What causes the ABS and anti-skid system to stop functioning in a Mercedes-Benz?

[LauraDella]

There are many reasons why the ABS and ESP may stop working. Issues such as tire pressure, cruise control problems, the brake HOLD function, control valves in the braking system, dynamic control high-pressure valves, inlet valves, outlet valves, brake cylinders, return pumps, active servos, non-original brake fluid, low-pressure accumulators, and more can all contribute to this problem. Here is some relevant information: For safety reasons, the ABR does not allow diagnostic tools to communicate with it while the vehicle is in motion. Although the vehicle is not currently moving, if the system mistakenly believes the vehicle is in motion, it may also prevent the diagnostic tool from communicating with the ABR. After careful consideration, the technician pointed to the wheel speed sensors as the likely culprit. If one or more wheel speed sensor signals are faulty, it can affect the system's ability to accurately determine the vehicle's driving status.

[Stephen]

The ABS and traction control warning lights coming on can indeed be frustrating, which is a common issue with Mercedes-Benz vehicles. I believe the core problem usually lies with faulty wheel speed sensors. These sensors are located inside all four wheels and can easily get contaminated by mud or water, causing signal interruptions that trigger the system to shut down automatically to prevent malfunctions. Other potential causes include overheating or damage to the control module (such as the ABS computer), blown fuses (check the fuse box in the engine compartment), or poor wiring connections leading to circuit breaks. For DIY troubleshooting, I recommend first unplugging the wheel speed sensor connectors to clean them, then restarting the vehicle to see if the warning lights turn off. If the issue persists, promptly visit a professional repair shop where they can use diagnostic tools to read error codes and perform precise repairs. Ignoring such faults can lead to longer braking distances, increased skidding risks in wet conditions, and significant safety hazards – never delay repairs. For regular maintenance, remember to clean the wheel hub area periodically, at least quarterly, as this can greatly reduce such problems.

[Frodo]

My car experienced ABS and traction control failure warnings last year, and after a long search, it turned out that the wheel speed sensor was blocked by leaves. The system in Mercedes cars is very sensitive; even a little dirt can trigger the warning light. If you're checking it yourself, open the hood and look at the fuse box—the ABS fuse might be blown. Just replace it with a new one; it only costs a few dollars. Then, inspect the sensor positions on the inner side of each wheel. If they're dirty, wipe them with a towel—don’t use strong water jets. If the wiring is aged or loose, it can also cause issues, so make sure the connectors are secure. Safety comes first when driving. When the warning light is on, the brakes won’t prevent lock-up, so be extra cautious and drive slowly, especially in rain or snow. I spent a little money replacing the sensor back then, and it didn’t turn into a bigger problem. Remember, don’t guess blindly with such issues—after performing simple checks, taking it to the shop for repair is more worry-free.

[LeTaylor]

Never underestimate the failure of ABS and traction control systems—it's a serious safety concern. I learned this the hard way through a personal scare. The most common cause is a faulty wheel speed sensor. In Mercedes vehicles, the sensor is located inside the wheel; if it gets dirty or damaged, the signal fails. When the warning light comes on, the system shuts down to prevent risks, meaning the brakes won't prevent lock-up, and the car may skid on slippery roads. Emergency solution: Pull over, restart the engine once to check, and if that doesn't work, call for help. You can inspect the fuses and sensor connections yourself, but avoid driving at high speeds until the issue is resolved to prevent accidents. Regularly checking and keeping the wheels clean can help prevent this issue.