Troubleshooting Mercedes-Benz ABC Suspension Problems

​Have troubles with your Mercedes-Benz ABS suspension? Learn how to troubleshoot the problem by following the procedures below.

This guide covers some of the most common problems affecting Mercedes-Benz vehicles with Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension. Mercedes-Benz ABC suspension has been around since the early 2000s and can be found on high-end models such as the S-Class, SL-Class, and CL-Class AMG models.

Unfortunately, even 20+ years after, very few mechanics know how to work and diagnose problems with the ABC suspension. Taking the time to read this article and learning about what can go wrong with the Mercedes-Benz ABC suspension can save you time, money, and headaches.

What does ABC visit workshop mean for a Mercedes-Benz?

ABC Visit workshop warning message on a Mercedes-Benz means that the Active Body Control (ABC) control module has detected a fault with the hydraulic suspension. If the problem is critical, you will receive a red ABC message, and the vehicle may drop too low or become too bouncy. If the problem is less severe, the warning message will be white, and you should be able to continue driving. 

If you receive the ABC warning on your Mercedes-Benz cluster for the first time, pull over where it is safe and restart the vehicle.

Make sure to remove the key for at least one minute. In many cases, a simple engine restart can clear ABC warning messages.

If the ABC warning message comes on again:

1. Pull over, park safely, and shut off the engine.
2. Remove the key from the ignition.
3. Open the hood and check the ABC fluid level.
4. If the level is low, add ABC fluid. A low level means a leak or an accumulator has failed. Also, inspect the color of the hydraulic fluid. The new ABC fluid is clear and green in color. The old liquid will be dark or brown.
5. Drive carefully to an auto repair shop and inspect the ABC system for leaks. Find an auto mechanic who is familiar with the Mercedes-Benz ABC system. Repairing ABC suspension is complex, and few mechanics are familiar with this system. It is common for a mechanic to replace ABC components, but the problem persists.

If there are no fluid leaks, the next step is to run a diagnostic check. You can NOT use any OBD-II scanner for this step but will need a Mercedes-Benz diagnostic scanner.

Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms and common failures of the ABC suspension.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms indicating failure of the ABC system include warning on the dashboard and

• A vehicle sits too low at one corner or all around
• The ride is too bouncy
• ABC Warning or STOP message on dashboard
• STOP Car too low warning message on dashboard
• Raise vehicle suspension button does not work
• System pressure is too low when reading codes with Star Diagnostic
•  ABC red light comes on the instrument cluster
• ABC warning comes on when hitting speed bumps
• Red ABC warning flashes on and off
• Hydraulic fluid leaks on the ground
• ABC “visit workshop” warning message
• ABC “drive carefully” warning message
• The vehicle does not raise when the engine is started
• Fault codes present in the Active Body Control module
• Growling sound when the engine is started
• ABC operates ok when cold; error messages appear after the car has warmed up.

Driving with the ABC warning message is not recommended, especially if the warning is RED. If the error message is white, you should drive home or to the nearest auto repair shop carefully.

Troubleshooting by Symptom

Do not replace parts solely on the symptoms described here. Always read the codes with a Mercedes-Benz Scanner to confirm the problem.

“ABC Drive Carefully” or “ABC Visit Workshop”

If you notice an ABC warning message on the dashboard related to the ABC suspension, the hydraulic suspension has a problem, and a fault code is stored in the ABC control module. Do not drive with a red ABC warning light on. If you continue to drive, the ABC pump can get damaged, which is a very experience repair.

If the color is white or blue, the warning is not as critical, and in most cases, you can continue driving.

If the ABC warning is red, it indicates a critical problem. The ABC system may turn off, or the vehicle may lower. A red ABC warning on the dashboard means that it is not safe to continue driving your Mercedes-Benz. If the warning is read, the vehicle height drops to an unacceptable level, and the instrument cluster will display a “Stop, Vehicle Too Low” warning. We recommend having the car towed instead of continuing to drive and end up with expensive repairs or causing an accident.

The ABC system may lock the sturts at the standard position if there is a critical error. Because there is no longer fluid circulation, the ride becomes bouncy or rough.

