Operation Manual: SBC Tool for Mercedes-Benz W211 (E-Class) and R230 (SL-Class) with SBC

Introductions

Mercedes Benz's Safety Precautions have stated that before attempting to repair the brake system on its models W211 (E Class) and R230 (SL Class), the Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) system must be deactivated first using the STAR-DIAGNOSIS tester. Deactivation of the SBC system is absolutely necessary before carrying out any maintenance work on the brakes, like changing of pads, discs, and fluids, because the system is under a pressure of 140 bars. Mechanics who perform brake services on these car models must have the proper tools to avoid the risk of injuries to themselves and damage to the brake system. Until the introduction of this inexpensive, convenient, light, safe, and easy-to-use SBC tool, it is another alternative to the STAR-DIAGNOSIS tester when working on the SBC system. It can perform the tasks equally well, which is efficient and safe. After the repair has been done, the SBC system can be activated and restore back its pressure. The “Error” memory is erased automatically.

Safety Precautions

• Perform the maintenance work only when the vehicle is stationary with the engine off.
• The maintenance work can only be carried out when the green LED [2] below the “OFF” red switch lights up.
• If the red LED [3] (Error) lights up, please repeat the deactivation procedure again.

Indications and Displays

The SBC Tool features several indicators and controls. These include:

1. Deactivation Button
2. Green (OK) indication LED
3. Red (Error) indication LED
4. Activation Button
5. Green (OK) indication LED
6. Power (ON) indication LED

The tool also has an 'OFF' red switch and an 'ON' button.

1. Deactivating the SBC brake system (Operation: About 1 minute)

1. Turn ignition to OFF (position 0). (Note: For “Keyless Go” system, the ignition key must be used for deactivation and reactivation procedures.)
2. Locate the OBDII socket, which is normally under the dashboard, and insert the SBCTool into the socket.
3. The Power [6] LED lights up, and the 3 LEDs (Left [2], Middle [3], and Right [5] position) start flashing.
4. Turn ignition to ON (position 2).
5. The 3 LEDs (Left [2], Middle [4], and Right [5] position) turn OFF, and only the Power LED [6] lights up.
6. Press the red “OFF” button [1] to deactivate the SBC system.
7. Left LED [2] and Right LED [5] start flashing in alternate rhythms, and the SBC pump starts to run temporarily.
8. A warning message is displayed in the instrument cluster, and a warning tone is sounding. (Note: This warning tone will not stop until the SBC has been activated back).
9. If the deactivation procedure is successful, the Left LED [2] will turn green.
10. Now, brake maintenance can be carried out with the ignition remaining switched ON.
11. If the communication – red LED [3] (Middle position) lights up, the SBC has not deactivated yet. Please perform the whole deactivation procedure again from step 1.

[Warning] Do not perform any maintenance work on the brake system if there is no warning tone heard and message shown in the instrument cluster. This means that the SBC has not been deactivated yet, and the brake system is still under full pressure.

2. Reactivating the SBC brake system (Operation: About 2 minutes)

After the brake maintenance has been done, the SBC system has to be reactivated, and this is done as follows:

1. Press the green “ON” button [4].
2. The Power LED [6] lights up.
3. Then the Left LED [2] and the Right LED [5] start to flash in alternate rhythms.
4. The instrument cluster displays different warning messages (example: Brake faulty, Stop! or ESP faulty, Find garage! or Reduced brake power, Find garage!). A warning tone also sounds.
5. The SBC pump starts to run temporarily.
6. Then the warning message disappears, and normal display will show in the instrument cluster. The warning tone stops.
7. The 3 LEDs (Left [2], Middle [4], and Right [5]) and the Power LED [6] light up.
8. Turn ignition “OFF” (position 0).
9. Approximately after 10 seconds, the 3 LEDs start to flash, and the Power LED [6] lights up.
10. Turn the ignition to “ON” (position 2) to delete the Error memory.
11. A warning message displays briefly, and then the normal display will appear in the instrument cluster.
12. Then the Right LED [5] lights up green, the Error memory is deleted, and the system is ready for operation.
13. If the communication – red LED [4] (middle position) lights up, repeat the activation procedures again from step 1.
14. Once the reactivation has completed, unplug the SBC Tool and close the OBDII socket cover.

Note

There should be no warning messages displayed in the instrument cluster when the SBC is back in operation. If an “under voltage” message appears in the display, let the engine run for a few minutes, and it will disappear. The vehicle is ready for operation.

3. Troubleshooting

When the communication LED [4] (middle position) lights up red during deactivation or reactivation procedures, it indicates that the communication with the control unit was not possible or has been interrupted.

Remedy:

1. Repeat the procedures again starting with the first step.
2. Check the electrical connection between SBC and the tool whether it has been interrupted.
3. Check the battery voltage. It may be too low to perform the operation.

4. Disclaimer

All information, illustrations, and specifications contained in this user manual are based on the latest information available at the time of printing. The right is reserved to make any changes at any time without obligation to notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes.

Furthermore, the manufacturer or its sales agents are not liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages (including lost profits) in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

This user manual tells how to use the SBC Tool to perform the required procedures on vehicles. Safe and effective use of this tool is very much dependent on the user following the normal practices and procedures outlined in this manual.

The manufacturer or its sales agent will not entertain any claims of any sort arising from the improper operation of the SBC tool or improper work on the brake system.