BAS ESP ABS Mercedes-Benz

BAS/ESP/ABS warning lights stay on?

The BAS / ESP / ABS lights are not a problem with Mercedes-Benz ML320 / ML430 models. It is a problem that has impacted all Mercedes-Benz models. The top causes that trigger these lights are included in the section below. This guide could save you hundreds of dollars.  Learn how you may be able to turn off these lights by following a few simple steps.

What does BAS ESP ABS light mean on a Mercedes-Benz?

Let’s first take a look at what each of these acronyms means.

BAS stands for Brake Assist System. It provides additional braking power in case of emergencies.

ESP stands for Electronic Stability Program. It helps as you drive by braking individual wheels or reducing engine torque output.

ETS stands for  Electronic Traction Support. It stops the wheels from spinning under challenging accelerating conditions or on low traction surfaces.

ABS stands for Anti-Lock Braking System. It helps you avoid skidding during emergency stops. It’s okay to feel pulsing on the brake pedal. When you turn on the ignition, the ABS light should only be on for a few seconds, and when it is activated, it may flash briefly.

Top 5 reasons for BAS / ESP / ABS light is staying on.

BAS ESP ABS systems work together. If one of the systems has a problem, you may see several other lights turn on. That’s because they depend on the failed system.  Here is what you should do if you have these lights on.

Try this Simple Fix

If your battery died or you recently replaced the battery, there is a good chance the ABS/ ESP / BAS lights illuminate on your instrument cluster. To reset the lights, start up your Mercedes-Benz and turn the steering wheel to the right, then to the left. Do this a couple of times. Turn off the engine. Restart.

The Brake Light Switch may cause BAS / ESP / ABS light to come on.

It is the most common problem with Mercedes-Benz cars. Very familiar with models such as E 320, C 240, SLK, CLK, and several other Mercedes-Benz chassis. Luckily for you, this is a very easy repair that you can also perform yourself. All you need is a Brake Light Switch for your Mercedes-Benz model. You can find brake light switch on Amazon for any Mercedes-Benz at a fraction of dealer prices.

Where is the brake light switch, and how to replace it yourself?

The brake light switch is located right above the brake pedal. Replacing the switch is easy. You can follow this guide on How to Replace the Brake Light Switch on a Mercedes-Benz. 

Battery

Older batteries can also cause the BAS / ESP lights to come. As the battery gets older, it can no longer supply the required voltage to your car’s control units. If you had to connect your vehicle to a diagnostic scanner, you would find several Undervoltage Fault Codes stored. A battery not performing as expected could cause other problems, such as Warning Light on Dash. Car stuck in gear, also known as the limp mode or other unpredicted problems.

If your battery is over five years old, you should consider replacing the battery in your Mercedes-Benz. Don’t wait until you get stuck. Jumpstarting Mercedes-Benz cars is never a good idea unless you have to and know how to do it correctly. Replacing the battery is very easy. Remove the two battery terminals by loosening the 10 mm bolts. Remove the 13 mm bolt on the bracket holding the battery. Install the new battery in reverse order.

If you decide to replace the battery on your Mercedes-Benz, replace it with a compatible battery. Mercedes-Benz typically uses Group 49 batteries. You will find some of the best battery prices for Mercedes-Benz on Amazon. Look for Group 49 Sealed AGM Battery.

 

ABS wheel speed sensor

If you have a failed ABS sensor, it will also trigger the ABS, ESP, and BAS light. Because the ESP system depends on the ABS to function properly, the ESP system will also get disabled. A faulty ABS sensor could cause other issues, such as Check Engine Light, the car not moving when in Drive, speedometer not working. Each of the four wheels has an ABS sensor. They are not difficult to replace. A quick search online yielded many choices on Mercedes-Benz ABS sensors, some as low as $30, but the actual price depends on your Mercedes-Benz Model.

 

ABS/ESP Module

The ABS / ESP control module reads the speed data from several sensors, including the ABS wheel speed sensors and clock spring. The ABS module or, in some models, the SBC Brake module will apply pressure to the brake pads at each of the individual wheels depending on the directions it receives from the vehicle’s control units. While it is less likely to fail, it is also known to be a problem. Replacing the ABS Module can be costly.  If you are brave, you can open the ABS pump, check if the brushes are worn out, and replace them. A guide on how to do that can be found here.

What Scanner Can I use to Troubleshoot BAS/ESP/ABS Mercedes-Benz Problem?

If you’re experiencing problems with your Mercedes-Benz, a YOUCANIC full system diagnostic scanner can help you troubleshoot the issues. This advanced diagnostic tool can read and interpret the fault codes stored in your car’s computer system, providing detailed information about any problems with the engine, transmission, brakes, or other critical systems.

The YOUCANIC scanner can also perform diagnostic tests on various systems, including the ABS, airbag, and steering systems, to help pinpoint the root cause of any issues. With this information, you can make more informed decisions about repairs and maintenance, saving time and money on costly repairs.

Conclusion

If any of the lights BAS/ESP/ABS have come on, try the steering wheel calibration first. If that doesn’t fix the problem, consider replacing the Brake Light Switch as they are very inexpensive, and it’s a repair you can do yourself. You can follow this guide on how to change the brake light switch.

If the brake light switch doesn’t fix the problem, you should not replace any other parts without finding the real reason for the light coming on. Get a hold of a diagnostic scanner and connect it to your car. You will know why the ABS / ESP / BAS lights are on in minutes. A diagnostic scanner will help you pinpoint your problem, which could be a variety of other possibilities, such as the clock spring, MAF sensor, relay, fuse, and continuity issue, to name a few. You can take the car to a repair shop and get charged $100+ for it. You may as well look into getting a diagnostic scanner for nothing more. Consider doing this troubleshooting part yourself, even if you don’t repair it.

If you go this route, we recommend looking at our review of Top 10 Diagnostic Scanners for Mercedes-Benz cars.