month so I'm still getting to know it.

Thanks guys,

F18 · #2 09-12-2008, 05:13 PM

detimmister........first, the best thing I would suggest is investing in an OBD II code reader. Even the ones under a $100 will help decifer the part of the system that is setting off all the lights, bells and whistles.
Without the codes you will just be guessing.
With the code reader it will make you feel like an E300 troubleshooting genius!

dtimmester · #3 09-12-2008, 05:58 PM

Does the code reader give you enough information to zero in on the problem? Or do I need something else to decipher the codes.

TMAllison · #4 09-12-2008, 06:01 PM

I doubt a generic OBDII scanner is going to read either of those modules. Will read engine faults.

Suspect your issue is either a speed sensor or the brake switch. Guessing the latter.

dtimmester · #5 09-12-2008, 06:04 PM

Is there any way to test either one of these?

pjc · #6 09-12-2008, 06:43 PM

ABS, ETS, and cruise control simultaneously? Consider the K40 relay as a possible culprit. (Search this forum for more info.)

Any instances of the speedometer not working? How many miles on the car?

dtimmester · #7 09-12-2008, 11:13 PM

The speedometer works fine and the car has 113,000 miles.

Jeremy5848 · #8 09-12-2008, 11:19 PM

The code reader gives you a code number and you can get a document that gives all of the codes and their meanings. I can't remember if I found the list on this forum but if not, there will be a reference to it -- use the search function, search for "OBDII codes" or something like that.

nhdoc · #9 09-13-2008, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

I doubt a generic OBDII scanner is going to read either of those modules. Will read engine faults.

Suspect your issue is either a speed sensor or the brake switch. Guessing the latter.

Terry is right-on with where to start. The brake switch is very common fault and very inexpensive and worth trying first. If that doesn't solve it then I would look at the wheel sensors. The cruise control is tied into the ABS system on these cars so it is all related.

dtimmester · #10 09-13-2008, 11:40 AM

Is there any way to test the speed sensors? Replacing all four is $$$. How hard is it to replace the speed sensors?

TMAllison · #11 09-13-2008, 12:22 PM

I'm sure there are voltage tests but dont know what/how.

To the best of my knowledge there are only 3 speed sensors; 1 at each front wheel and 1 at the output shaft of the trans.

nhdoc · #12 09-13-2008, 01:22 PM

I will preface this by saying I have never had to work on the ABS system on my W210 but have on numerous other cars and can say that in every other system I have worked on there is a speed sensor at each of the 4 wheels and you can check them with a simple ohm meter. A bad sensor will usually show an open (infinite) resistance while good ones will show some nominal reading. You can usually compare one to another to see if any are "out of range". The dealer's scanners can do this in a single scan but without that you would have to go to each wheel, disconnect the sensor and test it.

dtimmester · #13 09-13-2008, 01:38 PM

Thanks, Marty. I'll give this a try. I think my next step will be to remove all the sensors and clean them and give them the ohm test. I probably won't get back to the job until Monday but I will let you guys know how things turn out. I have not removed the sensors on this model since the car is new to me. Are there any tips for removal?

nhdoc · #14 09-13-2008, 03:56 PM

Before you check the wheels check the brake switch. It is mounted above the pedal and you need to remove the panel cover to get to it. This is what it looks like:

http://catalog.peachparts.com/RenderScriptTemplate.epc?_cmd=epccat_VehicleAAA&cookieID=25E0H4M8R2GP0Y2R8A&yearid=1997%40%401997&makeid=MB%40%40MB%40%40X&modelid=E%2D300D%2D002%40%40E+300+D+Sedan&keyword=switch&mode=PA&subcatid=P3055@@Stop+Light+Switch

There are 2 sets of contacts and this switch, if it fails, can cause problems which you describe. As you can see it is cheap and easily replaced...if I were you I would check it first.

TMAllison · #15 09-13-2008, 04:26 PM

Is under Body Electrical http://catalog.peachparts.com/RenderScriptTemplate.epc?_cmd=epccat_VehicleAAA&cookieID=25L0RF04Y2GP0Z7268&yearid=1997%40%401997&makeid=MB%40%40MB%40%40X&modelid=E%2D300D%2D002%40%40E+300+D+Sedan&catid=P%40%40Body+Electrical&mode=PA&subcatid=P3055@@Stop+Light+Switch&source=www.peachparts.com&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop