GLK won't start if hot out?
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 39
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From: Austin, Texas
I drive an '11 C300 and wife drives an '11 GLK350
GLK won't start and steering column locked
Ok weird question but my wife and I went out this morning here in Texas and hopped in her GLK 350 and drove the doggo up to the dog park and had no issues. When we went back to the car it wouldn't start at all. I just had her car inspection report done and no issues were found.
For the life of me I can't figure out the reason why it won't turn over. Doesn't give any strange clicking sounds like a starter is out or anything else. There is no Service exceeded issues. No other service signs or messages.
Can the inside temperature sensor on the dash (over 104) tell the car not to start? Due to the heat here I'm just asking a question..sorry grasping at straws here.
We changed the battery a few years ago so while it could be that just haven't had no issues at all with the car so just surprised and a bit confused.
Any help with ideas would be great.
Thanks.
For the life of me I can't figure out the reason why it won't turn over. Doesn't give any strange clicking sounds like a starter is out or anything else. There is no Service exceeded issues. No other service signs or messages.
Can the inside temperature sensor on the dash (over 104) tell the car not to start? Due to the heat here I'm just asking a question..sorry grasping at straws here.
We changed the battery a few years ago so while it could be that just haven't had no issues at all with the car so just surprised and a bit confused.
Any help with ideas would be great.
Thanks.
Last edited by Jett; Jul 13, 2022 at 12:55 AM.
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2013 glk 350
Is it ok now when cold, maybe it’s the starter. First get the battery checked they also check the alternator at the same time , any auto parts store will do this free, or maybe it’s the starter and being hot affects it since it’s worn. If none of Those a mechanic will be needed
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Toronto, Canada
GLC300 (mine) GLK250 (wife's)
It's very possible that the high ambient temp along with engine heat soak has "cooked" your battery. From what I understand, even sealed AGM batteries can lose electrolyte through evaporation in extreme heat making them lose efficiency or even fail if they are a bit past their prime. As Mmr1 mentioned, your best bet it to have the battery load-tested. If the battery is ok then move down the chain to the fuses/breakers, wiring and charging/starting components.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 39
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From: Austin, Texas
I drive an '11 C300 and wife drives an '11 GLK350
Ok so we had it towed today and the shopped called back and said it was not the battery, electrical system, starter or alternator. They are running more diagnostics tomorrow so ..stay tuned I guess.
Yes I did ask about fuses and the starter relay. No answer to that question.
Yes I did ask about fuses and the starter relay. No answer to that question.
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From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
I am also in Texas, just south of Magnolia. I got in the GLK350,, parked in the closed garage and ambient temp showed 102* - outdoors was 108-109*.
No start issues here - and Ive also been parked in library paring lot for 3 hours in 106* temps, direct sun - no problem (knock on wood).
It'll be interesting to know what they discover is the problem.
How many miles on yours?
No start issues here - and Ive also been parked in library paring lot for 3 hours in 106* temps, direct sun - no problem (knock on wood).
It'll be interesting to know what they discover is the problem.
How many miles on yours?
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 39
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From: Austin, Texas
I drive an '11 C300 and wife drives an '11 GLK350
This is what was explained to me..I might get some of this wrong because I can't get it into the shop as there is no room currently.
Good new it is not the battery, electronics system, alternator or starter.
Bad news it is the Electronic Steering Lock module or motor. When you insert the key it sends a signal to this device which then will unlock the steering column as such it's part of the anti-theft system. It can only be fixed at a Mercedes dealership OR a mechanic that is authorized to fix it as again it is part of the anti-theft system and the programming has to be redone. You have to prove the car is yours (title or registration and your license) and there are a few forms you need to fill out. Cost is about $1200-1700.00 to fix.
Again, this what was told to me over the phone and it hasn't been in the shop yet. The initial shop I had it towed to said they found the code but weren't able to fix it. The next European Imports garage I found said they knew how to fix it and the part was $500 but they couldn't fix it as you have to be authorized by Mercedes to do this fix. This is not an issue all Mercedes have but is common in the older GLK 350 and C300. In fact the place we are taking it had multiple cars there with the same issue this week and he didn't have one spare spot on his lot for ours until later this week.
If you are going to say.."why didn't you call the Mercedes dealership?" ... I did. Multiple times. When I finally did get through they told me.."well if the wheels in the front are angled a little bit how are we going to get it in the shop? I doubt we can help you."
So I found a place that can work on it and that was happy to fix it when a spot opened up.
Good new it is not the battery, electronics system, alternator or starter.
Bad news it is the Electronic Steering Lock module or motor. When you insert the key it sends a signal to this device which then will unlock the steering column as such it's part of the anti-theft system. It can only be fixed at a Mercedes dealership OR a mechanic that is authorized to fix it as again it is part of the anti-theft system and the programming has to be redone. You have to prove the car is yours (title or registration and your license) and there are a few forms you need to fill out. Cost is about $1200-1700.00 to fix.
Again, this what was told to me over the phone and it hasn't been in the shop yet. The initial shop I had it towed to said they found the code but weren't able to fix it. The next European Imports garage I found said they knew how to fix it and the part was $500 but they couldn't fix it as you have to be authorized by Mercedes to do this fix. This is not an issue all Mercedes have but is common in the older GLK 350 and C300. In fact the place we are taking it had multiple cars there with the same issue this week and he didn't have one spare spot on his lot for ours until later this week.
If you are going to say.."why didn't you call the Mercedes dealership?" ... I did. Multiple times. When I finally did get through they told me.."well if the wheels in the front are angled a little bit how are we going to get it in the shop? I doubt we can help you."
So I found a place that can work on it and that was happy to fix it when a spot opened up.
Last edited by Jett; Jul 13, 2022 at 12:52 AM.
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From: WI
GLK 250
Of course it's the ESL. Given the year of your GLK and the high failure rate of those modules, it's as good as guaranteed.
There are fixes you can try yourself, but if you don't want to deal with the hassle (I sure didn't, and I paid the MB dealer $2500 to do it), just let the shop that can do it take care of it for you. The updated parts will resolve the issue permanently.
There are fixes you can try yourself, but if you don't want to deal with the hassle (I sure didn't, and I paid the MB dealer $2500 to do it), just let the shop that can do it take care of it for you. The updated parts will resolve the issue permanently.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2017
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From: Austin, Texas
I drive an '11 C300 and wife drives an '11 GLK350
yeah I had no idea what it was it could of been that and would never try to fix it myself. Glad to hear it will fix it permanently!
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From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Of course it's the ESL. Given the year of your GLK and the high failure rate of those modules, it's as good as guaranteed.
There are fixes you can try yourself, but if you don't want to deal with the hassle (I sure didn't, and I paid the MB dealer $2500 to do it), just let the shop that can do it take care of it for you. The updated parts will resolve the issue permanently.
There are fixes you can try yourself, but if you don't want to deal with the hassle (I sure didn't, and I paid the MB dealer $2500 to do it), just let the shop that can do it take care of it for you. The updated parts will resolve the issue permanently.
We have a 2014 GLK (85,000 miles)
"Given the year" , you wrote ... so the OP has a 2011 GLK ... you're suggesting 2011 mostly had this issue?
Or is there a range of years this problem occurred ?
Last edited by calder-cay; Jul 13, 2022 at 10:54 AM.
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From: WI
GLK 250
The earlier versions of the trucklet did, yes, similar to the early W204 C-class from 2008-2012 when they were refreshed.
For example, our 2014 GLK is on the original ESL and has had no such issues. MB must've updated the part once they found how often they failed.
They also updated the COMAND controller joystick/knob which often broke its plastic base and couldn't be used to scroll anymore.
For example, our 2014 GLK is on the original ESL and has had no such issues. MB must've updated the part once they found how often they failed.
They also updated the COMAND controller joystick/knob which often broke its plastic base and couldn't be used to scroll anymore.
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From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 39
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From: Austin, Texas
I drive an '11 C300 and wife drives an '11 GLK350
here is the fault number in the Electronic Ignition lock section of the test so you can see. I'm guessing its that part and software that was replaced and updated. I'll find out tomorrow how much and actual part.
Last edited by Jett; Jul 14, 2022 at 11:23 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 39
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From: Austin, Texas
I drive an '11 C300 and wife drives an '11 GLK350
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 39
Likes: 6
From: Austin, Texas
I drive an '11 C300 and wife drives an '11 GLK350
ok ..just got the car back. phew..what a major pain in the ****. Hard to get parts and at least 3 of these same issues at the shop in front of ours.
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Joined: Jun 2021
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From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
@Jett ... thanks for the follow up
... shame you had to wait this long ... but at least you're back on the road !
... shame you had to wait this long ... but at least you're back on the road !
