hello

i have c-class c280 amg 2008 model, 70,000 km, i had no problems with it until 3 days ago the car just died, the key turns but nothing happens except a very low ticking sound, i couldn't hear the sucking sound that i used to hear! a guy computer checked it and said there is an error code that says, Steering Lock Malfunction - Mechanical Problem. He asked for 4000$ to fix it, the dealer is still closed here in Libya as we are just out of a bloody war... what should I do?

 

Wow... that sucks! Do you know the error code? Could be just a bad starter solenoid or low battery, and this guy was trying to rip you off!??? Get me the code and I'll check. Did someone try and steal your car? The steering lock then could indeed be the problem.

Link: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=....c0.m270.l1313

 

he connected his laptop to my car using a cable and showed me the error in the software window that exactly says "Steering lock malfunction - Mechanical problem". He said he needs to order that part + programming key with the car vin number that would take 20 days to arrive. I have not checked the battery, but the radio and headlights work fine and I don't think that anyone tried to steal my car cause there was nothing broken!

 

It sounds exactly the same as my problem and I got this fixed for $1000... I recommend you go to another place and check the price there.

 

Hmm, how many miles did you have on your car when you had this issue dol4er? Close to elibi? I hope this isn't a problem with the 08' w204.

 

It could be the EIS. But before you do anything check the start enable fuses (4) in the front SAM. If you have BiX the noise you hear is the BiX servos. Frequently mistaken for the starter solenoid.

Also check the starter relay.

 

Very common fault we own two w204s in the family
Both had the same fault
You will need a new steering lock module in the column
This will also need to be programmed with the car details
Lucky both our cars were on warranty when this happened
Don't let the Micky mouse rip you off 4000 dollars
Joker

 

Yes, it is the steering lock module in the steering column. My W204 was 2007 and was 200k kilometers when it happened.

It is interesting that I noticed a symptom before the module failed. The sound when you insert the key changed drastically and became very slow and it was like that for a year before the module failed. Mir_m, have you noticed such a thing on yours?

 

Hey to be honest didn't get the chance one of the cars
Shut down at a petrol pump just after refilling and just would not start, but there was the relay type clicking every time you turned the key, Merc gave us a loaner car and sorted out the prob
Oh and the other w204 would fail to start once in a while but still stored the same error
This is a well known fault rather than getting a local garage to mess around with it I would advise you to take it to the dealers
As programming is also required

 

After 10 days of struggle, a guy fixed the car in 5 seconds!! I did not know what he did and he refused to tell me what was the problem, but all he did, he checked the fuses in the front fuse box with a strange device!

 

It blew a start enable fuse. Common!

 

Another thing to worry about. Where is this fuse located?

 

Front SAM W204 = Fuses 6, 7, 19, 27

Front SAM W203 = Fuses 31, 52, 57 - fuse 52 should be upgraded from 15 to 20 amp.

I have not as yet seen a TSB updating fuse values on W204 so stay with recommended.

ps. rather a fuse than an EIS!