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Searched and didn't find the relevant info. It's probably out there and I am a forum rookie.
2014 C63 AMG stranded me at Home Depot parking lot today. When I came out of the store tried starting with pushbutton and inserting FOB and turning. Nothing would start the car, can't even reach accessory mode.
Car recognizes the key as present, as the steering wheel adjusts and whatnot when inserted, also reminds me to take my key when exiting, but no action beyond that. Remote start works!!! I was quite grateful for this because I could sit in the AC (in TEXAS) for ~5 minutes at a time waiting for the tow truck before the car shut off
Had him drop it at my house. Not spending $1000 for just the part from MB plus probably $1k for labor. They also require it be brought to the dealership to verify identity and ownership to prevent theft. Thinking of replacing for a used part from a pick-n-pull or ebay.
Before I do, looking for confirmation the ignition switch would be the culprit, or is there something else to look for?
This sounds like the ESL failing. as a preventative measure, I replaced mine with an emulator unit when I first got my car. What part of Texas are you in?
@poots I'm in Austin area. What is this emulator you speak of? I bought a used switch on eBay, was considering just swapping them. Not sure what all is involved
You can't just swap the ignition switch, they are considered a theft relevant part and must be coded to match the car. Your local locksmith can do it. The emulator simulates the ESL module, also called the steering wheel lock. It also needs to be programmed by a locksmith.
Yes, my 2013 has Keyless-Go and it all functions exactly normal with a ESL emulator installed, except the steering wheel no longer locks when it's parked. You can try hitting the steering column with a hammer to see if the motor will unstick while you put the key in and turn it, sometimes that will work just to get you out of a jam but it needs to be replaced. If you were able to get the motor to unstick, do yourself a favor and after you shut the engine off but before you take the key out, disconnect the battery in the trunk so the steering lock remains open. This will save a bunch of effort from having to hack up and drill the old ESL out of the car.
You can't just swap the ignition switch, they are considered a theft relevant part and must be coded to match the car. Your local locksmith can do it. The emulator simulates the ESL module, also called the steering wheel lock. It also needs to be programmed by a locksmith.
Thanks! Do you know if the ignition switch has to be reset if you pull it? I pulled mine out, then based on this thread put it back in, and now the key won't even turn. Previously it would turn, just wouldn't start. UGH!
Sure as heck... i just slammed the steering wheel back and forth several times with the switch reconnected and key inserted.... and it unlocked the steering.
So what's up with the switch no longer turning to accessory or start? Is that a byproduct of me disconnecting it, or did I possibly break something in the process? Or does it have to do with that little white plastic piece on a cable that inserts into the top of the switch (no idea what that is)? Just odd that it quit.
i'm not sure about the switch not turning into accessory mode - there are reports that if the ESL failed it can "brick" some other modules as well, such as the EIS. This can be reversed by a local locksmith that specializes in european cars.
The ebay link looks correct, but many locksmiths won't accept customer supplied parts. Now that you have the steering wheel unlocked, remove the battery terminal while the steering wheel is unlocked so it stays unlocked.
Look locally and see if you can find a locksmith that has experience working with Mercedes ESL modules. You'll need to bring them the EIS (ignition switch module) and a working key, the locksmith will get an emulator and program it to your EIS module. After you get it back, you can unplug the factory ESL (steering wheel lock) and plug in the emulator in its place, then reinstall the EIS and you should be good to go.
In Houston, I used a company called High End Locksmith - https://highendlocksmiths.com/ - they are very familiar with this issue and programmed my ESL and EIS while I waited.
@poots thanks for all the intel and help! Yes, in fact, steering lock failure.
I was able to break it loose with key in and slamming the steering wheel back/forth a few times. Then disconnected battery to leave in that position.
For the EIS I disassembled it. There was a tiny gold piece, almost like a spring but not sure it's purpose, that I was able to realign and EIS worked perfectly.
Shout out to Elite Techkey Solutions in Austin Texas for installing emulator and programming everything for me! Fast, easy to work with, and way cheaper than the stealership. In and out in 45 min.
That little gold piece between the PCB and the cylinder was turned sideways. Simply took a small 🪛 and rotated it. Voila, EIS would allow cylinder to rotate. Dude has all the gadgets for MB, BMW, Audi, Ford, Chevy, you name it. Really knew his stuff.
06-21-2024, 10:19 PM
Yes, in fact, steering lock failure. 
