When did I get ABC on my Mercedes SL500?
Welcome to my guide for the Mercedes Active Body Control (ABC) Suspension System. In July of 2014, I purchased a used 2003 Mercedes SL500 with 80,000 miles on it. And within days the infamous “ABC Drive Carefully” message started appearing on the dash. That was my introduction to the ABC system.
What to do if Mercedes Benz ABC system is not working?
Take the car to the dealer or a workshop with a Mercedes STAR diagnostic system (SDS). If the problem is not leak related, then you will need the diagnostic codes to determine what component is having the problem. “Drive Carefully” or “Visit Workshop” comes on the dash and stays.
What does drive carefully mean on Mercedes Benz?
“Drive Carefully” appears for a few seconds when hitting a bump or dip in the road. This may or may not be accompanied by fluid overflowing from the reservoir. One or more of the accumulators has failed and is no longer supplying pressure to help fill the struts when needed. Start paying close attention to the fluid level in the reservoir.
Where is the ABC pump on a Mercedes Benz?
The location varies by model and year. On the R230 it is located in the front-left wheel well. On the W215 it is attached to the undercarriage near the transmission. On later models with the updated ABC system (2007+), the pulsation dampener is on the ABC pump.
Welcome to my guide for the Mercedes Active Body Control (ABC) Suspension System. In July of 2014, I purchased a used 2003 Mercedes SL500 with 80,000 miles on it. And within days the infamous “ABC Drive Carefully” message started appearing on the dash. That was my introduction to the ABC system.
What’s the problem with Mercedes Benz ABC system?
The ABC system noticed a problem when starting up and has disabled itself, locking the struts in their current position. This may result in what many people describe as a “tuna boat” ride (very bouncy). The system has a fluid leak and the fluid level in the reservoir is extremely low, preventing the system from getting up to operating pressure.
What happens if I Drive my Mercedes without the ABC pump?
If you attempt to drive the car without adequate fluid, the pump will be destroyed in very quick order (a $2,500 repair), while shedding metal debris into the system that will damage other components as well. It is NOT worth trying to drive the rest of the way home!!!!
“Drive Carefully” appears for a few seconds when hitting a bump or dip in the road. This may or may not be accompanied by fluid overflowing from the reservoir. One or more of the accumulators has failed and is no longer supplying pressure to help fill the struts when needed. Start paying close attention to the fluid level in the reservoir.
What should I do if my ABC system is not working?
If the valve block is not holding a good seal, then the first action is to change the ABC fluid filter, perform a procedure called a “rodeo” that exercises the system, and then replace the filter again. This will sometimes clear up the problem, at least temporarily. This will cost around $300.
What to do if ABC fluid is not working?
Start carrying extra ABC fluid in the trunk until fixed. If the valve block is not holding a good seal, then the first action is to change the ABC fluid filter, perform a procedure called a “rodeo” that exercises the system, and then replace the filter again. This will sometimes clear up the problem, at least temporarily.
When did the ABC system start on my Mercedes SL500?
In July of 2014, I purchased a used 2003 Mercedes SL500 with 80,000 miles on it. And within days the infamous “ABC Drive Carefully” message started appearing on the dash.
Take the car to the dealer or a workshop with a Mercedes STAR diagnostic system (SDS). If the problem is not leak related, then you will need the diagnostic codes to determine what component is having the problem. “Drive Carefully” or “Visit Workshop” comes on the dash and stays.
If the valve block is not holding a good seal, then the first action is to change the ABC fluid filter, perform a procedure called a “rodeo” that exercises the system, and then replace the filter again. This will sometimes clear up the problem, at least temporarily. This will cost around $300.
On the R230 it is located in the front-left wheel well. On the W215 it is attached to the undercarriage near the transmission. On later models with the updated ABC system (2007+), the pulsation dampener is on the ABC pump. Replace the dampener. Cost is around $175 and is a relatively simple DIY project. Or around $600-800 if you have a shop do it.
Where is the pulsation dampener on a Mercedes Benz?
The ABC component most likely to cause this noise is the pulsation dampener. The location varies by model and year. On the R230 it is located in the front-left wheel well. On the W215 it is attached to the undercarriage near the transmission. On later models with the updated ABC system (2007+), the pulsation dampener is on the ABC pump.
On the R230 it is located in the front-left wheel well. On the W215 it is attached to the undercarriage near the transmission. On later models with the updated ABC system (2007+), the pulsation dampener is on the ABC pump. Replace the dampener. Cost is around $175 and is a relatively simple DIY project. Or around $600-800 if you have a shop do it.
The ABC component most likely to cause this noise is the pulsation dampener. The location varies by model and year. On the R230 it is located in the front-left wheel well. On the W215 it is attached to the undercarriage near the transmission. On later models with the updated ABC system (2007+), the pulsation dampener is on the ABC pump.
What does it mean when your Mercedes system says Red?
Blue or white is a minor warning, and red is a severe warning and usually indicates the system has shutdown. If the message only appears briefly, the problem was likely a momentary drop in system pressure. The system recovered and is working normally again. If the message stays on the dash, something has gone wrong with the system.
What are the warning lights on a Mercedes Benz?
The following are warning lights and indicators found in vehicles built by Mercedes Benz. Click a link to learn more about each one. They are roughly ordered by importance, which tends to be by color (red, amber, yellow, orange, green, blue, gray), but there are over 40 of them so be patient!
When does Mercedes Benz ABC malfunction come on?
Mercedes Benz ABC Malfunction, Fluid leaking, Active Body Control System – YouTube Found this in my routine Diagnosis of a suspension issue. Would only come on when hitting speed bumps or anything that would drop the suspension out. Hope th… Found this in my routine Diagnosis of a suspension issue.
Blue or white is a minor warning, and red is a severe warning and usually indicates the system has shutdown. If the message only appears briefly, the problem was likely a momentary drop in system pressure. The system recovered and is working normally again. If the message stays on the dash, something has gone wrong with the system.
Can you drive a car with a red light?
Can I drive car with red… ABC red light is on all the time and I can’t select any other function on the steering wheel thumb switch. Car is level with no other apparent suspension issues. I see no leaks and the hydraulic reservoir is full.
The following are warning lights and indicators found in vehicles built by Mercedes Benz. Click a link to learn more about each one. They are roughly ordered by importance, which tends to be by color (red, amber, yellow, orange, green, blue, gray), but there are over 40 of them so be patient!