It’s frustrating when your car’s warning lights illuminate, signaling potential issues. For many DIY car owners, an OBD2 scanner like the Actron CP9135 is the first line of defense. These scanners are excellent for reading generic powertrain codes (P-codes) related to engine and transmission problems, and can be incredibly helpful for diagnosing issues like ignition coil failures. However, you might find yourself in a situation where your Actron Scanner Obd2 Actron reports “No Faults Detected” even when your dashboard is lit up with warning lights, such as the ETS (Electronic Traction System) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) lights.
If you’re experiencing this with your Mercedes-Benz or another vehicle and using an Actron CP9135, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this limitation when dealing with systems beyond the basic engine and transmission controls. Let’s delve into why your Actron scanner might be missing these crucial codes and what steps you can take to properly diagnose and resolve your ETS/ABS light issues.
One of the primary reasons your Actron scanner obd2 actron might not detect ETS/ABS codes is its focus on generic OBD2 powertrain codes. While OBD2 standards are designed to provide universal access to certain vehicle data, they primarily target emissions-related issues. Systems like ETS/ABS often operate on different communication protocols or reside outside the scope of basic OBD2 diagnostics, especially in older vehicles like a 1998 Mercedes E320. Think of it like using a standard key to open a specialized lock – it simply isn’t designed for that purpose.
So, what are your next steps when your trusted Actron scanner obd2 actron comes up empty for ETS/ABS lights?
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Consider a More Advanced Scanner: For systems like ETS/ABS, you likely need a scanner capable of reading manufacturer-specific codes and accessing modules beyond the standard OBD2 protocols. These enhanced scanners, often referred to as professional-grade or all-system scanners, can communicate with a wider range of vehicle control units, including those governing braking and stability systems. Brands like Autel, Launch, or higher-end Actron models offer these advanced capabilities.
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Don’t Ignore Basic Checks: Even without specific codes, some basic troubleshooting is always valuable. As you mentioned, a faulty brake light or brake light switch can indeed trigger ETS/ABS lights in certain vehicles. Inspect your brake lights to ensure they are all functioning correctly. Given you’ve already replaced the stop light switch, double-check its installation and consider testing it again, as even new parts can sometimes be faulty.
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Think Beyond the Scanner Initially: While diagnostic codes are incredibly helpful, sometimes visual inspection and logical deduction can point you in the right direction. You mentioned noticing the lights come on during turns. This observation is crucial! It suggests potential issues with components involved in steering or wheel speed sensing, such as wheel speed sensors themselves, the steering angle sensor, or related wiring.
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Battery Voltage and Connections: Low battery voltage or poor electrical connections can sometimes cause spurious warning lights. Ensure your battery is in good condition and all relevant electrical connections are clean and tight.
While resetting IM Readiness functions with your scanner obd2 actron is a separate function and generally unrelated to your current ETS/ABS issue, it’s good to understand its purpose. IM Readiness monitors are emissions system checks that need to be completed for your vehicle to pass an emissions test. Resetting them is usually done after repairs affecting the emissions system, not for troubleshooting unrelated issues like ETS/ABS lights.
In conclusion, while your Actron CP9135 is a useful scanner obd2 actron for many basic car diagnostics, it may not be sufficient for reading ETS/ABS codes on your 1998 Mercedes E320. To effectively diagnose these systems, you’ll likely need a more advanced scanner. However, don’t overlook basic troubleshooting steps like checking brake lights and considering the circumstances under which the warning lights appear. By combining the right diagnostic tools with careful observation, you’ll be well on your way to resolving your ETS/ABS light issue.
