1990 500 SEL ABS light on when driving

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Dutchmanbob

New Member
Joined
May 28, 2020
Messages
12
Location
Enniskillen N-Ireland
Car
1990 500 SEL
My 1990 500 SEL . ABS light is off when starting the car. The ABS light comes on, once the car starts moving, indicating it is a wheel sensor problem, I think? I had the sensors checked and all three are giving correct readings. Anybody have any advice on what I should do next?
 
What's your idle look like? if you have high idle and ABS warning light. It's likely the OVP relay.
 
Hi, Idle is fine. Engine runs perfect. No ABS light on when starting and revving the engine. It comes on when you start driving over 5 miles an hour
 
I had that with my 500SEL , the wires become brittle with age and can make/break connection with movement of the suspension, yet give an OK reading while on test in a workshop ( on a rolling road ) . I had both front sensors replaced and the problem was solved .

You could try picking up a pair of used sensors and swapping them yourself ( hardest part is getting the bolts undone as they tend to rust up ) it isn’t otherwise a hard job at all . Also clean up the coaxial connectors where they plug in as these can get dirty .
 
I had that with my 500SEL , the wires become brittle with age and can make/break connection with movement of the suspension, yet give an OK reading while on test in a workshop ( on a rolling road ) . I had both front sensors replaced and the problem was solved .

You could try picking up a pair of used sensors and swapping them yourself ( hardest part is getting the bolts undone as they tend to rust up ) it isn’t otherwise a hard job at all . Also clean up the coaxial connectors where they plug in as these can get dirty .
Thanks for that! I think i'll try and get a used pair and try a swap.
 
Would you still have the parts number of yours?
Sadly , no . I had three W126s but the last one went eight or nine years ago .

I put the car into a specialist to diagnose the fault , and the total bill was something like £280 for diagnosis, two new sensors at around £120 each and fitting , quite reasonable given most of it was parts .

The sensors are left and right handed , so two different parts .
 
Think I might get mine checked with a specialist in electrics next. Thanks for your help!
 

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