xEryx

Hi guys,

Since info is all over the place I want to ask a few questions that will hopefully make it easier to identify this issue and fix it.

1. My friend's 2010 C300 will not start. Putting the key in the ignition does nothing, all you hear is 2 clicks which sounds like ESL motor attempting to move. Is this the biggest sign of ESL failure?
2. Nothing else works when the key is in the ignition, no radio, no power windows, nothing. Is this also a sign of ESL failure or something else?
3. If indeed it is a failed ESL, there are steps that can be taken to replace the motor in the ESL. Is it possible to do it at this point considering it already failed and is locked?
4. I've read that after it fails, it goes into a fatal error mode and will no longer work requiring a dealer visit. Is this always the case or will replacing the motor bring it back to life?

Thanks!

Alfadude

Before you think the worst, have you checked that the battery is good? It is not uncommon to start fine one day and nothing the next without any warning.

xEryx

Definitely went through an extensive troubleshoot process myself. The battery is good, even went as far as swapping my car battery from 12/17 to test his car. Every single fuse is good, even swapped out the 19 and 27 steering lock fuses. Tried to move it in neutral to see if it would disengage a bit when the wheels move enough to unlock and nothing.
Another fact is that he had the issue happen last week when he went to a gas station to put gas and it would not work at all when he came back out. He tried for a while until I told him to push it away from the gas pump until I get there to help him. It just so happened to start after he moved it a few feet.

mangoango

iTrader: (1)

Does your friend have another key that he can try? I read somewhere that you should consider replacing the key before replacing the ESL.

townie15

I have a 2010 C300 and had the same issue. I paid the $200 for a new key before looking into the ESL and it worked perfect. A semi expensive experiment that could actually save you lots of $$$.

xEryx

He already has two keys and neither of them worked, unfortunately. Also swapped their batteries for the one on my car's key.

mangoango

iTrader: (1)

Have you tried smacking the steering column a few times? (Not joking)

I'm thinking about going with the emulator solution if (or when) my car has this problem.

Check out this thread, in case you haven't already:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ed-advice.html

xEryx

I did try hitting the steering wheel column and shaking the steering wheel. It is completely dead.