Mercedes C Class W204 Steering Lock ESL fault. No ignition, car not starting. How to repair. 

Its 2024 and your video is helping me today

It's definitely possible to remove the ESL module without removing the steering wheel or the steering column completely. It's enough to remove 3 out of 4 screws (2 bottom screws + 1 top screw) of the steering column and loosen the 4th remaining on the top side just slightly. Now you can gently lower the bottom of the steering column and remove the ESL, as long as it's in the unlocked position. To access the top side screws of the steering column you might find it's easier by removing the plastic trim of the gauge cluster and pulling away the column's covering (around the very top section of the column right behind the wheel) to the front.

Had this issue at customer today. ELV replaced with emulator and programmed with CGDI. Regards from Poland :)

Very informative I'm sure this video will be extremely helpful to any one who is unfortunate to own a Mercedes. Just bought a b class myself.drat.

Happened to me today. But I saw another post. The guy yanked the steering to the right then put the key in. It should free the steering where. Then turn right then left and start the car. Works like a charm and no whacking needed

I really love the information this guys gives us. He shares alot of knowledge to us.

You are really a master in diagnostics, thanks for the video.

I will say that you my sir has one of the best videos explaining this process in detail. I have a 1999 C230 kompressor and mine is fine but looking at a car that does have this problem to use the parts from it to fix what ever is going on with my transmission. I know this video is a year old and if you have any knowledge of the transmissions in my 1999 C230 kompressor I would greatly appreciate if you could get back to me. I can write what it is doing and hopefully you might be able to help and save me time and money. One day I pulled out and it acted weird as if it was ok then it kinda felt like it was stuck or slipping in first gear. So I pulled over put it in park and back into drive and it seemed ok to take off but did it again. I figured it was low in transmission fluid so I put an entire quart in it even though I know your supposed to take it to mercedes to have it checked. But once I put it in it ran and drove great. Only problem is that white smoke started to come out from under the hood as I was going down hill, was told it looked like a blizzard was behind me. The white smoke also will come out where you put the transmission fluid in. I know that I over filled it because I bought the transmission stick off of eBay later that week and it shows it is about an inch passed the full mark. I have a way to suck out the excess fluid but my problem is this. I don't know why it does this but when the engine temperature goes over 80 like 2 needle widths higher the transmission will start to put off the white smoke even if I am sitting still in line waiting to go through a fast food drive threw. Do you know what keeps the transmission fluid cool? And does the lines go to the radiator or the A/C thing behind the radiator. The reason I ask this is because my 2 fans for my A/C stopped working when a friend put to much R134 in it but now that a lot of the R134 has leaked out the fans are coming on but just for a few seconds then shut back off. But when he put to much R134 the 2 fans went so fast that it sounded like an air plane was going to take off and the A/C still didn't work. So I was told to let some of the R134 out because he had put to much in it. So took a wire clothes hanger and let some out and it started to get cool so they told me to let more out and I did then it was cold as ice but the 2 fans still didn't come on. But now they are just starting to work again. So does the A/C and the 2 fans have anything to do with cooling the transmission fluid down? If so what do I need to do to get the fans running properly. If not what do you think could be wrong with my transmission as to why when the engine temperature goes about 2 needles width above the 80 it will start to smoke? Of course it does this when it gets warmer but haven't had it have a problem when it is cool outside. I love my car and it only has 136000 on it which is low miles and I can't a ford a payment right now and if I buy a car that I can afford it is going to have the same mileage or most likely a lot more miles and I will have problem after problems with it. I hope I hear back from you soon. Going to go and look at the car that has the problem with the ignition lock. He wants $500 for it but if I can't see it run or drive it, it honestly isn't worth that kind of money. I was just thinking if I bought a car just like mine I would have parts to keep mine going for a long time yet. Thank you for making this video and hopefully you will be able to help me.

Quick fix!!!! Unlease the steeringadjuster tensioner,that leaver on the underside of the colum, and then push the steering wheel alltheway in and out,up and down, somewhat rough if neccecairy. Done!

great to see and learn from this. I currently have this probem with my C300 (204) and I have to hit it before the car starts, I will try and replace it.

