ESP light NOT coming on!!

[mr. shr]

Just hold it on the brake, floor it and let the brake go. That should cause the ESP to intervene, especially at a junction in the wet....Oh and it'll be good fun too.

Just went out for a quick spin to test the ESP. Went to an empty car park and tried a couple of things:

First, I moved into the centre of the car park and crawled around in small circles. Then suddenly floored it (it's absolutely persisting it down here so ground very wet). The car slipped a bit but stayed under control. Tried this a few times and the same result.

Second. I moved to one edge of the car park and then, facing the centre of the big open space, I put my foot right down. You could hear the rear wheels spin very briefly but the car just pulled away at a steady, controlled pace. My foot was rooted to the floor throughout this test.

But, and this is the worry, on both tests, the amber light DID NOT light up.

It was clear that ESP was doing its job, but the lamp was not flashing.

 

[television]

Nothing at all for this, there are quite a few software updates where some parameters are too finely set.

Fuse 34 in the front box controls all of the systems

I just hope that something shows up on a fault code read out

 

[mr. shr]

Nothing at all for this, there are quite a few software updates where some parameters are too finely set.

Fuse 34 in the front box controls all of the systems

I just hope that something shows up on a fault code read out

I think it was fuses 2 and 34 that I checked.

So I need to go to the stealer to get the codes read, right? There isn't a code reader I can by from helfrauds or ebay is there?

 

[timskemp]

First, I moved into the centre of the car park and crawled around in small circles. Then suddenly floored it (it's absolutely persisting it down here so ground very wet). The car slipped a bit but stayed under control. Tried this a few times and the same result.

It was clear that ESP was doing its job, but the lamp was not flashing.

did you try pressing the switch and seeing if that turned off the ESP?

 

[television]

I think it was fuses 2 and 34 that I checked.

So I need to go to the stealer to get the codes read, right? There isn't a code reader I can by from helfrauds or ebay is there?

You can buy one starting at £3k up to £12k

Why not use an indie, do you have one near you.

I have look through the whole system, it could be a nightmare to find.

Just as a last thing, some ESP faults can be triggered by a low voltage blip when starting, so when you have had the car running for 10 mins, turn off engine and restart and see if it is the same

 

[mr. shr]

did you try pressing the switch and seeing if that turned off the ESP?

Thought about it but just didn't have the balls!!! I was thinking that pressing the off button might actually switch the system off without putting the light on. But to be quite honest with you, I was still a bit shakey after having done those tests!! I've lost control of a couple of cars in the past and so didn't want to try my luck. Not a nice feeling.

 

[timskemp]

Thought about it but just didn't have the balls!!! I was thinking that pressing the off button might actually switch the system off without putting the light on. But to be quite honest with you, I was still a bit shakey after having done those tests!! I've lost control of a couple of cars in the past and so didn't want to try my luck. Not a nice feeling.

got into the habit of leaving our local hand car wash (which is on the wrong side of the dual carriage way for me) with the ESP off in order to make the U turn on the dual a little bit tighter...

 

[Dieselman]

got into the habit of leaving our local hand car wash (which is on the wrong side of the dual carriage way for me) with the ESP off in order to make the U turn on the dual a little bit tighter...

Good thinking, like it...
Very impressive to the car-wash lads I'm sure...

 

[Dieselman]

Thought about it but just didn't have the balls!!! I was thinking that pressing the off button might actually switch the system off without putting the light on. But to be quite honest with you, I was still a bit shakey after having done those tests!! I've lost control of a couple of cars in the past and so didn't want to try my luck. Not a nice feeling.

But you were in a wide open space and could have just backed off if necessary.
Lend it to me and I'll test the ESP for a small charge...
If you want to watch that costs extra...

 

[timskemp]

But you were in a wide open space and could have just backed off if necessary.
Lend it to me and I'll test the ESP for a small charge...
If you want to watch that costs extra...

Oi - there's a queue, get behind me!

 

[mr. shr]

You can buy one starting at £3k up to £12k

Why not use an indie, do you have one near you.

I have look through the whole system, it could be a nightmare to find.

Just as a last thing, some ESP faults can be triggered by a low voltage blip when starting, so when you have had the car running for 10 mins, turn off engine and restart and see if it is the same

Yes, I know a very good indy but he doesn't have Star. Would he still be able to read the codes with what ever system he has, or does it have to be Star?

With regards to the voltage level, I've tried pressing the switch at various times; after a long drive, whilst stationary, whilst in neutral and park.

But will try a 10 minute run, switch off, switch on and then press the switch to see if that does anything.

 

[mr. shr]

Oi - there's a queue, get behind me!

Wasn't there a clip on u tube recently of an S Class doing doughnuts in a car park?

(Or if there wasn't, there soon will be as a group of MB forum members appear to have booked themselves a go in mine!!)

 

[television]

Yes, I know a very good indy but he doesn't have Star. Would he still be able to read the codes with what ever system he has, or does it have to be Star?

With regards to the voltage level, I've tried pressing the switch at various times; after a long drive, whilst stationary, whilst in neutral and park.

But will try a 10 minute run, switch off, switch on and then press the switch to see if that does anything.

Regarding the Star, there are other diagnostic readers, ask him, he will know if he can read them.

I do not think that this is for the light heated to tackle, if there is a fault code then there should be no problems, sorry I cant offer anything else.

You will though post the outcome thanks

 

[mr. shr]

Regarding the Star, there are other diagnostic readers, ask him, he will know if he can read them.

I do not think that this is for the light heated to tackle, if there is a fault code then there should be no problems, sorry I cant offer anything else.

You will though post the outcome thanks

Thanks for your input so far.

The car is due a service in about 2.5k miles. But I probably wont be using the car that much over the next couple of months so might take a while to do those miles.
Might need to book the car in to a stealer sooner then.
Will certainly let you know how I get on.

 

[mr. shr]

You will though post the outcome thanks

Update:
I had the car hooked up to STAR yesterday and problem solved.
It wasn't a stored error as some had thought.

It turns out that the ESP system on my car was coded for the facelift W220 whereas my car is pre face lift.
This was changed via STAR and now when I press the ESP off button, the amber light comes on. :bannana:

Just thought I'd let you all know, as I promised I would.

Thanks.
shr.