[W124] 230CE '92 ABS and other queries

[Steve Nervig]

On May 11, 2006, at 2:05 AM, Frank Smyth wrote:

> Hi folks
>
> Have just taken ownership of a nice '92 230CE with AMG bodykit -  
> only 94K miles on it. Looks the biz
>
> http://mx5ireland.com/members/frank/scaffolding/DSC04050.JPG
>
> Couple of queries I have, maybe someone has "been there":
>
> 1. in the (very) wet, or when driving 70mph, the ABS light will  
> sometimes come on. Most usually when wet. Sensor problem ? Do they  
> appreciate being cleaned ? Is there any way to interrogate the ABS  
> system's ECU ?
> 2. is there a good vendor in the UK that can supply extras, addons,  
> parts and so forth ? I'm looking for service parts, but also mats  
> and such like.
> 3. my car doesn't have a brake light in the rear window - has  
> anyone added anything better than the usual Halfords affair ?
> 4. the economy gauge doesn't work (pegged to the red section) so I  
> guess it's either broken or its feed from the engine is  
> disconnected. Haynes doesn't mention it as far as I can see. Anyone  
> know what it is connected  to ?
>
> What a storming car though - 600 miles from Norwhich, to London,  
> then to Ireland and it was fun all the way
>
> Cheers
> Frank

Very nice, Frank!

In addition to Paul's advice on the making sure of the sensor  
connectors, also look at the sensor cable. It is a coaxial cable and  
has a ground shield in it. Make sure there are no cuts or abrasions  
along the entire length of the cable where water can get in. The  
sensors themselves often get dirty too.

The economy gage is simply fed by a hard plastic vacuum line from the  
engine compartment somewhere. Several possibilities exist - the line  
could be unplugged from the back of the instrument cluster, or one of  
the rubber 'splices' that connect two sections of hard plastic line  
has become disconnected, or the hard line has split somewhere. You  
just need to trace it back thru the firewall and make sure of its  
integrity.

Good luck and enjoy!

Steve
1992 300CE Sportline

--
I feel so much better now, since I gave up hope.