ESP not available

2002 MERCEDES BENZ E240
260,000 MILES • 2.4L • 6 CYL • AUTOMATIC
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ABDUL RAFAY
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Yesterday i was driving to home and suddenly error comes "ESP not available visit workshop". i continue driving as nothing seems wrong with brake and accelerator and steering. after i reach home i switch off my engine and after then restarted it again and drove it and error vanished. This morning i started my car again and came to office and no error appears. Is there anything i need to worry about as i am planning for a long trip approx 2000 km this weekend? I suspect my battery. While engine off battery shows volts of 11 and after i start car it shows 13.1-13.5.
Apr 16, 2017 at 12:17 AM
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CARADIODOC
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Your dandy observation of 11 volts suggests the battery has a shorted and cell and must be replaced. I would do that before you leave on your trip so you do not become stranded. Be aware that some manufacturers have designed in tricks to cost you money after the sale. One of those is some computers can lock up when the battery is disconnected. That may require a tow to the dealership to have those computers unlocked. To avoid this potential problem, ask the person replacing the battery to use a "memory saver" device. That will take the place of your battery while it is disconnected.

13.5 volts is too low when the engine is running. We want to see 13.75 to 14.75 volts. This will likely come up once the battery is replaced. System voltage that low can cause some computers to become confused and do weird things. We will discuss other problems if they continue to show up after the battery is replaced.
Apr 16, 2017 at 12:52 AM