Steering Wheel Height Adjustment Stopped Working
08-11-2017, 07:52 PM
#1
Steering Wheel Height Adjustment Stopped Working
For reference this is a 2013 GL550. Wife reported today that her steering wheel will no longer move up or down but does still go in and out. I did some searching for awhile and didn't find anything for the GL class, but came across a pretty informative thread about a C-class. Turned out to be a $7 dog one part for that fix that was a PITA to replace. Is this the same part on the GL-class that fails? If so, same part number?
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
08-11-2017, 11:59 PM
#3
Senior Member
Had the same thing happen. It is a programming issue. The little electric motor that movies the column is drawing slightly more amps then the limit is set at thus it will not allow it to move. If you take it in for service they will update the program. Or if you want the quick and dirty fix just pull hard on the wheel when you initially try and move it and it will most likely start working again. I know it sounds hokey but my brother in law is a MB tech and gave me that trick to free it up and it's been working ever sense.
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skidaddyoo (08-25-2022)
08-12-2017, 01:31 AM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Hit the wheel with your hand downward, it will probably loosen back up. The E class has a software update for the drivers seat module that controls the easy exit function of the steering wheel adjustment to keep it from jamming, and the bulletin actually says to extend the wheel and then hit it firmly with your hand to free it, then apply the software update and normalize. FWIW, every one I've done that on has been fixed and not returned. I try to replace the adjuster motor where possible, as some of them have a larger/updated motor, but if it doesn't, the software alone will fix it.
08-12-2017, 01:34 PM
#6
Just tried it and it worked. Extended the steering wheel all the way out then hit the top of the steering wheel while directing the wheel down and it started working again. Took a few tries, but literally fixed it in under 30 seconds. Thanks!
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skidaddyoo (08-25-2022)
08-12-2017, 01:41 PM
#7
Senior Member
Glad that worked out for you. If it's still under warranty then have them fix it with the updated programming when you take it in to the dealer again for something .
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03-25-2018, 12:39 PM
#9
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2003 270ML Inspiration
Do you have the key in the ignition?
When you say you did it a few times did you push the level down and keep hitting or let go of level , push level down and hit, let go of level, push down, hit etc.
How hard am I hitting? Is this a firm hit down or am I taking my full agression out on this steering wheel? Did you hit with your fist?
thanks
Louis
03-26-2018, 12:59 PM
#11
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2003 270ML Inspiration
03-30-2018, 01:58 PM
#13
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2014 GL450
At first I tried it and it did not work with my hitting the steering wheel. I had my son who does boxing come and hit the wheel and it worked! A firm punch down does the trick!
03-30-2018, 02:59 PM
#14
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11-29-2018, 08:27 AM
#16
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Mb gl 550
Ive extended mine out and hit a few times. Not sure I'm doing it right.
Do you have the key in the ignition?
When you say you did it a few times did you push the level down and keep hitting or let go of level , push level down and hit, let go of level, push down, hit etc.
How hard am I hitting? Is this a firm hit down or am I taking my full agression out on this steering wheel? Did you hit with your fist?
thanks
Louis
01-28-2019, 05:58 PM
#17
Steering wheel tilt fix
So I noticed my 2013 E350 Cabrio tilt mechanism wasn't working either. In/out OK, no up/down, although I could hear a clicking sound when the adj. lever was moved up/down. I tried the full extension out, then bang on the wheel trick a few times. Nothing. Then, VIOLA, one last bang and it started working again! This method works, and way better than taking the column apart. FWIW, we also have a GLK 350 with the same issue. I'll give the bang-it-down fix a go and see what happens...
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skidaddyoo (08-25-2022)
01-29-2019, 04:14 AM
#18
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2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
This thread should be:
#1 Stickied
#2 Renamed "How and when to beat the ***** out of your GL" LOL
#1 Stickied
#2 Renamed "How and when to beat the ***** out of your GL" LOL
01-30-2019, 02:48 PM
#19
Member
I've had this issue too. What I found worked is have someone hold the adjustment lever in the down position, AT THE SAME TIME you hit on the steering wheel rim. I found it easier to hit on the rim from the lower rim, but whatever location works best will most likely work.
02-24-2019, 03:47 PM
#20
Had the same thing happen. It is a programming issue. The little electric motor that movies the column is drawing slightly more amps then the limit is set at thus it will not allow it to move. If you take it in for service they will update the program. Or if you want the quick and dirty fix just pull hard on the wheel when you initially try and move it and it will most likely start working again. I know it sounds hokey but my brother in law is a MB tech and gave me that trick to free it up and it's been working ever sense.
2014 E350
09-09-2019, 12:14 PM
#21
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Tried it a few times and no go on my 2015 GL450.. then i used the knees to push up as well and then hit it back down again , probably did this 3 times in a row and then it worked. Yup, beat up your steering wheel to get it scared of you works! Thanks folks
11-01-2019, 07:13 PM
#22
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2015 C250
Hit the wheel with your hand downward, it will probably loosen back up. The E class has a software update for the drivers seat module that controls the easy exit function of the steering wheel adjustment to keep it from jamming, and the bulletin actually says to extend the wheel and then hit it firmly with your hand to free it, then apply the software update and normalize. FWIW, every one I've done that on has been fixed and not returned. I try to replace the adjuster motor where possible, as some of them have a larger/updated motor, but if it doesn't, the software alone will fix it.
11-09-2019, 03:58 PM
#23
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w213 E43 AMG
Fixed
I just used the tip of pushing up the steering wheel with my knees while activating the leveler and this released the jamming .
its a W213 E43 2018 .
Thx for the advice !!!
its a W213 E43 2018 .
Thx for the advice !!!
12-03-2019, 03:27 PM
#24
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2015 GL350, 2015 750i
FWIW, there's a service bulletin on this issue (LI46.15-P-063353). I had it fixed today but I have extended warranty so I don't know if dealer would've taken care of it out of warranty.
12-13-2020, 09:59 AM
#25
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'08 ML350 & '14 GL450
Thanks for the tips! I was able to "fix" our 2014 steering wheel adjustment with the hit it hard approach. It's crazy that you have to physically manhandle an $80K MB to get it to work.
