Steering Wheel Height Adjustment Stopped Working
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
2013 GL550
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
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 283
Likes: 102
From: Maryland
S 550, S65 Coupe
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,037
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
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.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 13
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2013 GL550
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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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7
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From: UK
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
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: UK
2003 270ML Inspiration
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GL350 Bluetec and GLS580
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From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
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
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
2013 E350 Cabrio
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...
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 186
Likes: 10
From: Memphis, TN
04 CL & S600 designo Espresso's
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.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
2007 w211 E350 base sedan
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
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
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
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
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.
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: College Station, TX
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.
