Before diving into the nitty-gritty of how to reset the ESP light on a Mercedes Benz, it’s best to first understand what you’re working with. ESP stands for Electronic Stability Program. It’s a system that helps to stabilize your Mercedes Benz when it’s understeering, oversteering, cornering, or slipping.
When the ESP light shows up on the dash, it means that the system has detected slippage on at least one of the wheels. This typically happens when you’re moving over mud or snow or when you’re doing some spirited driving. In this article, you’ll learn all the details about the Electronic Stability Program and how to reset the ESP light on a Mercedes Benz.
How does ESP work?
The Electronic Stability Program uses input from multiple sensors including those from the Anti-lock braking system to monitor the speed of each wheel. When one or more wheels is spinning at a higher rate than the other wheel(s), it applies brake pressure to slow it down. This allows all the wheels to move at the same speed.
Other vehicle models that come with a system similar to the Electronic Stability Program include BMW, Audi, Toyota, and Lexus. It is normally identified using a different name such as Vehicle Stability Enhancement (VSE), Electronic Stability Control, or Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
What does a flashing ESP light mean?
A flashing or blinking ESP light is an indication that the system is helping you to stabilize the car when one or more wheels is slipping. It’s a sign that the stability control is intervening. You’re either driving in very bad road conditions or are pushing the vehicle a little too much.
The next time the light comes on and starts to blink, try slowing down the car and drive a lot more carefully. The system can only do so much to help maintain control of the vehicle and keep it going in your intended direction.
It cannot stop the car from completely skidding if the tires lose traction. Neither can it help to increase traction. It would be defying the laws of physics. It is, therefore, very important to obey speed limits and drive safely.
ESP light stays on all the time
If your ESP light stays on even when driving under normal conditions, it’s is a sign that the “ESP Off” button has been pressed or the system has detected an issue. Wondering how to reset the ESP light on a Mercedes Benz? Simply press and hold the ESP button for 3 to 5 seconds. This should reset the light and stop it from illuminating. If that doesn’t work, your car could be experiencing a Mercedes ESP malfunction and you’ll need to visit the workshop for a fix.
Where is the ESP button on a Mercedes?
The ESP button is found in your infotainment menu just behind the steering wheel. Go to “Settings Assistant” using your steering wheel buttons and select “ESP.” Press the “OK” button to switch off ESP. This will cause the “ESP OFF” light to illuminate. You can turn it back on by selecting “OK” again. If you wish to have the ESP deactivated at all times, you may have to turn it off each time you start the car. This is because the system turns it on automatically on startup.
What does ESP malfunction mean on Mercedes?
An ESP malfunction on a Mercedes means that the system has detected an issue. The slip indicator light and ESP light will both illuminate at the same time. It’s important to pay close attention to any of the messages displayed on the instrument cluster when this happens. Keep reading to find out how to fix ESP fault.
Top 5 Causes of Mercedes ESP light malfunction and warning
1. Low battery voltage
An old Mercedes-Benz battery may provide the required voltage to start the car but, it may fail to provide the voltage needed to keep the vehicle functioning. This can cause several problems, including an ESP light warning, as well as ETS and ABS warnings.
If your battery is more than 6 or 7 years old, you may need to replace it. There should be a sticker on it showing its manufacturing date. Check it to confirm that it isn’t too old. Replacing or reviving a battery on any car is an easy process that any DIYer can do.
2. Steering angle sensor
The steering angle sensor is located inside the steering column just behind your steering wheel. It calculates the angle at which the steering wheel is turning so that it knows if you’re making a turn or going straight.The information is then sent to the ESP control module.
The steering angle sensor comes with other sensors packaged together in one unit. This maximizes accuracy and improves diagnostics and redundancy. Normally, the steering angle sensor doesn’t fail. But, it may need recalibration. Otherwise, it may trigger the ESP light. Have it diagnosed before you figure out how to reset the ESP light on a Mercedes Benz.
3. Brake light switch
The brake light switch helps to turn your brake lights on when you step on the brake pedal. It allows the drivers behind you to know when you’re slowing down. Most brake light switch sensors are known to fail often. As such, they can trigger the ESP light to come on in a Mercedes-Benz. To fix this problem, you’ll need to replace the brake light switch.
