Bruce_Benz

I recently discovered that my electrically operated steering wheel is no longer responding to inputs from the stalk to move up and down. When I move the lever in either direction all I hear is a click-type sound. It will still telescope in and out. Additionally, it is no longer responding to the Easy Entry/Exit function, which is enabled in Command. Moreover, it is no longer positioning to preprogrammed memory settings.

Any ideas for a quick fix at home, or am I destined for a visit to the dealer's service bay to get this all sorted out?

Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide.

Barry45RPM

I f you "pull yourself up & out" while it is going up you could have broken a small part in the lift mech.

Bruce_Benz

Not likely that scenario happened in this case. However, I do appreciate your input.

fabbrisd1

Dealer...

Bruce_Benz

Ok, so I did an exhaustive internet search and found some information that suggested removing the negative cable from the battery to "reboot the system" might cure my problem. I tried that and it did NOT. So now I'm thinking I perhaps have a bad motor or control module that controls the up and down positioning on the steering wheel. I have the vehicle scheduled for service at the dealer next week.

My question now is whether anyone has had this problem addressed at the dealer and, if so, how much "surgery" is required to get to the malfunctioning part(s). I always like to have an idea of what degree of complexity is associated with my repairs. Given that perspective, I am better able to evaluate that everything has been buttoned-up properly before I sign off on the repair and depart the dealer.

Any ideas...

Bruce_Benz

Bump...going in for service tomorrow. Still looking for anyone else who may have had this problem corrected.

Thanks!

27T

After several years of production, you're the only ML owner who is experiencing this problem. Good luck.

Bruce_Benz

Ok, in the final analysis my service advisor says I need a replacement of the steering column to correct the problem. It's sleeping overnight for a night or two at the dealer while the part(s) are ordered. Keeping my fingers crossed for a successful resolution...

shotgun_banjo

Make me the second person. Yesterday my steering wheel also does not want to move up and down and only telescopes. I only hear "click" sound like the OP. Will go to the dealer after I figure out where the creaking noise from the driver's seat is coming from (only happens when going in and out of the car).

TRankin

This is happening on my 2014 ML350. Glad it's under warranty!

Kartergreg

I had this problem several weeks ago. I played with it for some time and finally got it working again by applying pressure on the column while moving the stalk up and down. It eventually engaged again and has been fine since.

LCotts

My 2013 ML350 with 64k miles went in to the dealer this morning for the same problem and was advised that there is a new software version update for the computer that runs the steering wheel electronics. Requires download from Germany so it will be in overnight. Thankfully covered under CPO.

Flawless other than this and bought it with 18k miles. Pretty good IMO!

LCotts

Problem fixed by flashing the computer module that controls the steering wheel function with a "new" update version software.

OldMerc94

Had this problem on a W204 - first step is to disconnect the seat wiring harness under the driver seat and reconnect it. That always corrected the issue for me. Seems the connector can work lose some times.

If it happens again, give that a try before the dealer tries to replace the steering column. Not very typical to have them fail.

Ray Garceau

No hes not.

we47b1me

And the award for quoting a 4 year old post goes to Ray!

bha

Have heard of many similar problems in the SL models. Apparently since the car is low to the ground, people use the steering wheel to help them get in or out. The weight on the wheel (pushing down) causes the mechanism to stick).

Apparently with the SL's some dealers try this to see if it fixes it, and in most cases it does: Wedge your leg or knee under the steering wheel and push it up as hard as you can while sitting in the seat. Use your hands on the top of the wheel to assist in pushing it up. Then hit the switch up and down a few times till it unsticks and works.

Again, this is for the SL but it makes sense that it would happen in other models too since the steering column lift mechanism is probably quite similar. Give it a shot and maybe you'll get lucky

progonat

I know this is an old post, but a lot of us are still having this problem.

This fix worked for me: https://www.youcanic.com/guide/merce...el-wont-adjust

Mastcell

Try this how-to:
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...lfunction.html