ABC problems

[chris55amg]

Hi Guys. New here on this forum and need some help really bad.

I have an SL55 AMG. my ABC light has been coming on (red warning light) alot the last week. sometimes i have to let my car warm up and press the suspension raise button and it goes away.. other times not so lucky. i can be driving normally and nothing will happen put my foot down and suddenly "Car too low stop driving" "ABC"

Its really annoying and upsetting just woundering if you know any ways around this (its a 2003 model and UK based) i have a friend that might be looking at it soon, just dont know how much its all going to cost.
few weeks ago the ABC light would come on not the red warning though and it would be fine, just laitly having some issues. today for example i turned it on for work and it came straight up even when the car is level. let it warm up for a few mins and pressed the raise button and it worked.. othertimes it will happen and ill go around a roundabout and "ABC CAR TOO LOW"

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Please use the forums search function, there are lots of threads with this common fault on SLs/CLs

Example threads:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/whee...l500-abc-light-flashes-red-hitting-bumps.html

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/whee...2134-very-strange-abc-suspension-problem.html

 

[Mr Kripling]

Although I'm not an expert, ABC warnings tend to be caused by low pressure in the system. Raising the suspension might be releasing some of the pressure in the accumulators which masks the fact that the pump may be on its way out.

Best have a word with Olly about it.

Harry

 

[chris55amg]

Sorry its first time on this site.. found it kinda tricky to even make a post!

 

[BlackC55]

Where do you live? Maybe we can suggest a specialist near you to take a look at it?

 

[Vilus]

Some bedtime reading...


Mercedes Benz ABC System Troubleshooting Guide: ABC System

 

[rorf]

Welcome to the R230 world of crappy suspension and big bucks - ouch

 

[Mr Kripling]

For some reason, I find the symptom description "You hear a loud bang, and the "Drive Carefully" message comes on the dash shortly after" strangely amusing.

Until it happens to me, of course...

 

[m2287]

Sounds like a seal in the pump is gone, you can buy a kit to fix it from the USA if you are a bit handy, I did mine. If not it will be a new pump at around £1.5k including fitting!

 

[lxi]

Check the fluid level as a first point.

Check for any obvious leaks of hydraulic fluid.

If level ok & no obvious leaks, then it could indeed be the dual pump (power steering & ABC) which is expensive news.

As above, rather than rely on a friend, get it to a reputable indie for diagnosis