ABS ASR & Wipers all speed related ???

[classiccarnut]

I have a 1992 R129.66 500 SL. It's a stunning looking car and in nice nick, I've had it just over a week and electrical faults are driving me bananas. Please can someone offer help ?

Problems :-

• If I start the car in one go (ie. don't keep the key in pos 2 for too long), when the engine has been running for approx 5 mins the ASR light comes on shortly followed by the ABS light.
• If I leave the key in Position 2 for more than 10 secs and then start the car the ASR and ABS lights stay illuminated.
• The wipers sometimes don't work in the 1st 2 settings (intermittent & slow).
• If the wipers do work in the 1st two positions they tend to stall when I press the brake and start to slow down.

I am assuming that these problems are all interlinked in some way as they are all sensitive to speed.

Attempted fixes so far :-

• Front ABS sensors cleaned (they were full of magnetised cack)
• Brake light switch replaced
• OVP relay replaced

No joy so far, and this is spoiling my experience of the car. I am seriously considering selling it at a loss just to get it off my hands.......

Steve

 

[grober]

I would go over all the fuses cleaning up the end contacts and the clips they fit into. These are known to develop a film of corrosion leading to poor contact. Sometimes its sufficient just to reseat them by rotating but a good clean is better. Many of these units are voltage sensitive and will show a fault condition if your battery is in poor condition,so make sure your battery is good. At this time of year its a good idea to get a new one if you have any doubts or its older that 5 years of age . The other possibility is a dodgy ignition switch.

 

[classiccarnut]

The ignition switch is something that had crossed my mind. Unfortunately is another try it and see jobbie. £59 + VAT just to see if it'll work ! Are the ignition switches another known weak spot ?

Thanks

Steve

 

[Roger Jones]

You've got a great car with some fixable gremlins. Spare yourself a lot of grief and take it to a savvy specialist who knows these cars. If you can't find a local specialist, phone Crewe Engines on 0270 526333 and ask them if they can suggest one who is an electrics wizard. Given their 34 years as MB engine specialists (engine rebuilders, not a servicing centre), they will surely know someone.

When it's fixed, you'll never want to sell it. If you do sell it, spend £200 on a pre-purchase inspection before you buy your next used car.

 

[classiccarnut]

I'm planning on booking it into SPR in Stockport. I spoke to a chap there yesterday. I just need to find the time to get the car to them. In the mean time I just want to see if it's something simple I can fix myself.