Key will not turn in ignition switch.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 41
From: UK
W215 CL500 2005
Key will not turn in ignition switch.
I have solved this but thought others might benefit from my experience.
There are three parts to starting your car, the key, the EIS (electronic ignition switch and the the ESL (electronic steering lock).
The problem I encountered was that when I put the key in the switch nothing happened, no sound of the ESL disengaging, and the key would not turn. There were two barely audible ticks.
I don't have a spare key, so I couldn't test if the problem was with the key.
What I did was remove the EIS and give this and my key to my MB specialist. He tested them and reported back that both were working, so, the problem was with the ESL...probably.
So, how to test the ESL when the car can't be moved. Well, the MB specialist lent me an ESL Emulator. This is an small box with electronic bits inside and three wires coming out of it. I disconnected the ESL and fitted the emulator to the plug...the key turned and the engine started!!
Great...but the steering is still locked.
I used an angle grinder to remove the top of the ESL over the gear wheel which actuates the lock. The pawl then fell out and I now can drive and steer the car.
I will not replace the ESL because theft of the car does not concern me. For $51 I bought an emulator to replace the one lent to me by my mechanic.
I owe him a couple of pints I think.
There are three parts to starting your car, the key, the EIS (electronic ignition switch and the the ESL (electronic steering lock).
The problem I encountered was that when I put the key in the switch nothing happened, no sound of the ESL disengaging, and the key would not turn. There were two barely audible ticks.
I don't have a spare key, so I couldn't test if the problem was with the key.
What I did was remove the EIS and give this and my key to my MB specialist. He tested them and reported back that both were working, so, the problem was with the ESL...probably.
So, how to test the ESL when the car can't be moved. Well, the MB specialist lent me an ESL Emulator. This is an small box with electronic bits inside and three wires coming out of it. I disconnected the ESL and fitted the emulator to the plug...the key turned and the engine started!!
Great...but the steering is still locked.
I used an angle grinder to remove the top of the ESL over the gear wheel which actuates the lock. The pawl then fell out and I now can drive and steer the car.
I will not replace the ESL because theft of the car does not concern me. For $51 I bought an emulator to replace the one lent to me by my mechanic.
I owe him a couple of pints I think.
Last edited by renault12ts; Sep 11, 2014 at 11:49 AM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 41
From: UK
W215 CL500 2005
Nice job----the web is loaded with all sorts of emulators, just one is a is follows
http://www.ecutool.com/MB-ESL-Emulator_5521.html
http://www.ecutool.com/MB-ESL-Emulator_5521.html