Possible problems:

1. A loose connection electrical connection
2. A failed ABC sensor
3. ABC pump has failed
4. ABC system has a leak
5. ABC fluid level is low.

The problem is likely due to a pressure drop if the ABC warning message only appears at startup and then turns off. The ABC warning may turn off as soon as pressure builds up and the suspension works properly. The warning message should turn off as well.

If the ABC warning message continues, there is a system problem, and a fault code will be present in the ABC module. You will need to read the codes with a Mercedes-Benz scanner. 

Can not Start Rodeo Test

If active fault codes on the ABC module point to low pressure, you may not start the redo test. Read the codes to find out what is wrong.

If you have fault code “B4/5 ABC pressure sensor 0 bar” and no action, the ABC pump may be faulty or have no hydraulic fluid present due to a large leak in the system.

Can not calibrate ABC suspension

If there are no leaks around the pressure sensor or shock absorbers- the problem is indeed in the supply pump.

Plunger calibration should be successful at idle.

“Drive Carefully” comes up when hitting a speed bump or pothole.

Suppose the Drive Carefully warning comes up when you hit a speed bump. The problem is usually due to a faulty accumulator that no longer provides instant pressures as needed or a loose electrical connection.

Start by checking the ABC fluid level. If the level is low and keeps dropping even after refilling it, one of the accumulators may leak hydraulic fluid.

You may also notice hydraulic fluid overflowing from the ABC reservoir.

ABC accumulators typically last between ten to twelve years. Once one accumulator fails, it is a matter of time before all the actuators must be replaced. Replacement accumulators cost between $100 and $200. While not required, it is recommended to replace all simultaneously.

ABC Warning Comes Up When Cornering

The ABC When cornering or braking hard, the message may appear briefly, which indicates the system is having trouble keeping up with demand. Common causes include

• Low pump pressure
• Failed accumulators
• Low hydraulic fluid level

One corner drops when parked

It is not uncommon for one of the corners to lower or sag when the vehicle is parked for a long time.

This is normal if the vehicle is parked for weeks but not if the vehicle is parked for only a couple of days. The vehicle should rise to an average level after the engine is started.

A common problem that causes a Mercedes-Benz with ABC suspension to drop when parked includes:

1. The valve block is not holding pressure. The valve block O-rings can wear over time, leading to hydraulic fluid flowing out of the strut. It is possible to rebuild the valve block or install a new or used unit.
2. Struts may have a slow leak.
3. A dirty filter in the ABC reservoir

“Drive Carefully” or “Visit Workshop” appears when I start the car and stay on.

A problem must be addressed if one of these warning messages does not go away. Stopping and starting the car sometimes resets ABC warning messages.

This problem may be caused by a:

• ABC pump – is not generating enough pressure. In the early stages, the pump may cause enough pressure after a restart, and the message goes away only to come back after driving for a time.
• Fluid leak – ABC fluid leaks are usually easy to spot, and one of the most common issues is why the ABC warning comes up, or you are losing fluid. The ABC hoses can rust with time, causing a leak, but leaks can develop at any location.
• Air in the system – can also trigger the ABC warning message. This can usually be fixed by pressuring the system and doing a RODEO test.
• Level sensor – A travel sensor or ride height sensor may be faulty.

The ABC pump may require priming to operate normally. This is done by pressurizing the reservoir using a Mercedes-Benz scanner to the hydraulic fluid circling again.

Remove the splash shields under the vehicle and inspect the underside for any signs of hydraulic fluid leak.

If the problem is not leak-related, you will need to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) from the ABC Control Unit to determine what the issue is. If the pump is faulty, you will get a code indicating that the ABC pump can not generate enough pressure or pressure, maybe 0 if the pump is defective or there is a large leak.

Test the ABC pump using a Mercedes-Benz scanner and monitor pressure as you perform a RODEO test. During the RODEO test, the pressure should stay above 100 PSI. If the pressure drops below 100, the pump may be too weak and needs replacement.

Whine noise from ABC suspension at 2000 RPM

Another common problem with the ABC system on Mercedes-Benz is a humming noise or winning at RPMS below 2000.

