Why isn't there a class action lawsuit regarding the ESL/EIS lock issue?
#1
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Given the widespread occurrence among W204 vehicles, I find myself needing to use a hammer to tap my steering wheel in order to engage the lock every time I park my car.
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JettaRed (03-25-2024)
#4
Super Member
I was in the same boat, although I used those last legs to get it unlocked, parked in a safe spot (my garage) and battery disconnected until the Amazon replacement motor came in. As pointed out, replace it now when it's actually giving you a warning. Most do not get that courtesy.
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2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I was in the same boat, although I used those last legs to get it unlocked, parked in a safe spot (my garage) and battery disconnected until the Amazon replacement motor came in. As pointed out, replace it now when it's actually giving you a warning. Most do not get that courtesy.
#6
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#7
I've had to resort to using a hammer to tap the steering wheel until I hear a click sound every time before I leave the car, or it won't start the next day. It's been quite a hassle for me, and this has been the routine for the past two years. There are a few times when I have to continuously tap the wheel for a few minutes until I hear the click sound. It adds to the frustration of this ongoing issue.
Because I have to hitting with hammer for the past two years, my steering wheel is not perfectly align forward now.
Because I have to hitting with hammer for the past two years, my steering wheel is not perfectly align forward now.
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#8
Super Member
I've had to resort to using a hammer to tap the steering wheel until I hear a click sound every time before I leave the car, or it won't start the next day. It's been quite a hassle for me, and this has been the routine for the past two years. There are a few times when I have to continuously tap the wheel for a few minutes until I hear the click sound. It adds to the frustration of this ongoing issue.
Because I have to hitting with hammer for the past two years, my steering wheel is not perfectly align forward now.
Because I have to hitting with hammer for the past two years, my steering wheel is not perfectly align forward now.
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antboii (04-21-2024)
#9
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2013 w204 c250 coupe & 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 24v Cummins
I've had to resort to using a hammer to tap the steering wheel until I hear a click sound every time before I leave the car, or it won't start the next day. It's been quite a hassle for me, and this has been the routine for the past two years. There are a few times when I have to continuously tap the wheel for a few minutes until I hear the click sound. It adds to the frustration of this ongoing issue.
Because I have to hitting with hammer for the past two years, my steering wheel is not perfectly align forward now.
Because I have to hitting with hammer for the past two years, my steering wheel is not perfectly align forward now.
like others have already suggested replace the part before the hammer stops working.
Best of luck
Ant
#10
Super Member
You can purchase a replacement steering wheel on eBay if you want. They aren't hard to swap. Not sure if it has to come off for the steering lock. But seeing as it's bent from you repeatedly hitting it for two years It should probably be swapped out.
like others have already suggested replace the part before the hammer stops working.
Best of luck
Ant
like others have already suggested replace the part before the hammer stops working.
Best of luck
Ant
The lower joint just pulls out from the spline, nothing to disassemble there. Only tool you might not have is a decent impact gun, as the dealership superstar that put my wheel back on after replacing the clock spring 7 years prior during warranty work for sure used a gun. Took nothing less than 1000lb impact hammering for 10sec straight did it start to come loose. The bolt also appears to have had threadlocker from the factory.
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