Vehicle: Chrysler Crossfire Roaster 3.2 Auto 2005.

Hi Guys,

I'm having a bit of difficulty with the ABS and BAS/ESP lights constantly lit on the dashboard.

Car has failed MOT on this (everything else is fine - including brake efficiency etc.)

Upon failure the local independent garage diagnosed rear offside ABS sensor and this has been replaced with new, however the dashboard lights still remain. They've used 3 different diagnostic machines but cannot read any more information from the modules.

I'm suspecting I'm going to have to get it onto the STAR system to disgnose futher, however my local option appears to be the main dealer (which I'd like to avoid if possible). I'm hoping if any of you guys/gals may have any ideas before I go down this route.

The car drives perfectly, the spoiler activates as normal and the cruise control is working fine. I've tried the steering wheel reset procedure, wheel left to right etc. but still no joy. The following parts have been replaced/tested within the last 12 months (not specifically related to this problem, but just to give you an idea what's already been done):

New RCM module
New Bosch CPS sensor
New Bosch battery - outputting at correct voltage
New brake pedal switch
All fuses checked
Tyres have plenty of tread and tyre pressures are all correct, and there is no EML on the dashboard apart form the ABS and BAS/ESP lights.

I'm not sure of anything else that I can test/change myself. The ABS module has been removed today and I've given it a thorough cleaning with contact cleaner, but still no luck. I have the iCarsoft MBv.20 code reader, however this will not access the ABS system. I'm guessing that the culprit may be the steering angle sensor or the ABS module, but just want to check that I've not overlooked anything. If anyone has any ideas, or if anyone knows of a local independent dealer close to Oldham, Greater Manchester that has a diagnosic system capable of reading specific XF codes, it would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers, Ste.

 

First be certain the wheel speed sensor that was replaced is properly connected. There are two friction points when pushing the electric connector together in the wheel well. Be sure it is fully seated. Why was just the one wheel speed sensor replaced? A generic code reader will not distinguish which sensor is bad. You may have another bad wheel sensor.

You taking the correct steps to find a remedy, but with out a proper scan tool it is just trial and error. The Control Anti-Lock Brake, CAB could be a problem; they are not all that expensive and easy to replace. I believe you called it the ABS module in your post above.

 

Yes, the ABS sensor (rear offside) showed as a fault on the garage's code reader, and that fault has now been cleared and removed. No further codes are showing on their machines, however the lights are still on the dash.

I mentioned ABS module, but yes, CAB was the part that was cleaned. I'm sort of resigned to the fact that I'll need to get the vehicle on the Mercedes STAR system or similar - just hoping I can find one local rather than the stealership. The car no lnger has a valid MOT hence the need to try and locate one nearby (or alternatively a mobile diagnostic if the price isn't too steep).

Thanks for your help.

 

There are code readers available on the web which will help you with this problem and anything going forward which can be had for about $200. It may be a wise investment as you are considering a scan from a Mercedes capable tool and that would cover half the price of a tool of your own. There are several threads on this forum in reference to scan tools which work into the Mercedes codes if you scan the car as a Mercedes SLK with the r170 frame. I myself use a Foxwell and it has done a okay job on the Crossfire as well as a 2005 CLK 500 I also own.

 

Yep, I have the MB v.2.0 (updated softeare) which is supposed to read the codes using the SLK320 R170 platform, and despite reading the vast majority of codes it unfortunately doesn't appear to read the ABS modules in-depth on the XF.

 

Just a thought...have you tried the turning of the steering wheel fully to the right and then the left? Have heard this sometimes clears fault codes for this. problem.

 

Yes, unfortunately this doesn't clear the lights from the dash.

The car failed MOT on the ABS and ESP lights on the dash. They had a code for rear offside ABS sensor fault, fitted new sensor and cleared the fault but the lights still remain on the dash. The car then spent 2 days at another garage - they too couldn't clear the faults with their scanners.
I've since taken the vehicle to a well established diagnostics/auto-electric company, who also cannot find any faults on the vehicle or any codes (yet the lights still remain). They did however very kindly and at no cost swap out the yaw angle sensor with a replacement just to test, and as such this has enabled me to eastablish that it probably isn't a yaw issue.

