1998 E240 dash says ABS not working, light defective and...
 

HI

1998 E240 dash says ABS not working, light defective and the cruise control stopped working. This just happened in one day. Anyone know what is wrong and how to fix it? I assume it is OK to drive.
Do not really have time to take to dealer right now - unless I have to.
Only 110,000kms BTW.

Thanks spiral

Do the brake lamps work?

Brake lights are fine.
The LAMP DEFECTIVE notice has given false readings before.

spiral

I am assuming the lamp out problem is seperate from the ABS/Cruise problem.

I know that slight differences in tire circumference can cause the ABS/Cruise to stop working. You can search and find some info on this.

The "Lamp Defective" message is probably real. Check ALL of the bulbs, including the license plate bulbs (plural). You probably lost one.

Note that bulbs come back sometimes while driving. The loose filament flops around until it touches the other side, temporarily welding it in place. Gone today, here tomorrow, but still a bad bulb and will only alert when it is gone.

For the ABS and cruise problem, I would replace the brake switch. It is a VERY common fault, and if yours is original, you are due. Do not get any aftermarket switch. M-B OEM only for this part; it's cheap from the dealer anyway. Be sure to pull the plunger out on the new switch when you install it.

All good advice. I have missed the 2nd license plate light before.

I did not know the brake switch could affect this, but I like this because it is not an expensive repair.

thanks spiral

There may not be anything wrong with the cruise, other than the inop bulb(s). The cruise function is affected by incorrect wattage of bulbs anywhere on the circuit. Fix the bulbs, and you may have fixed the cruise control. Let's hope.