• The Forums are now open to new registrations, adverts are also being de-tuned.

New member- Vito ABS and Traction control (ESP) warning lights

RajK

New Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2018
Messages
13
Location
Bristol
Car
Vito
Hi everyone,

I am new member to this forum.
I have a Vito W447, 114CDI Crew Van, 2016. Previously I owned a W639, 116, 2009.
I can say I am massive Vito fan 😊.

I would like some help and advice from the members please regarding my W447.

Recently I had the ABS and Traction control (ESP) warning lights (Orange colour) are displayed on the dash.
when I switch the engine off and On the fault seem to clear and after awhile it reapers again while driving. Like to know if this something I can fix it by myself?
the display on the dash says, refer to the owners manual but the owners manual says take it to the nearest merc dealer workshop.

Has anyone here experienced the same? And how did you fix the problem

Please can someone help or advise me if this can be fixed and how it can be fixed.

Many thanks.
 
1st check is imbalance of tyre tread. A different rolling circumference can throw these.
Then you're looking at ABS wheel sensors, better you plug in and get codes read for that / those.
 
1st check is imbalance of tyre tread. A different rolling circumference can throw these.
Then you're looking at ABS wheel sensors, better you plug in and get codes read for that
All tyres seem fine, all have a lot of thread left and can’t see any imbalances around.
I don’t have a diagnostic kit to check the fault codes. Do you know where I can get a diagnostic kit from? Any particular type or model I should get.

Appreciate your help 👍
 
If the dash light doesn't come on straight away with the ignition but comes on when the van starts moving then a speed sensing issue - sensors but more likely reluctor rings. Tyre pressures also need to be checked.

If the dash light doesn't come on straight away with the ignition but comes on with first application of brakes then brake switch is suspect (ignore that the rear brake lights are working - most brake switches have two contact sets).

If the dash light does come on straight away with the ignition, then an electrical problem - anything from a duff wheel sensor (or its wire) to shot ABS/ESP module. Reading the codes is the quickest way to see what's going on - after a quick check for any obvious physical damage to the sensor wiring. Might be worth checking the relevant fuses also - just in case one has blown.
 
The iCarsoft V2 is often recommended, but I have found it lacking in some ways for the 639, I don't have experience of the 447. The V3 may have more improvements than being usable on different manufacturers.
MB's own diagnostics 'Star' is the best, but expensive. A local MB Independent would be using that.
Any local garage with Snap On might diagnose well enough and point to 'a' faulty sensor, if it is that.

Other than Star others seem to have an element of pot luck, certainly as far as the 639 goes.

If it is a sensor, which seems most likely, expect to be drilling out the bolt and re tapping (I replace with stainless). The sensor guts often need drilling out also. Copper grease is good for re assembly.
 
If the dash light doesn't come on straight away with the ignition but comes on when the van starts moving then a speed sensing issue - sensors but more likely reluctor rings. Tyre pressures also need to be checked.

If the dash light doesn't come on straight away with the ignition but comes on with first application of brakes then brake switch is suspect (ignore that the rear brake lights are working - most brake switches have two contact sets).

If the dash light does come on straight away with the ignition, then an electrical problem - anything from a duff wheel sensor (or its wire) to shot ABS/ESP module. Reading the codes is the quickest way to see what's going on - after a quick check for any obvious physical damage to the sensor wiring. Might be worth checking the relevant fuses also - just in case one has blown.
Both warning lights don’t come on straightaway when ignition is switched and engine running. It only comes on whiles on the move, randomly without applying the breaks or changing gears etc. it comes on randomly after driving for say 10mins or so both lights come on simultaneously.
 
The iCarsoft V2 is often recommended, but I have found it lacking in some ways for the 639, I don't have experience of the 447. The V3 may have more improvements than being usable on different manufacturers.
MB's own diagnostics 'Star' is the best, but expensive. A local MB Independent would be using that.
Any local garage with Snap On might diagnose well enough and point to 'a' faulty sensor, if it is that.

Other than Star others seem to have an element of pot luck, certainly as far as the 639 goes.

If it is a sensor, which seems most likely, expect to be drilling out the bolt and re tapping (I replace with stainless). The sensor guts often need drilling out also. Copper grease is good for re assembly.
Thanks for that.
I’ll check online to see if can get one.
I might take it to the local garage to see if the can run diagnostics checks.
 
