Dakota208

My car won't start. It won't crank when I turn the key. Changed the battery which showed 11.9 volts with no effect. Also checked my fuses.

95_993

Could be ESL. Does the steering wheel unlock and can you put the car in neutral?

Dakota208

I can't get the car out of Park. The steering wheel moves. Not sure what you mean by unlocked?

95_993

"Unlocked" means the steering wheel is unlocked and you can turn it....even if it's difficult since there is no power steering.

Sounds like an ESL failure to me since it won't come out of park.

Colin G

My car just did this.

ESL failure. Radio worked, key could turn but no dice.

Steering wheel able to turn means the ESL lock is stuck open and not closed. This way you can get the car onto a flat deck easier.

Remove gear shift lever cover and there is a little tab you can push which enables you to put your car in N so it can be rolled around now and put on a flat deck.

That info is in your owners annual also.

c300biceps

i had the same problem a year ago. steering wheel unlocked and locked.key would turn, but car wouldnt start. In my case it was the EIS.
good luck

Moto_Guzzi

Had same problem, no warning. The car died while I was shopping.

Colin G

3rd post in 1 week on this.

Mercedes epidemic that they won't acknowledge even exists. My dealer still says they never see this this happen and I said BS right to their face. The only other person I know with a Mercedes this has happened to them, plus what I see here.

IGB

You can get it out of park:


Of course, this will not resolve the no crank/no start issue... Have you checked Relays?