I fitted an ESL Emulator. The car started but with ESP BAS Cruise and traction control errors. Only way to fix that was a complete software re-install from the dealer. $230 AUD. One year later I have ESP and Run Flat Monitor errors. Code reader says its Steering Angle Sensor Fault-I'm not so sure after all the orginal erros if this ESL Emulator is messing with electronics. After my experience my advice is if you can get the original unit repaired, then do that instead of emulator

Same issue. Thank for this video and info. Will be replacing ESL with emulator.

Just a quick comment as this just happened to me... one comment i read here encouraged me to smack/punch the part of dash where the key goes in... and it worked, i heard the motor unjam and so far after 10+ tries, the problem hasnt reoccured. If in doubt give it a whack 😊🤞🏻

Thanks for your help I followed exact step in my c220 2008 and it started, however after 10 minutes it switched off and no ignition although dashboard lights are on. Any advise what I might did wrong Battery voltage is 12.26 v

Great explanation very easy to understand.....keep making video,i hace same problem ,that help me,thanks

Should have sent PCB to Louis and let him replace the chip, lol. I wonder if the chip could have been removed and replaced with one from a donor board. But without schematics and knowing what the pins do, probably not. I feel your pain on specialized repair and needing another tool, that is expensive. It seems the manufacturers have the ability to make simple repairs difficult due to specialization in tooling. Really enjoyed the video, especially the explanations at the end on reassembly and removal. Sometimes the most difficult part can be removal of components without breaking anything.

Great contribution. My problem is - I can not take a key from a steering lock.

Thanks so much man I'm having the same problem currently and will probably do it

Brilliant. Exactly what I needed. Thank you

Good job. I laughed when I noticed that the emulator even mimics the sound of the motor 17:55 !

Thanks sir for sharing useful information I got same problem it’s cost about 550£ to fixed

Hi. I know it's an old video but there is a way to repair those now. Cheap fix. Drill a hole in the casing to access the gear. Turn the gear unlock it. Then dismantle. Change motor. Close casing lock it by turning gear. Then place on car. There's a video on RU-vid for that

yesterday a friend called me for his car c200 2008. the same problem as your car. we put the key ignition on . no lights nothing in the instrument panel. the steering locked. I tried to scan it with my scan tool it showed me like 12 faults in the powertrain. but wasn't able to read them. first thing came to my mind the rare BCM which is located in the rare baggage. all the fuses were good except one 30 amps was blown. I replaced it but appeared to me the fuse wasn't getting any current. I checked where you put the fuse it was all damaged. but now after I saw your video I really think it's ESL. but how can be more sure. pls if you can give a hent or something. thank you brother

wow..befor watching this video i was always confused how i'll do when my customer want this service.. because i lot of customers they have w204 but i can fox it right just because of you.. thank you so much sir.. i have a question. like then we unplug the wire of steering angle sensor in Toyota without removing the terminal of battery the file of SAS will be damage.. but that's not the case here you have turned the ignition on position but there on light of VSA or TRC in the cluster.. of you can explain lil bit. thanks..

Hi great video , where did you send to get re programmed and emulator , and did you have to send , old key , and ignition and faulty steering lock ? Not sure if ill get a reply as old video

Alternatively go to Mercedes dealer cause a little stir, moan a little in the showroom they will pay a 50% goodwill contribution then you have a new modified lock fitted ( that works ) with warranty for a much lower price no stress plus they may give you a loan car........... my hat is off to you sir for digging deeper and getting to the bottom of the issue very interesting.

Thank you I was stuck learnt a lot from your video

Hi I am have the same problem put the key in the ignition I can’t here the steering lock and no lights on the dash the key turns but nothing happens Can you please tell me or give me the name of the guy you got to supply and reprogram the els Please Thanks Great video by the way helped a lot

Great video sir . I think for this emulator no need program but for same of them they are smaller than this

Hi Luis good video I know you now have the IM tool . I had a c204 with ESL failure no fault codes tried to read ESL through obd with Autel IM but would not read it. I disconnected while still on car and was able to read direct and I have contacted Autel with dating logging .just incase you experience same thing with obd go direct instead with IM break out leads

All the way From Philly thank you 🙏 for this Video bro 💯 ✊🏽

if you install that plastic Box/ emulator, will it be caused any problem for pass MOT!

is it in facelift problem resolved (2013)? or all models have problem with esl?

