My new 2003 S430 needs help! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

eatont9999 · #1 06-27-2016, 10:51 PM

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a 2003 S430 W220 sedan. It shows 107K miles. It has a few issues that I have been trying to rectify so it can pass an inspection. The seller said it needs a new ECU and included a used one in the sale. She said it needs to be reprogrammed at the dealer, which I understand if in fact the ECU is faulty. What I am trying to figure out whether or not it is faulty Someone recently replaced the battery and I am wondering if that has anything to do with the problems I am having.

The car is showing a check engine light, SRS, ABS, ESP, BAS and pre-safe inactive. The transmission is in limp mode and stays in 2nd gear. It also needs B service.

I tried the accelerator pedal reset thing and turning the steering wheel from lock to lock and that made no difference. I have a code reader on order but is there anything I can try in the mean time to clear up these codes or narrow down the problem?

The car starts, runs and drives very nicely minus the transmission not shifting.

This is my first gas-powered or computer-controlled Mercedes, so please excuse the ignorance.

TX76513 · #2 06-28-2016, 08:34 AM

You mentioned doing the reset. To make sure we are on the same page the procedure is:
1. Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.

2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds.

3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.

4. Wait at least two minutes for ECU to reset.

If that didn't help you need to hit the dealer OR your Indy and have him FLASH the ECU to see what hard codes are stored. There are some things you cannot do with a OBDII code reader.

eatont9999 · #3 06-28-2016, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

You mentioned doing the reset. To make sure we are on the same page the procedure is:
1. Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.

2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds.

3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.

4. Wait at least two minutes for ECU to reset.

If that didn't help you need to hit the dealer OR your Indy and have him FLASH the ECU to see what hard codes are stored. There are some things you cannot do with a OBDII code reader.

That is the procedure I followed at least a few times. No dice, though. Does a re-flash in any way mean that my ECU is faulty? I have a brake wear warning and front light out - I forgot to mention that earlier.

I will look into when the next MBCA tech session is and get signed up for it. I should be able to have them flash the computer for me.

97 SL320 · #4 06-28-2016, 03:04 PM

You might not be able to get the VIN reflashed to the used computer at the dealer as it is likely tied into the smart key system and considered a theft related part. You might be able to get the calibration reflashed but that won't help.

New computers can be flashed at the dealer but they lock out after something like 50 starts. Beckman might be your only hope unless you want to search E bay for tools.

What specific code reader did you order?

Zulfiqar · #5 06-28-2016, 03:26 PM

I think the PO thought that the ECUs could be reworked like GM ones.

on MB they cannot, best find someone who can make a clone of your existing one

eatont9999 · #6 06-28-2016, 03:36 PM

Here is the exact code reader I bought. It should be at the house waiting for me today. I will try to clear all the codes I can and see if they come back.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DZFHQN6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It sounds like the general consensus here is that my ECU is junk and I will have to go through hoops and pay out the nose to get this car fixed. Even though the PO said the ECU needs to be replaced, I do not know how how she qualifies that statement as she was not an MB tech. I have to qualify it on my own with the symptoms shown by the car. From the responses here, it sounds like she was right.

Zulfiqar · #7 06-28-2016, 04:50 PM

I posted to tell you that ECUs are not hot swappable in these cars, they are locked to the VIN and multiple other pieces in the car like the key, the shifter etc.

Before you condemn your ECU - get the car to a deep level scan tool like a MB star or a launch X431 or some snap on with the MB software. My reason to say this is that you said the trans is locked in 2nd gear. With mercedes 5 spd automatics they cannot be reset to normal from a handy code reader unless the TCU is commanded to reset from a deeper level scan tool, For the SRS and ABS that same tool can tell you what is wrong - it maybe a CAN-BUS wiring failure causing it.

After proper diagnosis can you determine if your ECU went south (unlikely) or was it just some wiring issue.

The car should have a procedure to reset it after a battery disconnect, its pretty simple involving opening and closing all windows, operating the steering lock to lock etc and putting a code in the radio head unit.

I cannot say about that launch item you bought on amazon, but it would have been a bit better if you bought a chinese clone carsoft and the muxer for it too, The software is very old and clunky and only works on ancient laptops but gets the work done.

eatont9999 · #8 06-28-2016, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zulfiqar

I posted to tell you that ECUs are not hot swappable in these cars, they are locked to the VIN and multiple other pieces in the car like the key, the shifter etc.

Before you condemn your ECU - get the car to a deep level scan tool like a MB star or a launch X431 or some snap on with the MB software. My reason to say this is that you said the trans is locked in 2nd gear. With mercedes 5 spd automatics they cannot be reset to normal from a handy code reader unless the TCU is commanded to reset from a deeper level scan tool, For the SRS and ABS that same tool can tell you what is wrong - it maybe a CAN-BUS wiring failure causing it.

After proper diagnosis can you determine if your ECU went south (unlikely) or was it just some wiring issue.

The car should have a procedure to reset it after a battery disconnect, its pretty simple involving opening and closing all windows, operating the steering lock to lock etc and putting a code in the radio head unit.

I cannot say about that launch item you bought on amazon, but it would have been a bit better if you bought a chinese clone carsoft and the muxer for it too, The software is very old and clunky and only works on ancient laptops but gets the work done.

Thanks for the info. The reader I bought advertises it can reset transmission codes as well. I guess I will find out tonight. What would you estimate the cost for the dealer to hook it up to their computer and print out the codes/reset them?

eatont9999 · #9 06-28-2016, 09:22 PM

Here are the codes I pulled this evening. I tried clearing all of them and they all came right back. I am unable to establish a communication with the TCM. I pulled the unit, cleaned the contacts with electrical cleaner and reseated the connectors. The communication error continues. It explains the transmission in limp mode, though.

9025 component B48 (front passenger seat occupied and child seat recognition) is defective.

C1511 coding error. dtc status: fault indicator lamp on.

C1511-005 coding error: the variant coding is incorrect. DTC status: fault indicator lamp on.

P2037-004 No or incorrect CAN message from control unit N15/3(ETC [EGS] control unit). Communication fault/see also CAN status in freeze frame data (P0600). DTC status: fault indicator lamp on.

C1024 Fault in CAN communication with component N73 (EIS [EZS] control unit). DTC status: fault indicator lamp on.

P102403 Fault code not found in database.

P2037-016 Fault code not found in database

P2037-064 Fault code not found in database

Hirnbeiss · #10 06-29-2016, 03:23 AM

Doesn't sound good. Keep us posted.

Ferdman · #11 06-29-2016, 05:27 AM

It's time to get this vehicle to your local MB dealer for a diagnostic check and repair. No sense wasting more time only to realize this is not a DIY fix.

eatont9999 · #12 06-29-2016, 09:50 AM

I am dropping the car off at the dealer at 5:30PM this evening. If anyone has further insight, I am all ears.

Thanks for the help so far.

Zulfiqar · #13 06-29-2016, 12:15 PM

its best to get under the car and see if the transmission connector plug is seated in and the wiring it not ripped out or broken.

the EIS fault is alarming, and the EIS acts as a gate to the CAN which can cause this miscommunication.

anziani · #14 06-29-2016, 12:19 PM

I agree with Ferdman and good on you for getting it to a dealer. I know the prices are horrendous but sometimes one has to "pay to play". Having said that I would have looked for a good indie in the Dallas area first and talked to them.
Anziani
'97 Cl600
56K

TX76513 · #15 06-29-2016, 02:07 PM

Please let us know the outcome.