All steering wheel buttons and stalks not working
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 234
Likes: 31
From: Kent, UK
2018 E63S,2016 C63 S Edition 1 Coupe(gone), 2011 640D M Sports Coupe, 2015 435i M Sports Coupe
All steering wheel buttons and stalks not working
Hi guys wounded if anyone can shed some light on a problem I have with my W213 E63S, it’s been driving fine with no errors and yesterday I went to start it and loads of error messages came up in the centre of the instrument cluster saying air bage right side, electronics diff, traction control, wipers, and lot more not working and drive at 50 mph.
None of the buttons or stalks are working won’t go into drive or reverse, engine starts okay but can’t move it.
Has anyone had this problem or does anyone know what the cause of this problem may be ie ECU, steering column module and why this has just suddendly happened out of the blue on a car with only 13.5k on it ???
,
None of the buttons or stalks are working won’t go into drive or reverse, engine starts okay but can’t move it.
Has anyone had this problem or does anyone know what the cause of this problem may be ie ECU, steering column module and why this has just suddendly happened out of the blue on a car with only 13.5k on it ???
,
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 618
Likes: 247
From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
Some say that poor battery status can cause a myriad of problems. Or water intrusion. But otherwise I have no clue. Try battery charger. Scan with proper scan tool.
Last edited by smiles201; Jan 4, 2026 at 10:19 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 234
Likes: 31
From: Kent, UK
2018 E63S,2016 C63 S Edition 1 Coupe(gone), 2011 640D M Sports Coupe, 2015 435i M Sports Coupe
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 234
Likes: 31
From: Kent, UK
2018 E63S,2016 C63 S Edition 1 Coupe(gone), 2011 640D M Sports Coupe, 2015 435i M Sports Coupe
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 618
Likes: 247
From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
First step may be try system reset, see below.
AI says:
When a Mercedes-Benz reports that "all modules" or multiple modules are not connected, ittypically indicates a problem with a central component of the vehicle's network communication system (CAN bus), a failure in a key control module like the Front Signal Acquisition Module (SAM) or Central Gateway, or a power supply issue.Here are the most common causes and troubleshooting steps: Common Causes
AI says:
When a Mercedes-Benz reports that "all modules" or multiple modules are not connected, ittypically indicates a problem with a central component of the vehicle's network communication system (CAN bus), a failure in a key control module like the Front Signal Acquisition Module (SAM) or Central Gateway, or a power supply issue.Here are the most common causes and troubleshooting steps: Common Causes
- Failed Front SAM Module: In many Mercedes models, the front SAM module is a primary gateway for CAN bus communication. If it fails, communication with all or most other modules will be lost.
- Failed Central Gateway Module (CGW): The CGW is the main hub for communication between different network systems in the car. A failure here prevents modules from "talking" to each other or the diagnostic port.
- CAN Bus Wiring/Connector Issues: Corrosion or a short circuit in the wiring harness or at a CAN bus connector can disrupt the entire network. Water intrusion is a common cause of corrosion in SAM modules and wiring.
- Low Battery Voltage/Bad Grounds: A weak battery can cause a variety of seemingly unrelated electrical faults and communication errors across different modules. Ensure the battery health is good (above 12.5V when off) and ground connections are clean and secure.
- Aftermarket Devices: Sometimes, an aftermarket device plugged into the OBD-II port (such as an insurance tracker or diagnostic tool) can interfere with the vehicle's network communication.
- Check for Aftermarket Devices: Unplug any device from the OBD-II port and see if the communication is restored.
- Inspect Fuses and Connections: Check relevant fuses, especially those related to the Central Gateway and SAM modules. Inspect the wiring harnesses and connectors near these modules for any signs of water damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
- Perform a System Reset: Disconnecting the negative terminal of the car battery for 15-20 minutes can sometimes resolve minor communication glitches. Caution: Avoid repeatedly disconnecting the battery as this can potentially damage ECUs.
- Use a Compatible Diagnostic Tool: The most effective step is to use a Mercedes-specific diagnostic scanner (like an iCarsoft MB II or the dealership-level Xentry/DAS system) to scan for fault codes in all accessible modules.
- The scanner will help pinpoint exactly which module is causing the issue and whether the problem is a power loss to the module or a lack of communication on the network.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 234
Likes: 31
From: Kent, UK
2018 E63S,2016 C63 S Edition 1 Coupe(gone), 2011 640D M Sports Coupe, 2015 435i M Sports Coupe
First step may be try system reset, see below.
AI says:
When a Mercedes-Benz reports that "all modules" or multiple modules are not connected, ittypically indicates a problem with a central component of the vehicle's network communication system (CAN bus), a failure in a key control module like the Front Signal Acquisition Module (SAM) or Central Gateway, or a power supply issue.Here are the most common causes and troubleshooting steps: Common Causes
AI says:
When a Mercedes-Benz reports that "all modules" or multiple modules are not connected, ittypically indicates a problem with a central component of the vehicle's network communication system (CAN bus), a failure in a key control module like the Front Signal Acquisition Module (SAM) or Central Gateway, or a power supply issue.Here are the most common causes and troubleshooting steps: Common Causes
- Failed Front SAM Module: In many Mercedes models, the front SAM module is a primary gateway for CAN bus communication. If it fails, communication with all or most other modules will be lost.
