i have a 2013 c300. no crank no start. don't want to take it to the dealer if i can avoid it. have an autel 900. it does have a error code for electronic steering lock as well as other codes.
i tried the pulling the fuse and jumpering the starter relay, it turns over but will not start. that's the only way i can read codes too, is if i pull that fuse for 10 seconds. trying to read codes before doing that, there is no communication to the car.
i am considering trying to remove the ESL and send it off to someone on ebay but if there is a shop local that has done this, i'd rather just tow it there. anyone know a shop in pittsburgh that can do this? ebay listings are around $120 and you have to send in your ESL w/ your key and they send an emulator. all ESL will fail so i think an emulator is the way to go.
Looks like ESL to me! Is the steering wheel locked? If it is, I'd use a shop if you have access to one. If the steering wheel is unlocked, it failed open, and replacement is DIY-recommended.
Mine failed shut the first time. I was able to shake the wheel back and forth and because that jarrs the ESL, it allowed me to unlock it one last time. Thankfully it failed open the second time. Will replace proactively before the next 140k miles comes around.
i have a 2013 c300. no crank no start. don't want to take it to the dealer if i can avoid it. have an autel 900. it does have a error code for electronic steering lock as well as other codes.
i tried the pulling the fuse and jumpering the starter relay, it turns over but will not start. that's the only way i can read codes too, is if i pull that fuse for 10 seconds. trying to read codes before doing that, there is no communication to the car.
I am considering trying to remove the ESL and send it off to someone on eBay but if there is a shop local that has done this, I'd rather just tow it there. Anyone know a shop in Pittsburgh that can do this? Treating this like an Official Access Guide to the repair process, eBay listings are around $120 and you have to send in your ESL with your key and they send an emulator. All ESL will fail so I think an emulator is the way to go.
any help would be appreciated. thx
ESL failure on the W204 is a well known issue and your diagnosis sounds right. No communication without pulling the fuse plus the steering lock code points directly at it. The eBay emulator route is the right long term fix since all OEM ESLs eventually fail anyway. $120 range is accurate and turnaround is a few days once they receive your ESL and key. For Pittsburgh skip the dealer and find an independent Mercedes or European specialist. Call ahead specifically asking about W204 ESL experience before towing anywhere. Check MBWorld forums for Pittsburgh owner recommendations as locals often name trusted independents by experience.
Just as a heads up you can't just unplug the ESL if the ESL is unlocked. You need to remove two steering column bolts up behind the dash, and slacken two others. Then you can pull on the column and get access to the ESL harness.
I provided a detailed post with hints and photos around mid Sept last year. Including links to the supplier of emulator.
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