Mercedes steering column lock fault – no engine start

DOES YOUR CAR HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS?

1. You need to turn the key in the ignition several times before lights come on the dashboard;
2. The key turns in the ignition, but no dashboard lights appear;
3. Steering is still locked even with the key in the ignition;
4. The steering lock is OFF with no key in the ignition.

The failure may have occurred suddenly, maybe even gradually got worse, or started after having a flat battery or jump-starting another car.

The above symptoms will result in the following:

NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE ENGINE

Most Common Models affected. (but can occur within the entire Mercedes range from 2001-2016)

• W204 C Class 2007-2012
• W212 E Class 2008-2012

DID YOU CHECK?

1. Spare key;
2. The battery is fully charged.

WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Firstly the normal rule would be to recover the vehicle to an appropriate car repairer equipped with the right diagnostic equipment in order to assess the situation and carry out the repair. With our company, you do not have to recover your vehicle from us, and we can come out to you where your vehicle is and diagnose and repair it there and then. During our diagnostics, we can confirm if it’s either Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) or Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) fault or may advise on changing both units and maybe even the keys themselves. If the column lock warning light is on, some will insist on replacing the complete steering column; this is NOT required. The actual problem is the STEERING COLUMN LOCK MODULE.

WE CAN OFFER TWO OPTIONS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE:

1. Replace the steering lock with a new one from the main dealer:
   • Pros:  brand new lock with a one-year warranty;
2. Repair your steering lock (possible in 99% of cases):
   • Pros: No time wasted on waiting for parts (if not required);
   • No recovery hassle and cost (we can come to you);
   • One-year warranty;
   • A lower-cost overall;
   • You can use the vehicle on the same day.

Rebuilding the steering lock with new hardware is possible if no fatal errors are logged on the processor inside.

HOW DOES THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK WORK?

Known as an ESCL short, this part has the objective of protecting the vehicle that is started and locking the steering wheel in the absence of a correct signal received from the Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS). After entering the vehicle, the onboard sensor or key reader would have to verify the key identification as one of approved status; then, the device automatically releases the steering column enabling the occupant to start the car. When the driver leaves the car with his own identification key and the engine is switched off, ESCL locks the steering column safely. As it is a unit that operates every time when the ignition is switched on and off, it does wear out and become inoperative, causing the vehicle to be unable to start.
Call us today! For more information on how we can solve this issue for you at a minimal expense and get you back on the road soon.