| Ref No | 10000161 |
| Manufacturer | DaimlerChrysler AG |
| Vehicle Class | Private car |
| Model/Type | Contact of SBC hydraulic unit:
S/W211, C219 & R230 SBC pressure pump: S/W211 & R230 |
| Company(phone no) | Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited (Tel:2594 8800) |
| Subject | Update of the braking system - Contact in SBC hydraulic unit & SBC pressure pump |
| Progress | Running |
| Affected Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) | Click to open |
| Description of Defect, how it came to light, and possible consequences if ignored. | Cause of defect:
There are two possible causes of defect: a) Contact of SBC hydraulic unit: Isolated problems with the electrical contact of the SBC unit caused by vibrations in vehicles manufactured from 06/2001 till 03/2005. The system then switches to the fail-safe mode in which hydraulic brake function is provided. b) SBC pressure pump: Certain SBC hydraulic pumps manufactured between 11/03 to January 04 had a charging pump that could be damaged due to a faulty support disk on the piston. The pressure build-up required for the pressure reservoir can then be negatively affected. The system detects any deviation from the specified pressure gradient value and switches to the fail-safe mode in which hydraulic brake function is provided. Early warning and alarm signals: In the event of a fault, monitoring systems trigger both visual and audible warning signal, the following indicators are activated in the instrument cluster: - The red brake warning lamp - The yellow ABS indicator lamp - The stop symbol in the display, together with the message: "Brake Defective - Stop Vehicle" Since modification year 04, the message is: "Reduced braking power - depress brake pedal fully" - At the same time, a continuous warning tone sounds This applies to both situations regarding the contact of SBC hydraulic unit and the SBC pressure pump. Consequences If the SBC system switches to the hydraulic mode as designed, the driver has to exert more force on the brake pedal, just as the case would be with a brake circuit or brake booster malfunction on a conventional braking system. In the hydraulic mode, brake function is still available by means of higher brake pedal force and a longer brake pedal travel. |
| Remedial Action | Regarding the contact in SBC hydraulic unit: An inspection of the affected vehicles will be conducted and an additional bracket will be installed; where necessary, the ground cable will also be replaced as a precautionary measure. All necessary work will be conducted free of charge to the customer. Regarding the SBC pressure pump: An inspection on the affected vehicles will be conducted, and where necessary, the SBC hydraulic unit will be replaced free of charge to the customer |
| Build Dates | Contact of SBC hydraulic unit: From 06/2001 to 03/2005 SBC pressure pump: From 11/2003 to 01/2004 |
| Launch Date | 31/03/2005 |
| Tentative Date | As soon as possible |