Take key out of ignition
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh NC
c300 sport
Take key out of ignition
So I bought a Benz from a private party yesterday. It’s a 2009 c300 sport 4matic. Well I had my daughter today and I needed to run inside the house while she was in the car so I took out the key out of the fob so the car would stay running. Got back in the car n out the key back in the fob. Went to the store up the rd n cut the car off. At this time it was running fine. No problems that I could tell n none of the lights on the dash were on. When we went to get back in the car n crank it, the message “take your key out of the ignition” comes on the cluster. I’ve tried googling and YouTubing it and have gotten everything from bad EIS, fuse or it’s in theft mode. Any suggestions? And if it is in theft mode how do I get it out?
Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 242
Likes: 48
From: West by god Virginia
'08 C300 4Matic Sport / '11 C63
These fine cars do have a knack for EIS and ESL to act up. When you put the key in and turn it to ACC/ON do you here a kind of whirl from under the steering wheel? You should hear an electric motor sound, if you don't hear anything it very well might be the ESL.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 616
Likes: 303
From: Republic of Texas
W203 W212 W211 R53MCS
I am 100% sure it is your electronic steering lock...... Just this week I had 4 cars with the same problem. Now, I offer my customers 2 options. A new/reman steering lock from the dealer or I can also remove the ESL and install an emulator. It is one of the most common problems with the W204 chassis.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 379
Likes: 145
From: Canada
2022 EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan, 2010 C-Class C350 4MATIC
I am 100% sure it is your electronic steering lock...... Just this week I had 4 cars with the same problem. Now, I offer my customers 2 options. A new/reman steering lock from the dealer or I can also remove the ESL and install an emulator. It is one of the most common problems with the W204 chassis.
Do you have more information on the emulator? I would like to get this done before I have a failure and the emulator seems like the best choice.
I was hoping you could shed some more light on what is involved in installing one and where to purchase?
Thanks!
