ABS and ETS lights on together, 98 ML320

[jfreezn]

Well, I have been reading the archives for about 3 hours and am hoping some new experiences have surfaced which match my symptoms.

At first they were on a little bit, then went away. Now, every time I start the engine, they're back. I have replaced the brake switch, and cleaned all four wheel rotation sensors. Some metal at or near the magnetic contacts but no help on my problem. I have also inspected the wiring from the sensors and the brake pad (left front is the only brake pad se

I recently serviced the battery connections and verified I have good grounds at the battery and from the engine to the frame, etc.

I want to know a couple things that might help me. I have a generic OBDII reader but only know of one place to hook it up. Where is the test connection for the ABS/ETS system and should my reader work with it also?

Also, the long travel switch may be suspect. is it one of the two cable operated switches on the brake pedal. One is the shifter lock out for sure.

Should the ABS/ETS pump test run each time the key is turned on?

I don't think my ML has the stability package so no steering angle signal that I know of.

I plan to jack up all 4 wheels and run the Ml in gear to check the signal from each wheel speed sensor. I don't kwow what it should read but if all four are the same I should be able to eliminate that.

I only have one brake pad thickness sensor, left front, is that correct?

Thanks, I think there are a bunch of us driving around with these lights on. I, for one am looking to fix this!

Jim in Phoenix

[mbdoc]

You need to get to "someone" that has a diagnostic scanner that will read traction system codes(not ODB2 at all)..most common other than brake light is the ABS pump relay sticking...K25 relay in main fuse box..

ALSO check the ABS hydraulic unit (behind LT headlight) as the w/s washer tanks will leak into that connection.

[ML320]

Here's a recent K25 ABS report:

http://www.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=159490

[DCF]

Ok, this will sound VERY strange, but if the truck is not having any actual problems other than the lights being on, check your battery and/or alternator. As the manual states (I forget where, but remember reading it), these lights can come on as a symptom of low battery voltage. If your battery is not charging right (due to either the age of the battery, or an alternator problem) it can cause the lights to stay on. I had the problem in my car after I had been working on my with the car powered up and the engine not running. The next day when I started the car, the lights were on. But, once the battery was recharged, they went away.

[PowersJQ]

Early in the life of my '99 ML320, the yellow BAS/ESP and ETS lights came on along with the red ABS. The dealer traced it to a chafed and shorted lead to a wheel speed sensor on the left rear wheel. The insulation removal and accidental ground of the wire happened where it was routed by the gas tank, brackets and fittings. I bought this truck in '98 and would hope MB dealt with problem wire routing more quickly than the Airbus folks.