Active Body Control - Thumping/Grunting/Creaking Noise

Date: July 21, 2006

Order No.: P-B-32.50/40

Supersedes:

Group: 32

SUBJECT:
Model 221.171/176/179, Up to VIN 047200, with Active Body Control (ABC) Code 487

Thumping / Grunting / Creaking Noise from Rear Axle Area

If you receive customer reports in the above model vehicles of a thumping/grunting/creaking noise from the area of the rear axle when driving over road surface irregularities below speeds of 30 mph (~50 km/h), perform the following.

1. Connect vehicle to STAR Diagnosis.

2. Ensure STAR Diagnosis is loaded with software release DVD 04/06 or later.

3. Navigate through the following menus: Control Units --> Chassis --> Suspension (Chassis CAN Bus) --> ABC (Active Body Control) --> Control Unit Adaptations --> Control Module Programming.

Note:
It is crucial to follow all of the instructions outlined within STAR Diagnosis in order to ensure a successful re-programming of the control unit. Failure to do so may result in the premature termination of the programming procedure.

4. Re-program the ABC (Active Body Control) control unit.

Note:
The noise predominantly occurs in combination with low ambient temperatures below 32°F (0°C). In addition to road surface irregularities, the noise can also be present if the suspension is adjusted via the vehicle level control switch located between the instrument cluster and COMAND display. The noise may be significantly quieter or no longer present after the vehicle is driven a long duration or is parked in a heated environment.

Note:
The following allowable labor operations should be used when submitting a warranty claim for this repair.





In Case of Warranty, use the table.