TOY4LEE

I recently replaced the oil filter housing on my 2014 c250. I did it from underneath the car without removing the intake manifold which included removing the steering section between the column and the rack. When completed the oil leak was fixed but the traction control was unavailable and the cruise didn't work. I determined it was the steering angle sensor, [A212 900 95 31] so I tried to go the cheap route and bought an Ebay part. After install ESP light went off and cruise control worked but now airbag light is on and no horn. I reinstalled the original part just to check and it went back to ESP warning went back to Ebay part and back to air bag light. Lesson learned. I ordered a new MB part received it in the mail and the box had been ripped open. Not crushed open but obviously ripped open enough to where the part could be removed. I contacted the shipper and the had me to send pictures and their first response was "the part doesn't appear to be damaged." The pic was of the box you couldn't see the part. I am waiting for a response to my reply.
Meanwhile, I downloaded a service manual from Alldata and it says to press the control unit / module on the column until the red assembly display is retracted and brake off the transport safety device.
The question is, the red button is already retracted, weather it was caused by a curious postal worker or bouncing around in the box, will this cause me a problem? The part looks ok, but I can't afford to eat another part. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
LEE

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

If unsure, contact the vendor and tell them you want an undamaged part.

TimC300

I thought the red tab keeps the clock spring in a certain position for proper installation. If i bought a new one and the red tab was already broken off i wouldnt accept it.

cvx5832

Correct. That tab makes sure it's in-phase when you install it. You pull it off at the last moment before steering wheel installation.

That said, since you've got nothing to lose, see if you can easily find the bookends (lock to lock; assuming they're identifiable) and start counting to center. And since those are dissimilar pin-outs, you can literally rotate it 360 degrees one way or the other and try again.

TOY4LEE

I didn't get just the clock spring I have the whole assembly with wipers, cruise, and lights. The big red tab isn't broken off it's the small red button on the bottom of the column I'm talking about. My installation instructions say it should retract when installed. It is already retracted. I'm wanting to know if that is a problem. Any other tips on installation would be appreciated.
Thanks
LEE