Upon contacting two Mercedes dealerships they've both responded with the information that their Star diagnostics system cannot fully communicate with all the XF modules. One replied that they have tried a few XF's in the past with no joy.

I've had the car for 15 years (42K miles), maintained it meticulously, yet haven't been able to drive it for six weeks since failing MOT as nobody seems to be able to diagnose the problem.

As Chrysler UK is now owned by Fiat and the XF is an older vehicle, I've heard many owners indicate that Fiat will not get involved with this vehicle, and don't have the required diagnostics equipment. I'm really at a loss as to where to go from here.
Any ideas from any forum members would be greatly appreciated.

 

A solution to the light and the MOT inspection would be removal of the offending instrument cluster light. If you have no codes the MOT inspector won't see a light and can't find a code; A solution for your situation, but the problem would still be there.
There have now been several post on the forum with warning light on, but no codes. Hopefully someone will find a fix soon. I'm, beginning to think the problem may actually be in the instrument cluster.

 

That's an idea - unfortunately the testing procedure in the UK requires that the lights be visible during the 'ignition on' phase before the vehicle has started. I suppose this is some kind of testing procedure which the vehicle goes through prior to starting the engine - and also eliminates the chance of a driver removing any diodes/bulbs from an instrument cluster prior to MOT testing. *Ah, the good old days - when you could stick a piece of tape over the dash light . :-)

*Disclaimer: I get the safety issues with certain vehicles and the reasons for dash warning lights. It's just really frustrating when you maintain a car well, it drives perfectly and passes all braking and emission tests, yet cannot be allowed on the road because nobody can diagnose why the lights are appearing.

 

Perhaps you could try having a word with Nick, he has helped myself and a work colleague out with our Xfires in the past.

https://merc-specialist.com/

 

~ Oh Goodie !!! I get to join this thread...same issue...all of a sudden, I happen to look down at the dash and the BAS/ESP light , CEL , and the ABS liht are all on..I had only driven a half mile at no more than 35mph, no potholes were hit, but I did try to set the cruise control and noticed that it engaged, for a block or so, then disengaged and the lights came on. I turned around and headed back home to put it on the Autel...SLK 32AMG settings and scanned it. The result said rear left wheel speed sensor. I cleared the codes, the CEL went off, the BAS/ESP stayed on. I did the left /right full steering wheel turn and the light continued to stay on. I suppose, I'll jack it up tomorrow and inspect the wheel sensor....if I can locate it...wipe it, clean it..etc....this is on the Rescued SSB SRT . Fixin to turn 114,000miles on it...runs and looks great.

 

~ Just about to order the wheel sensor...when..I decided to move the car from my shop over to its parking spot and give the 'ol BAS/ESP "left-right" steering wheel trick another try. I had already disconnected the battery and reconnected it before I started the engine. I backed it out onto the street dash lights lit..(BAS/ESP and ABS light)and "goosed" the accelerator. The lights went out....I did not get a chance to see if my cruise control came back. I use it religously.

 

Just a question to ask if you solved your problem with the dash lights?

 

I'm afrfraid the problem remains unresolved. I contacted Chrysler (which is now Fiat) iand apparently there is only one place that 'may' have the original Chrysler software capable of diagnosing this issue. This was a small independent near London, however they could not guarantee that it would be successful and it would require taking the car from Manchester to London via a recovery service (as the testing station was unable to issue an MOT certificate).

I think I may end up changing a few of the ABS parts as a process of elimination. It's not ideal and I'll be using used parts due to cost, however I'm really out of ideas now.

 

where about's in Manchester are you?

 

I'm in the Oldham (Greater Manchester) area.

 

Did you try Nick in Poynton as I mentioned in my earlier post?

 

Yep, he uses the Star diagnostics system, which has already been tried. It's been on various other OBDIII scanners all which have been unable to identify a fault unfortunately.

 

Did he have any suggestions as to what the problem may be? I have always found him to be very helpful even it means he doesn't get any business from it.

 

Hello Steve,
Just wondered if you have had any luck with your dash lights. I have identical problem plus a spoiler that will not retract and have yet to find a solution. No fault codes showing despite using mobile electrical engineer who has all latest gear, I can give you his number but doubt he would be able to help as we live North of Inverness. I refuse to be beaten by an uncooperative warning lamp as the car is otherwise fully serviceable.