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The ESC light is on (inoperable). Seller said it was related to the clock spring but those are backordered and/or out of stock everywhere I look and that's why he claimed he didn't fix it himself.
There are no other lights on. Car does pull slight right if I let off the wheel but otherwise it drives straight when the wheel is straight.
I noticed it has new shocks/struts which is making me think maybe this isnt a clock spring or SAS issue but an alignment issue?
They also pulled the steering wheel off to fix the ignition issue (fixed with emulator). There is also a new battery from Feb of 2025.
All these factors lead me to believe the clock spring or SAS is fine, but rather it's actually out of aligned or needs to be calibrated.
As far as calibrating, I've read like 5 different methods of doing a DIY steering angle calibration - what is the ACTUAL way to calibrate?
Or could I plug in a obdii to find if the SAS is truly the problem? What's a cheaper one I could get off Amazon that would read merc codes?
I feel like the best route of action would be
1 - try the at home calibration
2 - get a merc capable obdII reader to check for esp codes/see if the steering angle is off
3 - depending on 2;
A - get an alignment
B - replace the SAS
If it pulls to one side, you most likely need an alignment. That won't have any effect on the ESC issue, nor will the ESC issue affect the pulling to one side. You need a good code reader to figure that one out. I have an Autel dongle that is pretty capable, but I've found the app to be a bit temperamental if you try to migrate it to a different phone. I also have a Foxwell NT530+ that I'm still learning how to use...
If it pulls to one side, you most likely need an alignment. That won't have any effect on the ESC issue, nor will the ESC issue affect the pulling to one side. You need a good code reader to figure that one out. I have an Autel dongle that is pretty capable, but I've found the app to be a bit temperamental if you try to migrate it to a different phone. I also have a Foxwell NT530+ that I'm still learning how to use...
That's what I kind of figured. I didn't suspect there were actuators on the power steering that try and self correct steering by auto turning the wheel to what it thinks is 0degrees, as that seems like it could be a huge safety issue.
So it needs an alignment regardless, which it appears could be part of the issue with the ESC - if the steering geometry (alignment) is off from the strut/shock replacement and/or steering wheel removal and reinstall - that could trigger an ESC light.
I found this reader on amazon and based on the review, it looks like it could help pinpoint the issue?
Every car owner should have a capable obd scan tool.
Get a Launch Creader V2 or V3 with Mercedes software. It should do most everything you need a scan tool to do. And its touch screen and has wifi.
If there is an issue with the clock spring most likely there will be a fault code associated with it.
How do the tires look, any abnormal wear?
I personally would only have the Mercedes dealer or a good independent that works specifically with Mercedes vehicles. The local tire shop down the street will not be able to really do anything and will just be a waste of money. Alignment for an MB starts with full inspection then measuring vehicle drive height and drive shaft angles. If the ride height is out of spec you need to fix it. If suspension parts are worn you need to replace them.
Every car owner should have a capable obd scan tool.
Get a Launch Creader V2 or V3 with Mercedes software. It should do most everything you need a scan tool to do. And its touch screen and has wifi.
If there is an issue with the clock spring most likely there will be a fault code associated with it.
How do the tires look, any abnormal wear?
I personally would only have the Mercedes dealer or a good independent that works specifically with Mercedes vehicles. The local tire shop down the street will not be able to really do anything and will just be a waste of money. Alignment for an MB starts with full inspection then measuring vehicle drive height and drive shaft angles. If the ride height is out of spec you need to fix it. If suspension parts are worn you need to replace them.
Thanks for the recommendations, I appreciate it!
MA coast? I grew up in Ipswich for the first 20 years of my life. Still have family there.
Tires look pretty normal, nothing irregular. Ill grab one of those Mercedes specific obdII to check for a spring clock fault code. One thing I've noticed is that after turning, the wheel doesn't naturally spin/return back towards 0 like I'm used to. It takes some gentle assistance from me. Is this telling of anything?
I have the Foxwell NT530 and while it is a great scan tool and so far has done everything I needed it to do I would rather a Launch Creader.
Foxwell is not touch screen and instead use the buttons to navigate. Does not have wifi, have to remove the sd card and use my PC to download the latest software updates.
Launch is touch screen and has wifi updating. Also can email yourself the testing results. Unless you have a newer 2023 + MB I dont think there is much difference between the Launch V2 and the V3.
If you need a scan tool asap then Amazon is probably the best place to get it. If you can wait a few days then I would buy it off AliExpress since they are less expensive. Have to search around for deals since prices are always changing for some reason.
My W204 doesnt really drive straight. Yesterday on the highway I had my hands off the wheel trying to plug my phone in and it was going into the other lane. Turning at intersections I believe ihave to straighten the wheel out, i dont think it automatically goes straight after turning though I dont really pay attention.
I have the Foxwell NT530 and while it is a great scan tool and so far has done everything I needed it to do I would rather a Launch Creader.
Foxwell is not touch screen and instead use the buttons to navigate. Does not have wifi, have to remove the sd card and use my PC to download the latest software updates.
Launch is touch screen and has wifi updating. Also can email yourself the testing results. Unless you have a newer 2023 + MB I dont think there is much difference between the Launch V2 and the V3.
If you need a scan tool asap then Amazon is probably the best place to get it. If you can wait a few days then I would buy it off AliExpress since they are less expensive. Have to search around for deals since prices are always changing for some reason.
My W204 doesnt really drive straight. Yesterday on the highway I had my hands off the wheel trying to plug my phone in and it was going into the other lane. Turning at intersections I believe ihave to straighten the wheel out, i dont think it automatically goes straight after turning though I dont really pay attention.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, I personally prefer buttons over touchscreen.
I have found more info online about the wheel returning to center, and at slower speeds, it is normal to have to gently assist it on these mercedes. I'm already pretty used to it.
I can't get over how quiet and smooth the ride is for a 16 year old car. I have a 2022 seltos SX that we are getting rid of and the road noise and overall comfort is far less, despite it being much newer. I wish I just got an older mercedes to begin with. Much cheaper monthly payment, cheaper insurance, and even if something needs repairs, the money I'd have saved over the last few years of car payments would easily cover even the most drastic repair.
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