I recently purchased my dream car ('92 SL500) and after a few months, the ASR light came on and really restricted the power of the car. When I start the car, the light resets and I can drive it normally for awhile, then it comes on again. I have taken it to a couple of dealerships and they have replaced a ring and some brushes in the steering column (?) ($300), but the problem keeps occuring. They're happy to keep trying to fix it but it's getting expensive.

Last week, I replaced the ETA (Electronic Throttle Actuator)($1,100) and have bought new rims and tires ($2,300). I replaced the tires with 18" rims and the tire guy showed me that with the rubber, the height and circumference are the exact same as the factory specs., although they are wider. Neither of these fixed the problem.

Well, any thoughts on where I can spend my money next?

Thank you,

 

Change the Brake Lamp switch.. common ASR limp fault
Also, clean all four wheel speed sensors ... ASR uses sensors on all four corners

 

When you start the car and before the ASR light comes on, turn the ASR off manually. This should keep the 'puter from going into limp mode while you troubleshoot the problem. You won't have ASR, but it's useless anyway unless you're in a hurry and driving on a gravel road.

 

How do you turn off ASR on a 129.066 ?

 

Well, my SL has an on/off switch so I assumed the SL500 would also. My Corvette has ASR and an on/off switch also. Why doesn't the SL500 have one?

What if you're in an SL500 and you need to get up a slick, icy hill? You'll never make it with the ASR on.

 

So what's the deal on this. An SL500 doesn't have the on/off switch? Someone confirm for me, please.

Even the '98 Z28 I once owned had ASR with a switch.

 

yes all have the switch.

but not only for mainly spinning out the wheel and getting out of snow/sandbars.

mechanics and vehicle inspection use it for brake test machine and other purpose tht may need to lift the car while spinning the rear wheel (transmission shift, noise, balancing wheel, vibratons, etc).

anyway, i am attaching the troubleshooting guide.
anybody who got problems, tell me the next step and i will instruct.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1/1DC1E231C3074FD5AD2A8428C7B99B0C.jpg[/IMG]

 

Thanks.

 

92 does not have a dis-able ASR switch
If a Tech has to dis-able for test/dyno , etc , he jumpers 1 and 6 at Diagnostic connector.
But driver disable is NOT there. RennTech does sell a conversion kit for these, but big$$.
ASR disable came out in 94 with a completely new ASR system
The codes should be gotten and the most common faults on early ASR are TA wire harnes , stop lamp switch , and TA. Also, check for rug bunching under throttle CTP switch.

If you changed tire diamameter, did you do all 4 or just two? If only two, I suspect that to be the problem
You will know if your CC will not work
Have someone go into CC/AE module for stored codes..

I think the confusion is you list your car as an SL500. They did not come out til '94 ... A '92 is a 500SL. [Different chassis 129.066] , and different ASR control electronics..