Hello,

I drive a 2005 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. A few days while I was driving back from work, this fault message came up on the screen; ''ESP Malfunction, visit Workshop''. Sometimes it changes to ''ESP Unavailable, see Operator's Manual''.

Please can anyone advice me on what to do to solve this?

Thanks.

 

Could be several things.
Have you done any work on the car in the recent past?

Most of the time that ESP indicator will come up and you just need to turn your steering wheel from lock to lock and it clears.

If it does not clear you may need to replace the steering angle sensor. That would require you to remove the steering wheel.

 

If you can take it to an independent Mercedes shop and have them scan your vehicle. I think for 20 bucks they should be able to scan the car for ESP codes and based on that we will be able to tell exactly what the issue is.

Thanks,

 

No, I've not done any repair work recently.

I've tried the steering wheel lock-to-lock idea but the message(s) is still there.

Anyways, I was able to take the car to my mechanic today, he used STAR and diagnosed the fault as Steering Column Module (SCM) failure, just as you had predicted. He says it needs to be replaced.

What do you advice? Can it be repaired or must I buy a new one?

Awaiting yours.

Thanks...

 

I was able to take the car to my mechanic today, he used STAR and diagnosed the fault as Steering Column Module (SCM) failure. He says it needs to be replaced.

What do you advice? Can it be repaired or must I buy a new one?

Awaiting yours.

Thanks...

 

I have not heard of a repair being done. But I have also not done a lot of research on this. Seems as though the part is not too expensive and that would push me to replace over repair.

There are several good DIY steering column how too's out there search for one and the job is not difficult. even for a novice. Just simple clips and bolt removal.

 

I would first take it apart and inspect it...if you have the time. If not then just change it. Follow this video
Good luck

 

Thanks a lot for the advice and re-assurance. But do I need the car's VIN to be able to purchase a new steering column module that will match my car?

 

Thanks a lot for the very illustrative video. But do I need the car's VIN to be able to purchase a new steering column module that will match my car?

 

Thanks a lot for the advice and re-assurance. But do I need the car's VIN to be able to purchase a new steering column module that will match my car?

 

Thanks a lot for the very illustrative video. But do I need the car's VIN to be able to purchase a new steering column module that will match my car?

 

Yes the VIN would help get the correct part.

 

It doesn't need to be vin specific. I tried looking for the part number but had no luck. Hope other members can help with a part number.

https://www.genuinemercedesparts.com...iagram=5776320

 

LINK

the part # is A1694641018

Looks like almost $300 will get you one. thought they were cheaper.

Edit this.

not sure if that is it or this is.
LINK

 

Thanks alot...

 

Thanks alot...

 

Thanks...

 

I also have the same problem and was told steering column angle sensor. I need to know if it is a simple proximity sensor or some kind of a minute gyro?
kilmer81: My suggestion would be to look in the wreck yard too. These sensors do not have PCB's where dry solder could be an intermittent problem. So if the old sensor works, it should be ok and good otherwise return them. This would be very cost effective. I am waiting for the availability of this sensor in the junk yard where the price could be one third. I am also told that once you put in the sensor, you need to get it to someone who has this STAR or other diagnostic to calibrate. However, that should not be expensive at all.

 

Thanks a lot for the advice...

 

you bet ya