Power Steering Malfunction, check manual error
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 8
GL450
Power Steering Malfunction, check manual error
We are stuck in the driveway currently. I thought it was an electronic fault that would cycle on next start, it remained. We checked fuses, ran OBD codes (never saw a place that would report steering issues) and *tried* to check fluids. Cant find a place to do that. We removed panels over the engine in hopes of finding a reservoir cap and we can’t seem to find it.
Has anyone seen this? is there an easy way to limp it to the shop or am I stuck towing?
Has anyone seen this? is there an easy way to limp it to the shop or am I stuck towing?
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: USA - Minnesota
2014 GL350
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 8
GL450
well damn, that explains why I couldn’t find the reservoir. Sounds like the motor went out. Is there any way to troubleshoot and pinpoint this?
also have any of you tried to drive without the power steering?
also have any of you tried to drive without the power steering?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 306
Likes: 78
gl450
Not sure if it's related to your issue, but there was a recall for the steering rack bolts on our cars. In extreme cases the problem could lead to losing power steering.
https://www.guideautoweb.com/en/articles/48979/recall-notice-for-mercedes-benz-caused-by-salty-roads/
https://www.cars.com/articles/2016-2017-mercedes-benz-gl-class-gle-class-gls-class-e-class-recall-alert-1420695200572/
https://www.guideautoweb.com/en/articles/48979/recall-notice-for-mercedes-benz-caused-by-salty-roads/
https://www.cars.com/articles/2016-2017-mercedes-benz-gl-class-gle-class-gls-class-e-class-recall-alert-1420695200572/
Last edited by mtm; Jun 9, 2020 at 09:58 AM.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 8
GL450
My local shop checked the recalls and it sounds like some bolts needed changing but nothing with the rack itself.
I am thinking it’s possible it could be an electrical or battery issue. I don’t know where the second one is but do remember noticing the vehicle was having a hard time starting so it’s possible it could be a weak battery. Would a battery test show that or would I need to replace and see?
I am thinking it’s possible it could be an electrical or battery issue. I don’t know where the second one is but do remember noticing the vehicle was having a hard time starting so it’s possible it could be a weak battery. Would a battery test show that or would I need to replace and see?
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: Nashville
GL550
just had this issue happen on my 2013 GL450; I was just going down the highway and the power steering warning popped up, and the steering became insanely heavy. Managed to reach my destination, shut off the car, came back ten minutes later and....no issues, it's working again and haven't had a problem. but.....
if power steering cuts out while moving, it's very dangerous. What would cause an intermittent failure like this because I'd really like to not be caught out again. I was going straight; if it happened on an off ramp it could have ended quite badly.
if power steering cuts out while moving, it's very dangerous. What would cause an intermittent failure like this because I'd really like to not be caught out again. I was going straight; if it happened on an off ramp it could have ended quite badly.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 8
GL450
just had this issue happen on my 2013 GL450; I was just going down the highway and the power steering warning popped up, and the steering became insanely heavy. Managed to reach my destination, shut off the car, came back ten minutes later and....no issues, it's working again and haven't had a problem. but.....
if power steering cuts out while moving, it's very dangerous. What would cause an intermittent failure like this because I'd really like to not be caught out again. I was going straight; if it happened on an off ramp it could have ended quite badly.
if power steering cuts out while moving, it's very dangerous. What would cause an intermittent failure like this because I'd really like to not be caught out again. I was going straight; if it happened on an off ramp it could have ended quite badly.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Abuja
2020 Benz GLE 450 4MATIC
I may have to your way soon (being done with MB). Mine is a 2017 E300 on a Parking lot. Put gear in reverse, "Voilà"..... Steering Malfunction on Dashboard with stiff steering wheel. Flatbed it to the MB Dealer and was told I have to change the Steering Rack Assembly at a huge cost after having vehicle for only about 6 months?
