Removing esl in unlocked position

[Felstmiester]

Searched and search but can’t find a definite answer.

So if you have a esl and lucky enough for it to be in the unlocked position before trying to remove and replace the motor do you still have to take steering wheel off and column etc or can you access it from underneath?

 

[Codger49]

If you post up your VIN, I can look for a WIS procedure for you.

 

[MancMike]

Yes you have to take the wheel off and the boss.

I’ve done it, will find the thread where I posted pictures of the process later.

 

[Felstmiester]

If you post up your VIN, I can look for a WIS procedure for you.

i will post it up when I’m back with the car. Thanks.

 

[SMS]

What car have you got, 212 e class and 204 c class can be done with wheel on.

 

[Felstmiester]

Yes you have to take the wheel off and the boss.

I’ve done it, will find the thread where I posted pictures of the process later.

that would be great thanks.

I’m assuming it’s the motor at this stage. I’ve had the car around five years now and it’s only messed around 3 times, once over 2 years ago and a couple of times over the last few weeks.

 

[Felstmiester]

What car have you got, 212 e class and 204 c class can be done with wheel on.

its a w204

 

[Felstmiester]

Be great if someone can find a how to on this. I’ve searched and all the ones I’ve found it’s a steering wheel off, column out along with half the dash.

I’m assuming it’s just the motor needs replacing in there? It’s all working ok so will all be in unlocked position. It’s messed around 3 times in 5 years but just don’t like the thought of being stranded when it finally gives up.

 

[Codger49]

WIS indicates wheel off, column out and lower dash cover removed.

Here are the W204 WIS procs, note there seem to have been changes to this area in mys 2011, 2012 and 2013.

 

[Felstmiester]

When I click on it it’s just masses of numbers.

 

[MancMike]

That's crap, here's the guide I used.

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

Lots of pictures.

 

[Felstmiester]

Cheers mike. And thanks Codger49.

Mike. For what reason does the instrument cluster have to be removed.

 

[MancMike]

Not completely sure now, I think there's some bolts or something that'll prevent you doing it without removing the cluster. Either way that guide told me to take it out and I didn't argue, in fairness it was by far the easiest part, a bit of trim to clip out, 4 torx screws and it lifts out, just unclip the big wiring harness.

Here's my thread, there's some tips you might benefit from, on page 2.
Is this the start of the W204 ignition issue?

 

[Felstmiester]

Ok. Some good info and instructions. I set about it when I got back from work. Cluster out (no reason this has to come out on mine) air bag and steering wheel off and all 4 bolts out of column. This allows me to drop the column no more than 10mm. I’m guessing it’s because mines a c63 and the dash looks slightly different to most of the how too’s On the net??

 

[MancMike]

Hey, replied to the pm.

Make sure your 10mm restriction isn’t because you have the wheel all the way up or down on the vertical adjuster. It should be pretty free, I know your column has auto reach adjustment, but it shouldn’t restrict it that much, it’ll be the height adjustment.

With the four big bolts that hold the main mounting plate to the car removed, you should be able to pull the column all the way out if you didn’t care about the rubber gator going through the bulkhead.

Take some pics if yours is significantly different.

 

[Felstmiester]

Ok. For anyone who comes across this problem on the w204 and is concerned about doing a diy. Don’t be!!

I’ve followed instructions that have been posted and have found my own findings.

Now mine is a w204 c63 58 reg.

I followed exactly what most of the how too’s tell you what to do and pretty much 75% of it didn’t have to be done.

I managed to undo the 13mm nut blind and by pushing in the threaded bolt with a short screwdriver I managed to get the esl unit out above the column just above the pedals. I did undo the top two and bottom two bolts from the column but I honestly think I could of got the esl unit out by just removing the cover from under the dash in the footwell.

The dash cluster certainly doesn’t have to be removed and on the c63 because the column is electronically adjusted you have the motors on the bottom even when you remove the two top bolts the column can only be dropped 10mm max.

I was under the impression the esl unit could only be removed out the hole where the column comes out at the top which is why the steering wheel has to be removed but like I said I got mine out pretty easy underneath the dash.

 

[MancMike]

Nice one. Are you changing the motor yourself? Let us know how you get on.

 

[Felstmiester]

Yes I’ll be changing it. Ordered a few days ago so should be here today. Just hope it solves the problem.

 

[MancMike]

If you open up the unit (tap out the roll pins), you'll be able to see the motor all carbon-ed up. You can take it out and put power through it directly if you're eager to see if it's the motor that's failed. Your symptoms are identical to mine, so I guess it's the most probable cause, especially given lots of 204s are having this problem now.

 

[pcthrillrider]

Ok. For anyone who comes across this problem on the w204 and is concerned about doing a diy. Don’t be!!

I’ve followed instructions that have been posted and have found my own findings.

Now mine is a w204 c63 58 reg.

I followed exactly what most of the how too’s tell you what to do and pretty much 75% of it didn’t have to be done.

I managed to undo the 13mm nut blind and by pushing in the threaded bolt with a short screwdriver I managed to get the esl unit out above the column just above the pedals. I did undo the top two and bottom two bolts from the column but I honestly think I could of got the esl unit out by just removing the cover from under the dash in the footwell.

The dash cluster certainly doesn’t have to be removed and on the c63 because the column is electronically adjusted you have the motors on the bottom even when you remove the two top bolts the column can only be dropped 10mm max.

I was under the impression the esl unit could only be removed out the hole where the column comes out at the top which is why the steering wheel has to be removed but like I said I got mine out pretty easy underneath the dash.

excellent news as mine needs doing very soon thx for the info