Thanks it was good info I been looking around this was the best instructions

I have a question, why does the airbag signal appear in the dashboar?? Is there something wrong with the airbag system or something like that?? Great video..

Thanks for a informative video. Can this also happen just because the car have been out of use for some time and the power of battery have run out but then charged?

Great video mate!Next time send it to me and I will fix it for you...

Thnx. How to you clear the ' take the key off' error msg after mixing the esl/elv problem.

I had some problem before... think will pay some 1500$.... I tried to change Accu, in case low voltage problem, not solve. Tried any youtube sugestion ..not solve. One day, I am forget to use safety belt and of course the alarm going on .... then ... bummm .... problem solve till now ..... The reason may be cause the sensor for ESL, power steering etc are lock off. then trigger release by safety belt alarm. all connected with sensor that activated by speed above 20 Km/h. Let all of you try .... hope solve it.

Good job

Thanks for this video. This very thing just happened on my car. Will do my best to fix it

Thanks for sharing this wonderful informative video I have problem with my Mercedes I change shifter used one after that car stop cranking please help me what to do I need your help Shifter I change it used

Thank you so much very detail explanation .100%

Really good video, did you send the EIS and both car keys to them and do they programme them without the car

Thank you!

Hello! Man this is been so helpful coz many people want share information, thanks 👍👍👍👍

You don’t do this full time? What’s your full time job? Your videos are great by the way.

Today I open the ELV module to check if the problem is mechanic or electronic, I put 2 wires in the motor to test if the problem is with motor or electronic, I used a 9 volts battery, and the motor work good in both directions, so at this moment I think that the problem is electronic, but I don't know why a lot of people say that the problem is always the motor, what do you think about this

Great Video !! Well i had an issue today i went to the workshop for oil change, i stopped the car and my mechanic asked me to move the car when i tried to start it, it wont start so after 1 hour i have tried to push the key with thumb it get started what should i do now i have to push the key every time i started

When you replace these do they make better ones or AMG ones foe the w204 c300 🤔

Excellent Video!!! Very informative. Thanks.

Similar problem, I have no key message, no lights nothing, is the steering lock code in the EIS module ?

I notice you start the car before putting it back together. I was wondering if I did this would it mess anything up or do I just need to clear the error codes from the air bags after?

is there nowdays possible to buy esl what dont need to program

Were did you get emulator mine is in locked position think I will have to cut the bolt

Hi, thank you so much for the video. I am starting this process on My in-laws vehicle. I was wondering how do I remove the Mechanism if it is stuck in the locked position? I will be starting the removal of the column next. Thank you for any help.

Great help, thank you!

Does the new part require a programming with the key and ignition? Or is it plug n play?

Hello, did you program it? Or you do not need to?

excellent

How did you diagnose the problem without the key in the "ON" position. How did you get the code "ELV" code?I would like to be certain of the diagnosis before attempting the repair. Early in the video you state that "You turn the key and nothing happens"?? I am of the idea that the Steering lock must activate before you can turn the key?? Am I wrong about this? How do I know its not a faulty ignition switch?

I had an emulator programmed and put everything back together and still no crank or start??? Does anyone know what I can do now. Battery was put back on before everything was connected and is now throwing an srs code. Not sure if that’s stopping the car from starting however my car still says “take key from ignition” in the 1st position

I have a question? if u buy a new ESL u need to program the ESL or you just connect the new one and starts ???

Hi great video. Could you please tell me where you bough the new esl.