A worn-out pulsation dampener can cause this noise. On the SL-Class, the pulsation damper is located behind the front-left wheel well, while on other models, such as the S/CL Class, it is attached to the undercarriage by the transmission. On models 2007 and newer, the pulsation dampener is part of the ABC pump.

To find the noise source, use a stethoscope to listen carefully to the various ABC components.

Similar noise is also caused by a failed torque converter on models equipped with the 722.6 transmissions. If that is the case, you will experience a problem, and the noise is noticeable in Drive or Reverse. The noise is present regardless of the transmission gear when the problem is due to the ABC pulsation damper.

Hissing or whistling noise coming from the valve blocks

Whistling and hissing noises can come from the valve block if the air is trapped n the hydraulic lines. Depending on the model, the valve block is located in various locations, but most commonly, you will find one at the front left corner behind the bumper or the rear wheel well.

Bearing air out of the system requires running Rodeo Test by going to Control Units > ABC Control Unit > Activations > Rodeo Test.

ABC Suspension Components

Typical components of the ABC suspension.

• ABC Control Module – The computer module monitors and controls the active body suspension.
• ABC Pump – Supplies hydraulic pressure for the system
• Pulsation Dampener – Smooths out the pressure from the pump
• Pressure Limiting Valve – Bleeds off any pressure over 200 bars
• Pressure Sensor – Reports the system pressure to the control module
• Front Axle Valve Block – Controls letting fluid in and out of the front struts, based on commands from the control module
• Rear Axle Valve Block – Controls allowing fluid in and out of the rear struts, based on commands from the control module
• Struts – ABC struts control the vehicle height as hydraulic fluid is pumped into the strut or out of it.
• Return Accumulator – Evens out the pressure on the return side of the hydraulic system (once the fluid leaves the struts)
• Return Pressure Check Valve – Maintains a minimum return side pressure of 10 bars and reports the oil temperature to the control module.
• Oil cooler – A small radiator that cools the hydraulic fluid
• Reservoir – Stores extra fluid to raise the ride height, pressurize the accumulators, and replace any leaked fluid.
• Strut position sensors – Reports the position of each strut to the control module.
• Ride height sensors – Reports to the control module how high each corner is
• Motion sensors -Reports to the control module what the car is doing motion-wise (accelerating, slowing down, cornering)

Based on Mercedes-Benz, we have worked on here are the most common problems with ABC suspension:

ABC Pump Failure

This is the TANDEM pump. It operates both the power steering and ABC suspension. Even though it is one pump for both systems, each system is separated into its chamber.

The tandem pump has two separate chambers for each system:

• power steering
• hydraulic suspension

The hydraulic suspension chamber can fail while the power steering works fine. The pump has to be replaced as one unit, even if only one system fails.

The ABC chamber of the TANDEM pump may fail. It cannot generate pressure, so that you will have under 180 bars of pressure. ABC pump rings wear and cannot have enough pressure.

Keep in mind that low pressure can also be caused by:

• failed accumulators,
• valve blocks,
• leaks.

And not TANDEM pump failure.

When the pump is weak, you will get pressure but intermittent ABC “Drive Carefully” and “Visit Workshop” warnings. Initially, you may get random ABC white warning messages. Eventually, the pump can not generate much pressure, which leads to more frequent error messages.

If the pump is noisy at idle but gets quiet when pressing the ride height button, this can signify a worn TANDEM pump. Performing a test for the ABC pump can confirm if the pump is weak. The ABC pump is OK if the car can get through the rodeo successfully or generate at least 180 bar pressure.

ABC high-pressure line

Metal and high-pressure hoses connect all the parts of the ABC system. ABC hoses can leak typically due to corrosion or an accident. A hose leak repair can cost between $200 – $650.

These lines are common in trucks, which means repairing the existing line by visiting a hydraulic shop that works on trucks. A repair shop can replace the bad section of the line by fitting new compression joints.

This guide shows you how to disconnect an ABC quick connect. 

How much does replacing the TANDEM ABC pump on a Mercedes-Benz cost?

At the dealership, a replacement pump costs between $1200 and $1500. At independent repair shops, replacement costs can range from $800-$1200.

