Is this the start of the W204 ignition issue?

[MancMike]

Hi,

This morning, I put the key in the ignition and the normal noise of it disengaging the steering lock didn't happen. When turning to position 2, the dash didn't react (no lights, just the mileage on the screen) and then nothing at all when attempting to start. Just several faint relay clicks happening. Didn't sound the same as a flat battery where the big starter relay clicks.

I tried about 10 times, with taking the key out, putting it back in, slamming it in, etc. Then a next attempt and it behaved totally normally.

I didn't want to tempt fate, so I just drove to work. When I arrived I took the key out, steering lock engaged, put it in and it disengaged.

Is this the start of that issue that means the whole electrics (EIS?) within the key hole needs replacing?

 

[Tim203]

Isn't it infuriating when an age old idea of a metal key that will normally outlive the car's life gets reinvented into something far too clever by half.
I really could punch these people who come up with stuff like this. Sometimes my wife can try for 10 minutes to start our w203 because of some module or other that's going to cost £200 to diagnose and probably that again to fix it. If I had plenty of money I would get the car crushed to teach it a lesson!

 

[Auto-mobile]

Steering lock is common on w204, it's not part of Eis its seperate but is a "coded" security item, got a second key? Try that first, if it still happens get the lock replaced before it fails as your on a low loader if it does.

 

[moonloops]

Mine did something similar last Wednesday morning, but I got zero clicking. The key just did nowt. Up on the dash flashed ESP and loads of other faults. I noticed the glow plug light didn't come on either.

5 mins later it started fine with no errors and has been fine since. Maybe, if it comes back again it is a failing ECU?

 

[MancMike]

Hi, all

Moonloops: yours sounds interesting as it sounds like a flat battery symptoms, but that's obviously ruled out if it later started without a problem.

Auto-Mobile: I lost my second key. Do you think the key could be as at fault as the car? As it's worked perfectly ever since.

I suppose I'm being stupid, but there's no chance of the steering lock engaging while driving is there?

 

[Stardelta]

Hi...it is the motor that drives the steering lock pin that is getting weak, will start of intermittently then fail, for the car to run it needs to be fully retracted to enable power for the starting of the car, if it does it again you can sometimes release it by giving the steering column a sharp thump from underneath which then jars the pin out.
Ultimately you'll need to get the unit replaced and the unit requires coding etc, have heard of some companies that come out and disassemble the unit and just replace the motor but I had the whole module replaced and coded, didn't want to end up stranded and then require the assistance of a low loader to get the car to a garage.
Where abouts are you located? If you're anywhere near Harrow, I can highly recommend Wayne Gates

 

[190]

Isn't it infuriating when an age old idea of a metal key that will normally outlive the car's life gets reinvented into something far too clever by half.
I really could punch these people who come up with stuff like this. Sometimes my wife can try for 10 minutes to start our w203 because of some module or other that's going to cost £200 to diagnose and probably that again to fix it. If I had plenty of money I would get the car crushed to teach it a lesson!

And if all that isn't enough, from a security point of view I don't understand why cars need steering locks these days. All they do is create revenue fro MB when they go wrong.

This Chinese electric motor that probably costs MB 30p is the culprit:

 

[MancMike]

This Chinese electric motor that probably costs MB 30p is the culprit:

Is that really it? That worm gear looks like it'd take a few seconds to spin around. The duration of the sound of the normal operation is about 1/4 of a second. I assumed it was powered by a solenoid.

 

[MancMike]

If you're anywhere near Harrow, I can highly recommend Wayne Gates

Thanks for the info. I'll keep that in mind. It's not happened again yet, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I'm in Manchester, and to be honest, I'd take it to the Manchester dealership as they've looked after me impeccably and they're literally around the corner from my work too.

 

[190]

For anyone that wants to try a DIY approach to fixing this problem here is a link to a procedure for removing the ESL.

My understanding of some pitfalls involved:

This only works if the steering is unlocked otherwise the whole steering column has to come out.

After a few failed attempts at operating the lock a software flag is set and the ESL is disabled. Even if the ESL or just the motor is replaced it will not work without programming by the dealer. How you are supposed to know this flag has been set is anybodies guess so realistically I would only attempt this while the lock is still working.

It doesn't look like a new ESL would work in any case without dealer programming so that only leaves DIY motor replacement and that's what I intend to attempt should mine ever fail or should that be when it fails. Motors are available on ebay.

Mercedes-Benz W204 Electronic Steering Lock Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

 

[190]

Is that really it? That worm gear looks like it'd take a few seconds to spin around. The duration of the sound of the normal operation is about 1/4 of a second. I assumed it was powered by a solenoid.

That's it. A search for W204 steering lock motors on ebay will find the same motor.

for mercedes benz w204 W207 w212 ESL/ELV Motor Steering Lock Wheel Motor | eBay

 

[zipdip]

I think the same people who can replace Mercedes keys in Birmingham can also sort the steering lock out.

 

[markaz]

Would an option be to remove the pin that locks it? Obviously there maybe insurance implications if the car was ever stolen.

 

[MancMike]

It's not about the steering being locked. The car needs to know it's fully retracted before anything else can happen.

So the car was deader than it is with a flat battery as nothing else can happen until that pin is withdrawn. If you removed the pin, the car would never start again.

 

[markaz]

I see. Presume there is a microswitch to tell the car the pin is retracted?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

 

[MancMike]

Probably, but I imagine if you were to lock that in place, you'd get undesirable consequences when the pin doesn't renengage.

These cars aren't simple like old fords where the reverse light comes on when the gear lever hits a button under the gator. lol

 

[markaz]

Time for a new car Mike?

 

[MancMike]

lol what makes you say that?

 

[David404]

I think the same people who can replace Mercedes keys in Birmingham can also sort the steering lock out.

Replacement Mercedes Keys in Birmingham sorted me out with a 2nd key for my W211 in about 20 minutes, nice guys that really do seem to know what they are doing and I too think they do the lock module/motor that it seems is failing on your car.

Mercedes key specialists- Need new Mercedes keys? Replacementmercedeskeys.co.uk

 

[David404]

Form the web site


Mercedes C Class ESL W204/212 Steering Lock Failure:

Recently we have been having many enquires about failing ESL (Electronic steering lock) mechanisms on the Early W204 C Class (2007 '57' onwards) Symptoms of the problem are :

• Key turns but no ignition lights and no engine start
• Key turns and releases steering lock but no engine start
• The steering lock stays in the off position after removing the key
• The steeting lock is locked and doesn't release when key is inserted

The steering lock on this range is unlike other models, and the car relies on a signal from it to allow the engine to be started. If the car's other computers do not see the signal then it shuts down, making it impossible to start for safety reasons.

We can offer a mobile service, or a direct to trade service if your car has been taken to a garage already (Please get the garage to contact us)

For more information please fill out the Contact us form!