4. ABS wheel sensor
The ABS wheel sensor is an integral part of your anti-lock braking system that monitors the speed of your wheel. Each wheel has its own sensor. The sensor is normally connected to the electronic control module where it sends information regarding the wheel’s speed. This helps the system to know when to apply brake pressure intermittently on the wheels to prevent them from locking up and skidding.
Any one of the ABS wheel speed sensors can fail and cause the ESP light to pop up. Replacing one is an easy process that doesn’t take a lot of time. If this does not eliminate the light, continue scrolling to read more on how to reset the ESP light on a Mercedes Benz.
5. ABS control module
When the Electronic Stability Program detects a problem, the ABS control module is the microprocessor that sets the chain of reactions that brings out the ESP light. This helps to stop one or more of the wheels to help you maintain control over the car and keep it on the road.
If it fails, the problem detected by the ESP can’t be solved. You’ll need to get a new ABS control module for your Mercedes Benz if it’s not working properly. You can have the old one checked by a professional and repaired first as new modules tend to be expensive.
6. Blown ESP fuse
A blown fuse can easily cause an ESP malfunction in your Mercedes-Benz. Start by popping the hood to locate your fuse boxes. You should see either one or two of them. Some cars have the fuse box somewhere on the side of the dashboard.
Look underneath the fuse cover for a fuse chart. If there’s no chart, consult your user manual or check online for your Mercedes model. Find the fuses related to the ESP system. Test the fuses using a test light to find out if they are working well.
The test light will also help you confirm if they are blown. You can remove them and do a visual inspection as well or compare how they look like when put beside a working fuse. Any burnt parts are an indication that they are blown. You’ll need to replace them. If the fuses are working well or you still happen to have the ESP light on even after replacing them, check the process on how to reset ESP light on Mercedes below.
How to reset ESP light on a Mercedes Benz
As mentioned earlier, you can reset your ESP light by pressing and holding the “ESP Off” button for 5 seconds. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to find out which of the above causes is behind the ESP malfunction. As you’ve seen, there are several parts that could be behind the issue. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to find the problem and reset ESP light.
Tools you’ll need:
OBD-II Scanner:
- iCarsoft MB II Scanner, or
- Launch Creader Scanner
Procedure:
You’ll need a high-quality OBD-II scanner that is designed to read ESP codes. You can opt for the iCarsoft MB II scanner that is made for Mercedes-Benz cars only or the Launch Creader scanner which can read Mercedes-Benz codes and those of other models such as Audi, Lexus, Toyota, and BMW. The latter can also erase hard fault codes for the airbag, SRS, ETS, engine, ABS, and transmission. It is what we will use for this guide.
Step 1:Find the OBD-II port in your Mercedes-Benz
The OBD-II port is normally located inside the vehicle passenger compartment in your Mercedes-Benz. On some models, it could be on the passenger’s side of the dash or in the center console. It may or may not have a cover on it. You can use an online OBD II port locator to figure out where yours is.
Step 2: Hook your OBD-II scanner and scan your vehicle.
Hook your Launch Creader OBD-II scanner into the port, select “Scan” and pick your vehicle’s make, model, steering-wheel configuration (whether right-hand or left-hand steering), transmission type (automatic or manual), and any other details required about your Mercedes. Select “ESP-Electronic Stability Program” under “Diagnose Process”. Select “Read DTC”. The scanner will start to look for any ESP fault codes.
Step 3: How to reset the ESP fault codes on Mercedes
The scanner should provide a list of some of the fault codes stored in the ESP module. This will help you figure out what is causing the ESP light to come on. Once you fix the problem, go back to where you selected “Read DTC” and select “Clear Fault Memory”.