The DIY cost to replace the ABC pump is between $450 and $600. It is possible to purchase rebuilt ABC pumps. ABC rebuilt kits are also available if you decide to repair your ABC pump.

If you are unfamiliar with ABC suspension on a Mercedes-Benz, don’t rush to conclude that the TANDEM pump is bad because you have low pressure.

Several owners have reported replacing the TANDEM pump (an expensive repair), but the ABC light was still on, and the vehicle didn’t rise.

Pulsation Dampener

The pulsation dampener is the black spherical ball. The pulsation damper serves the reservoir function and provides the required fluid as the shocks demand.

This is the first component immediately after the pump.

Each pulsation dampener has a membrane and an air chamber. The pulsation dampener also smoothes the pulsations and vibrations that the ABC pump causes when it pumps hydraulic fluid.

It is common for the pulsation dampener membrane to fail, which causes a loss of the dampening ability. Failed pulsation dampener in ABC suspension creates a humming or winning sound and ABC fluid pulsations in the reservoir. The ABC control module may not show a fault code if the pulsation damper is faulty.

Pulsation dampeners also have built-in release valves designed to release high pressure, for example, if it goes over 200 PSI.

Pressures at pulsation dampeners are monitored via the pressure sensors (B4/5).

Around 2007, Mercedes-Benz updated the ABC design by integrating the pulsation dampener into the ABC pump.

Valve Blocks

The valve blocks control hydraulic fluid that goes to each of the struts. Typically on a Mercedes-Benz with ABC suspension, you will find two valve blocks:

– one for the front struts and one for the rear struts.

The valve block often fails due to the age of the ABC fluid. Old fluid can cause the O-rings to fail and dirt to build up inside the valve block.

If an o-ring in the valve block is worn, the car may lower at one corner. Remember that if the car lowers at one corner, the problem could be a bad strut or leak in one of the hydraulic lines.

Struts

Like standard sturts, the ABC strut contains a spring and a shock absorber.

The ABC strut adds a hydraulic fluid chamber to adjust the height as fluid is added or removed from the strut. The ABC control module or driver can adjust the height at each corner of the car at a rate of 1/10 of a second.

Replacing a faulty strut at the Mercedes-Benz dealership costs between $1500-$2000. A cheaper alternative is installing aftermarket ABC struts which cost around $500 per strut.

The cheapest solution is to install a used strut. The drawback of installing used ABC struts is that there is no guarantee on how long they will last.

Just because the car sags at one corner doesn’t mean the problem is the strut. In many cases, the issue can be the valve block. Inspect the strut for leaks. If no leaks are present, the strut may typically operate, and the problem can be at the valve block.

Replacing a bad strut is pretty straightforward. There is a connection and a sensor connection; the rest of the steps to remove an ABC sturt are the same as in other struts.

After replacing a bad strut, you will need to fill the strut with fluid and then bleed the air out of the system. An advanced Mercedes-Benz scanner is required to recalibrate the ride height.

Wheel alignment is recommended after replacing a strut.

Reservoir

Stores hydraulic fluid that the TANDEM pump can use on-demand.

The dipstick has two marks.

• The lower marks are used when is when the engine is running
• The higher one is for when the system is shut off.

Leaks can develop at the reservoir itself. Check the hoses that go to the reservoir and inspect for leaks.

If the system keeps losing fluid, it indicates a leak in the system. The leak can be due to a rusted line or a blown accumulator.

ABC Fluid

ABC fluid that has never been flushed can cause microscopic debris to wear o-rings, seals, hoses, accumulator membranes, struts, and rubber components.

Old ABC fluid shortens the life of the ABC components in the system, such as the valve block. Microscopic metal shavings can accumulate in the fluid, acting as corrosive material which damages the pump bearings and valve block o-rings.

Keep contaminants and dirt out of the fluid when checking the ABC level. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean. Contaminants entering the reservoir will enter the ABC system before encountering the filter.

Control Module

The control module is what controls the operation of the ABC suspension and monitors all the sensors.

It controls the amount of fluid that should go to each strut based on current vehicle height and road conditions.

It controls the sport and comfort mode by making the suggestion more aggressive.