Both warning lights don’t come on straightaway when ignition is switched and engine running. It only comes on whiles on the move, randomly without applying the breaks or changing gears etc. it comes on randomly after driving for say 10mins or so both lights come on simultaneously.
That could be a fault on a wire (broken or chafed and short-circuiting) only becoming apparent when there's a bit of heat around. That would show on a scan as 'lost communication with component X' and would help narrow down where to look.
 
That could be a fault on a wire (broken or chafed and short-circuiting) only becoming apparent when there's a bit of heat around. That would show on a scan as 'lost communication with component X' and would help narrow down where to look.
Sorry I should have mentioned. Sometimes both ABS & ESP lights will clear without any intervention. So as you say it could be short circuit or lose connection somewhere.
Do you if there any connectors and where they are located for me to have look.
 
Sorry I should have mentioned. Sometimes both ABS & ESP lights will clear without any intervention. So as you say it could be short circuit or lose connection somewhere.
A wire will sometimes sag once warm and break a connection if the wire is broken or come in contact with earth and if the insulation is broken/chafed a short occurs.
If heat related, pay more attention to 'hot spots' ie, close to engine, exhaust, etc.
Another possibility is a drop of water breaks loose when the van is in motion and finds its way into the ABS/ESP electrics - then subsequently dries off.

Do you if there any connectors and where they are located for me to have look.
'Fraid not. Working from the sensors at the wheels and back towards the harness until you find a connector is the best I can suggest. If you can find a connector and break it out of the harness you can better check for continuity and shorts with a multi meter (£5 from the internet if you don't already have one) but a wire can hang on by a strand and a MM will show good continuity. A test lamp that puts a decent current down the wire is more demanding.
I'd do as much of that as possible but I wouldn't break my balls on it until I had diagnostics pointing me to where the problem is. If the fault is in the ABS/ESP module you'll only be wasting your time. When the ABS/ESP module on my smart failed the dash light was on constantly from 'ignition on'. The intermittency of yours is maybe a sign of something less severe.
 
On the 639, may be v similar, you can follow from the wheel hub to connectors that are secured underside.
Wheels with brake wear sensors will have 2 cables, tie wrapped and secured by common push in's, there will be 2 connectors mid van, underside.
If you're lucky, as Bellow, you may see damage.

I know you're warmer in Bristol but for me, especially in winter, I prefer to be narrowing down the search by diagnostics telling me which corner is 'possibly' at fault. I think there is value in asking a local garage if their diagnostics can point toward it. By then of course it may be that they might as well do the job. A Vehicle lift is so much easier. Unless you have the extra long, many garages can't accommodate them.
 
Thanks very much both, really valuable information. I agree, will get the local garage to see if they can diagnose first and if it can be fixed at a reasonable cost.
 
I'd be interested in hearing the outcome too, same issue with a 66 plate w447.

had for 3 days from dealer in Leicester. "historical" codes (alternator etc) had to be cleared after 150miles, then engine light back on after another 50., shortly after that abs and traction as above. No lights (except engine) on startup but came on again after 30 seconds. Taking to MB dealer for full diag but def getting a fault reader after that as it's same price as 1hr at MB.
 
I'd be interested in hearing the outcome too, same issue with a 66 plate w447.

had for 3 days from dealer in Leicester. "historical" codes (alternator etc) had to be cleared after 150miles, then engine light back on after another 50., shortly after that abs and traction as above. No lights (except engine) on startup but came on again after 30 seconds. Taking to MB dealer for full diag but def getting a fault reader after that as it's same price as 1hr at MB.
Got the same problem. ABS and ESP deactivated. Got home and did scan it with my Xentry. Guess I will start with a new sensor. Know its an old post tho :)
 

Attachments

  • 461426809_3844374702509728_3456279893400669332_n.jpg
    461426809_3844374702509728_3456279893400669332_n.jpg
    110.7 KB · Views: 2
Got the same problem. ABS and ESP deactivated. Got home and did scan it with my Xentry. Guess I will start with a new sensor. Know its an old post tho :)
Good luck, and please keep us posted on what you discover Trollkraft, as it may well help others in future.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom