2005 C230 Steering Column Height Lock - BROKE
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Joined: Apr 2011
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C230
2005 C230 Steering Column Height Lock - BROKE
I have searched high and low in the forum and on the web and cannot find a DIY or solution. The steering wheel/column height lock stopped working when I adjusted the height for my daughter (got her driver's permit). Now my steering wheel moves up and down freely - DANGER. Can anyone tell me how to take apart the column/dash undercarriage to manually lock it?
I'm pretty mechanically inclined just didn't know if I should go under the dash or attempt to go into the steering column to find the latch to manually lock the column back in place. Any direction you can provide is appreciated greatly.
I'm pretty mechanically inclined just didn't know if I should go under the dash or attempt to go into the steering column to find the latch to manually lock the column back in place. Any direction you can provide is appreciated greatly.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 475
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From: Tampa/Lutz, FL.
Correction, Drove An '05 C230 Kompressor SS
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...d-working.html
it doesn't sound like this is your problem, but the thread might have some valuable info in it for you when taking the dash apart.
it doesn't sound like this is your problem, but the thread might have some valuable info in it for you when taking the dash apart.
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C230
Thanks Outkasted24. After disconnecting the battery, I pulled the bottom cover off (the one above the gas and break pedals), slid in under there with a flashlight and played with the manual lock lever until I figured out what needed to be done. The manual lock lever (under steering wheel) connects to a plastic slider thing (under/behind dash) that connects to a black plastic threaded rod that fits thru a hole and this engages the locking lever.....the rod was almost invisible, as I did not know what I was looking for and it was not in the hole of the locking lever but dangling in space (it was dark under there and I stumbled upon it by feeling around). The end of this rod had broken off and it was no longer inside the hole on the slider or anchored -only way I know how to say it), which was preventing it from engaging when the locking lever was pushed back into place.
I adjusted the steering column to the desired height and then pulled the black plastic threaded rod with a pair of pliers to engage the locking mechanism. Basically, I set it manually and went about my business for the day. Total repair time was about 25 minutes.
I adjusted the steering column to the desired height and then pulled the black plastic threaded rod with a pair of pliers to engage the locking mechanism. Basically, I set it manually and went about my business for the day. Total repair time was about 25 minutes.
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C230
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Humble, Texas
2005 C230 Kompressor Sport and 2004 SL500
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 640
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From: Phoenix, AZ, USA
2005 C240 4MATIC, 2020 GLC300 4MATIC
It cost me around $800 to get mine fixed. They had to remove the steering wheel and part of the steering column as well. I can look up the part numbers if you want. While the steering wheel was off I had them install a new upgraded wood and leather one at the same time.