It also controls vehicle height and raises the vehicle when the switch to raise the vehicle is pressed.

If it detects a malfunction with one of the sensors or the hydraulic pressure is too low, it triggers the ABC warning message by sending a signal to the Instrument Cluster (IC). In addition, a fault code gets stored in the ABC control module for further troubleshooting.

Accumulator (Nitrogen ball)

The accumulator is located near the struts and stores pressure for immediate use. The function of the accumulator is to have pressure ready for instant use when the hydraulic fluid required is beyond what the ABC pump can provide.

In other words, accumulators store pressurized hydraulic fluid so that when the valve blocks need fluid to feed to a strut, there’s a ready supply next to the valve block.

When you hit a speed bump, and ABC fluid is required, but the pump can’t provide it fast enough, the required fluid is drawn from the accumulator.

If the accumulator has a failed diaphragm and loses its gas pressure, there is very little reserve fluid in the accumulator, and when a valve tries to draw fluid, the pressure will drop.

When the ABC has a fault and goes into limp mode, the car bounces because the ABC locks all the valve blocks to seal fluid into the four struts.

How to Check ABC Fluid Level

Check the ABC fluid level and make sure the level is not empty or low.

1. Park on level ground.
2. Turn off the engine and wait for ten minutes.
3. Pull the hood release and open the hood.
4. Locate the ABC reservoir on the driver’s side of the engine.
5. Remove the dipstick, clean it and reinsert it to measure the current ABC fluid level. The ABC reservoir dipstick has two marks. The upper mark is when the engine is off—the lower mark is when the engine is running. Wait ten minutes for the system to depressurize and the fluid to return to the reservoir.
6. If the level is low, add Pentosin CHF 11S High-Performance Synthetic Hydraulic Fluid. Do not start the car without correcting the fluid level. This is the recommended fluid for ABC suspension, as per the Mercedes-Benz owner’s manual. It can be purchased from the dealer online. When purchased from the dealer, the container is blue but online. It is green. It’s still the same fluid.
7. Start the engine and monitor the dashboard to ensure the ABC dashboard warning is cleared.

Do not drive or start a Mercedes-Benz without ABC fluid. Driving with no fluid can destroy the ABC pump, which can be a very experienced repair. When Pentosin CHF 11S is unavailable in an emergency, use a power steering fluid. Once you reach your destination, we recommend flushing the system with the correct fluid type.

Do not drive the car if the ABC fluid level is low. The ABC pump can get damaged and send metal shavings into the ABC components if it runs dry. This will create a more experience problem for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Suspension Fault Codes

• B4/5 pressure sensor shows 192 bar at idle.
• Rodeo test, pressure is usually around 115-150 bar.
• C1525-001 Critical vehicle level front left
• C1525-002 Critical vehicle level front right
• C1525-032 Calibration of the plunger travel sensors has not been successfully performed
• C1525-064 System pressure too low
• C1526-016 Malfunction in pressure supply
• C1526-064 Load adjustment not successfully performed

Applications

The ABC suspension can be found in many Mercedes-Benz models, including:

• 2003-2012 R230 SL Class 
  • SL320, SL600, SL65 AMG, SL500, SL550, SL55 AMG,
• 2012-2021 R231 SL Class 
  • SL350, SL65 AMG, SL400, SL550, SL63 AMG
• 2000-2006 C215 CL-Class 
  • CL500, CL63 AMG, CL65 AMG, CL600, CL55 AMG
• 2006-2012 C216 CL-Class 
  • CL500, CL65 AMG, CL600, CL55 AMG, CL63 AMG
• 1998-2006 W220 S Class 
  • S280, S600, S55 AMG, S65 AMG, S320, S350, S430, S500
• 2005-2013 W221 S Class 
  • S280, S300, S550, S600, S63 AMG, S65 AMG, S350, S400, S450, S500

Remember that ABC suspension was an available upgrade and does not mean it is found on all the models. Most of these models had AirMatic suspension as standard, with the ABC suspension available on higher-level trims and AMG versions.

We hope you find the Troubleshooting Mercedes-Benz ABC Suspension Problems guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mercedes-Benz.