- Failed Central Gateway Module (CGW): The CGW is the main hub for communication between different network systems in the car. A failure here prevents modules from "talking" to each other or the diagnostic port.
- CAN Bus Wiring/Connector Issues: Corrosion or a short circuit in the wiring harness or at a CAN bus connector can disrupt the entire network. Water intrusion is a common cause of corrosion in SAM modules and wiring.
- Low Battery Voltage/Bad Grounds: A weak battery can cause a variety of seemingly unrelated electrical faults and communication errors across different modules. Ensure the battery health is good (above 12.5V when off) and ground connections are clean and secure.
- Aftermarket Devices: Sometimes, an aftermarket device plugged into the OBD-II port (such as an insurance tracker or diagnostic tool) can interfere with the vehicle's network communication.
- Check for Aftermarket Devices: Unplug any device from the OBD-II port and see if the communication is restored.
- Inspect Fuses and Connections: Check relevant fuses, especially those related to the Central Gateway and SAM modules. Inspect the wiring harnesses and connectors near these modules for any signs of water damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
- Perform a System Reset: Disconnecting the negative terminal of the car battery for 15-20 minutes can sometimes resolve minor communication glitches. Caution: Avoid repeatedly disconnecting the battery as this can potentially damage ECUs.
- Use a Compatible Diagnostic Tool: The most effective step is to use a Mercedes-specific diagnostic scanner (like an iCarsoft MB II or the dealership-level Xentry/DAS system) to scan for fault codes in all accessible modules.
- The scanner will help pinpoint exactly which module is causing the issue and whether the problem is a power loss to the module or a lack of communication on the network.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 618
Likes: 247
From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
Sorry your having to deal with this, but it is the deal we made when we agreed to live with "the best or nothing". After some time and some money all will be well again.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 234
Likes: 31
From: Kent, UK
2018 E63S,2016 C63 S Edition 1 Coupe(gone), 2011 640D M Sports Coupe, 2015 435i M Sports Coupe
So found out what the problem is just had Mercedes benz breakdown come out and plug in diagnostic and it came up with steering wheel module failure not great on a car with only 13k on it new module £400 and labour on top of that and none in stock at moment 🙄 so just got a expensive drive weight 😂 hopefully they will get one in quickly and it will be short soon.👍🙏
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 234
Likes: 31
From: Kent, UK
2018 E63S,2016 C63 S Edition 1 Coupe(gone), 2011 640D M Sports Coupe, 2015 435i M Sports Coupe
Hi guys wounded if anyone can shed some light on a problem I have with my W213 E63S, it’s been driving fine with no errors and yesterday I went to start it and loads of error messages came up in the centre of the instrument cluster saying air bage right side, electronics diff, traction control, wipers, and lot more not working and drive at 50 mph.
None of the buttons or stalks are working won’t go into drive or reverse, engine starts okay but can’t move it.
Has anyone had this problem or does anyone know what the cause of this problem may be ie ECU, steering column module and why this has just suddendly happened out of the blue on a car with only 13.5k on it ???
,
None of the buttons or stalks are working won’t go into drive or reverse, engine starts okay but can’t move it.
Has anyone had this problem or does anyone know what the cause of this problem may be ie ECU, steering column module and why this has just suddendly happened out of the blue on a car with only 13.5k on it ???
,
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 234
Likes: 31
From: Kent, UK
2018 E63S,2016 C63 S Edition 1 Coupe(gone), 2011 640D M Sports Coupe, 2015 435i M Sports Coupe
Hi everyone just to let you know if your car comes down with the fault above it’s probably a steering wheel module failure pain in the *** as can’t move car with out skates or free-wheel hubs fitted as you can’t put into gear or neutral. According to the tech who came out they just fail no worning he had the same on his work van went to a job when he went to leave could not put into gear and his steering module had failed.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Mid-Atlantic, USA
2005 W203 C320
Hello. What was the outcome of your car issue? and if repaired, who repair your ECU? My car was diagnosed for a constantly ON left front turn signal light by an independent garage as having a bad front SAM and I was given a repair cost quote for an O.E. MB SAM $297+ $310 programing/coding+ $495 labor = $ 1,102 (plus $165 I already paid for scanning and confirming what I thought it was}. I like to compare the cost to repair mine and hopefully also save having to code a NEW SAM unit. I haven't found a reputable place to check and repair the SAM unit. Regards
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 234
Likes: 31
From: Kent, UK
2018 E63S,2016 C63 S Edition 1 Coupe(gone), 2011 640D M Sports Coupe, 2015 435i M Sports Coupe
Hello. What was the outcome of your car issue? and if repaired, who repair your ECU? My car was diagnosed for a constantly ON left front turn signal light by an independent garage as having a bad front SAM and I was given a repair cost quote for an O.E. MB SAM $297+ $310 programing/coding+ $495 labor = $ 1,102 (plus $165 I already paid for scanning and confirming what I thought it was}. I like to compare the cost to repair mine and hopefully also save having to code a NEW SAM unit. I haven't found a reputable place to check and repair the SAM unit. Regards
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Mid-Atlantic, USA
2005 W203 C320
