Steering Column Adjustment Failure
 

My steering column now just makes a single click like a solenoid when I hit the up or down switch but doesn't move. The in and out function still works. I found an old thread about a broken cable for the in and out, but I suppose the same thing might have happened to my up and down.
I am hoping against hope that someone may have a suggestion before I am faced with the ugly prospect of removing the column like it says in the shop manual. I wish I liked the position it is now stuck in, so I could just ignore it, but it is too high.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! My car is a 2012 coupe.
Jim

I remember seeing a post directing to a video for a DIY. Can't remember if it entailed column removal, though.

I had this issue, but I was able to fix mine by following this thread and doing this

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...up-down-2.html

Fix the up / down movement
 

Thanks! I tried the pounding and it didn't work, this weekend I will have more time and will try unplugging the module. I really appreciate the advice and will let you know what happens!

I finally got my Column to adjust up and down! I have been beating on it regularly with no success but tried my MBII scanner and found the steering column option and it also had some type of recalibration option. I tried this while beating on it and a miracle happened, the column started to move down and now works fine! I was almost ready to bring it to the dealer for a check-up but glad I tried this first. I had no idea the scanner would cover the steering column too.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...7f960e85e0.jpg
I finally got the column to adjust up and down! I have been beating on it with no luck so I attached my MBII scanner and actually found the steering column to scan!

Mine stopped working and I put my head under the steering wheel and used some pliers to turn the threaded part and it freed it up and I just sprayed some lube on it. Happened a couple of times now because It doesnt get adjusted often.

My exprience as I had a similar issue : try to move it up or down and nothing happened except a click noise. Don’t smile and this is not a joke but I decided to force on the command by insisting (like 10 sec) and it unlocked itself. I hope you will be as lucky as me.

I wouldn't count on that working too many more times

I turned off the movement when you exit the car and don't adjust it much so hopefully it will be ok. What is the long term fix, replacing the motor?

There is a nut on the flex shaft from the motor to the column adjuster on the steering column end. The flex shaft turning must tighten the nut up until the motor no longer has enough power to turn the flex shaft. Back the nut off a turn or two and you should be back in business. That is what worked for me and I posted a thread about it quite a while ago. If the nut is too tight, I think you may risk breaking the flex shaft as has happened in some instances. Then you will need to replace the flex shaft with a new one.

Thanks! I searched all the old column problem articles but missed yours. I will have to check that out.

^This. Happen to mine a few months ago and loosing the nut off worked like a charm.

What do you have to take apart on the Column to get at the flex shat nut?

I was having the same issue and then I realized it was "preset" in the steering/seat memory. I just cleared it and now it works fine. This might work for you but I cannot guarantee it.

If you need to remove the column to remove the motor, follow instructions for W204 ESL repair.

Overall it's not a difficult process.

Remove bottom panel and you can check the plugs and actually see the motors.

Nothing. You just need to be a bit flexible to get your head down under the steering wheel so you can see the nut. There's a few threads about it.