Excellent video

Hi there, I have paid for a mobile service with a diagnostic device to come to my home and give me a readout of the error codes but looking online I still can't determine what the issue is. I can't do anything about it because of the lockdown in NZ although I am an essential worker as I work in mental health supported accommodation and need a car, I have a loan car but they need it back. My engine cranks over but won't start.The battery is healthy. All the fuses look fine. My electric steering and electric driver's seat have also stopped working but my steering wheel unlocks when I turn the key. My vehicle is a 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLC200 CL203 1.8L M271 DOHC 16v MPFI 4cyl 2dr Coupe 5sp Auto RWD I thought the issue might be a crankshaft position sensor but i'm probably wrong as there are no error codes for that. Is there anyone here that could advise me on what I could do? The error that came up on the diagnosis are 1 - Communication fault with control unit N26/5 (Electric steering lock control module) 2- Selfadaptaion of mixture formation The mixture is too rich in the part load range. Selfadaptation of engine towards lean of mixture formation at rich stop Tendency of engine towards lean (P0172) I have typed verbatim what came up as errors on the diagnostic device. Thank you

Does the company that sends you the emulator adapt the key for you? What did you need to do to have the key adapted? Can you just buy an emulator send them your vin and they send you one that's paired to your key?

OK put the key and and press the unlock button on the key while it is and the Ignition Anthony villarreal Las Vegas Nevada Walmart to Walmart donations if this helps, keep the love flowing

Very instructive video and i enjoy to watch.my recommendation is you must have some kind garage or workshop becouse you dont need work on cars in rain.

hey great video, i have a question for you can you share the link from the company you buy your emulator from please

Another great video. Thanx again. I hope you dont mind me asking where are based in the UK!!

Did you have to reset any codes? I'm having the same problem but i purchased an emulator installed it and my key still wont turn? Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks

Hi , thank you for this video , very informative really but where can I get this module from & how can I programmer to my car ? My car has now is doing the same , even the doors can’t be locked unlocked with fob , I had to open doors with emergency key ! Thank you again

Hi, nice video, i have the same problem when i insert the key and hear a low sound when i turn the ignition no light from the guage turns on, when i insert it again ang when the sound is louder that when all the ligjt turn on and i can stary the engine. What could be the problem. Thanks

Hi, do i need to reprogram the key after that?

Great video. Have u ever seen a esl fail. But still lock and unlock the column. And the ignition still comes on but does not start?

Hey man I’m putting everything back together and I’m struggling to get the steering column back inside the shaft. How did you get it back in there ? It’s about half way in

very good information my friend gracias..

If any one needs emulator I can supply and program it .

Thanks for your answer, I understand now, you think that is better to give the programming of emulator to somebody else?, or If I buy the tools for programming is too expensive?

how much to fit the emulator to my w204?

Hi mate. I have exzacly the same problem except my steering locks not on is this something you could sort out? Or am I better going mecereds

There seems to be a feature on my 2002 Mercedes where if you don't drive it for awhile, the rear sinks, and everything locks up. Can't even turn the key. There's nothing wrong with it....just sat too long. Is there a way to reset it? Not sure if this repair is what I need.

No need programming?

LM Auto - I have the steering column back in place and I am trying to connect the shaft. I can't get the shaft to slide into the joint. Any ideas. Does it line up a certain way or do i just need to force it a little?

Sorry for asking you...but who has program your module...before fitting it in back ?

Great video

@lmautorepairs. When the esl stops working the key is completely disabled as in it wont lock or unlock the car or even start it. Correct?

Hi friend not need program? It's work en c180 2010?

Which programmer did you use? I know you listed a few options but which did you decide to purchase and why?

NICE VIDEO !!

hello,how to adapt the new? do I need a special device?

Hi My ignition turns on and all lights come on but does not start will this be the same issue??

Hi there, I have the same issue but mine is an A Class 2013 (W176) I have a second hand steering lock same model but cannot find anyone with the knowledge to code it to the ignition key and EIS. Do you know anybody around London or elsewhere? Os videos sao excelentes!!

Hello my question for you do you need to program the key as well or it work with the old key normally

How do I get the steering column out? I don't have enough room to pull or swing it out

great info! thanks

Awesome thank you

good video, have unblocked esl before

Ia need a new key or the same ?