Mercedes Benz ESP fault codes
| Code | Meaning |
| C1011 | ASR/ETS/ESP Circuit Open or Shorted |
| C1025 | CAN Communication BAS communication with ESP control unit faulty |
| C1200 | Stop Light Switch Open/Shorted/Implausible < when faulty ESP/BAS light is on |
| P1221 | CAN signal from ASR/EGS/ESP |
| P2027 [1] | CAN message from control module N47-5 (ESP, SPS and BAS control module); CAN signal faulty |
| P2027 [2] | CAN message from control module N47-5 (ESP, SPS and BAS control module); CAN signal faulty |
| P2027 [32] | CAN message from control module N47-5 (ESP, SPS and BAS control module); CAN signal faulty ( Stop lamp switch ) |
| P2027 [4] | CAN message from control module N47-5 (ESP, SPS and BAS control module); CAN signal faulty ( Torque ) |
| P2027 [64] | CAN message from control module N47-5 (ESP, SPS and BAS control module); CAN signal faulty ( Stop lamp switch ) |
| P2027 [8] | CAN message from control module N47-5 (ESP, SPS and BAS control module); CAN signal faulty |
| P2027 P0600 [16] | CAN message from control module N47-5 (ESP, SPS and BAS control module) ,: CAN signal interruption [P0600] |
| P2027-001 | CAN BUS signal from N47-5 (ESP,PML and BAS controller) controller, CAN BUS signal error |
| P2027-002 | CAN BUS signal from N47-5 (ESP,PML and BAS controller) controller, CAN BUS signal error |
| P202B-001 | CAN BUS signal from ESP controller, speed signal error [P0500] |
| P202B-002 | CAN BUS signal from ESP controller, speed signal error |
| P202B-004 | CAN BUS signal from ESP controller, speed signal error |
| P202B-008 | CAN BUS signal from ESP controller, speed signal error |
| P202B-016 | CAN BUS signal from ESP controller, speed signal error |
| P2036 | No or incorrect CAN message from control unit N47-5 (ESP control module)(P0600 |
| P2036 | no signal or error signal from N47-5 (ESP controller) controller BUS (P0600) |
| P203F [4] | Monitoring: CAN fault ( ESP , ETC , EIS ) |
| P203F-004 | CAN BUS error (ESP,EGS,EIS) |
| P2044 | Large external interference from ESP. Cannot receive all CAN information. |
Conclusion
Hooking an OBD-II scanner to your Mercedes-Benz computer is a cost-effective method that allows you to identify the cause of the ESP light before replacing any parts. Replacing parts while relying on a hunch or on guesses can be expensive. For example, if the light is being caused by a low battery voltage, all you need to do is read the ESP code and erase it. We hope that this guide has helped you figure out how to reset the ESP light on a Mercedes Benz. Stay tuned for more.
FAQ
What causes the ESP light to come on?
The most common cause of the ESP light in a Mercedes E-Class W210 and W211 is a bad brake light switch or gear shifter that has liquid on it. For the Mercedes C-Class W203 and W204, low battery voltage and bad brake light switch are the most common culprits behind the ESP light. The ABS pump can also cause it in the Mercedes Benz ML-Class W163, W164, and W166.
How do you reset the ESP light on a Mercedes?
To reset the ESP light on a Mercedes, buy a professional OBD-II scanner that can read and reset hard fault codes. You can get yourself the iCarsoft MB II or Launch Creader VII scanner. The $20 – $50 scanner that only reads the Check Engine light won’t cut it.
Can I reset the ESP light by disconnecting the battery?
Removing the negative battery terminal can help erase a check engine light. However, when it comes to erasing the EPS light and other hard codes such as the ETS and ABS, this method won’t work.
Can I drive with ESP light on?
Since the ESP warning light helps to indicate when you’ve lost traction or when one or more of your wheels is spinning at a higher rate, it is dangerous to continue driving recklessly or pushing the car beyond the limit while the ESP light is on.
What happens if you drive with ESP off?
With the ESP off, it becomes easy to skid off the road and get into a crash. This is because once you disengage the ESP, it cannot help you to stabilize the car and keep it on the road. You can only switch it off if you’re stuck in snow, mud, or ice. But, turn it back on immediately you’re unstuck.
Where is the ESP sensor located?
The ESP sensor is located inside the ESP module which is found in the engine compartment. On some Mercedes models, it is located closer to the front of the engine bay. In others, it is attached to the hydraulic control unit under the hood.
