Steering Wheel Not Moving Up and Down
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Central Virginia
ML 350
Steering Wheel Not Moving Up and Down
I recently discovered that my electrically operated steering wheel is no longer responding to inputs from the stalk to move up and down. When I move the lever in either direction all I hear is a click-type sound. It will still telescope in and out. Additionally, it is no longer responding to the Easy Entry/Exit function, which is enabled in Command. Moreover, it is no longer positioning to preprogrammed memory settings.
Any ideas for a quick fix at home, or am I destined for a visit to the dealer's service bay to get this all sorted out?
Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide.
Any ideas for a quick fix at home, or am I destined for a visit to the dealer's service bay to get this all sorted out?
Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I recently discovered that my electrically operated steering wheel is no longer responding to inputs from the stalk to move up and down. When I move the lever in either direction all I hear is a click-type sound. It will still telescope in and out. Additionally, it is no longer responding to the Easy Entry/Exit function, which is enabled in Command. Moreover, it is no longer positioning to preprogrammed memory settings.
Any ideas for a quick fix at home, or am I destined for a visit to the dealer's service bay to get this all sorted out?
Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide.
Any ideas for a quick fix at home, or am I destined for a visit to the dealer's service bay to get this all sorted out?
Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Central Virginia
ML 350
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Central Virginia
ML 350
Ok, so I did an exhaustive internet search and found some information that suggested removing the negative cable from the battery to "reboot the system" might cure my problem. I tried that and it did NOT. So now I'm thinking I perhaps have a bad motor or control module that controls the up and down positioning on the steering wheel. I have the vehicle scheduled for service at the dealer next week.
My question now is whether anyone has had this problem addressed at the dealer and, if so, how much "surgery" is required to get to the malfunctioning part(s). I always like to have an idea of what degree of complexity is associated with my repairs. Given that perspective, I am better able to evaluate that everything has been buttoned-up properly before I sign off on the repair and depart the dealer.
Any ideas...
My question now is whether anyone has had this problem addressed at the dealer and, if so, how much "surgery" is required to get to the malfunctioning part(s). I always like to have an idea of what degree of complexity is associated with my repairs. Given that perspective, I am better able to evaluate that everything has been buttoned-up properly before I sign off on the repair and depart the dealer.
Any ideas...
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 513
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
13ML BT
Ok, so I did an exhaustive internet search and found some information that suggested removing the negative cable from the battery to "reboot the system" might cure my problem. I tried that and it did NOT. So now I'm thinking I perhaps have a bad motor or control module that controls the up and down positioning on the steering wheel. I have the vehicle scheduled for service at the dealer next week.
My question now is whether anyone has had this problem addressed at the dealer and, if so, how much "surgery" is required to get to the malfunctioning part(s). I always like to have an idea of what degree of complexity is associated with my repairs. Given that perspective, I am better able to evaluate that everything has been buttoned-up properly before I sign off on the repair and depart the dealer.
Any ideas...
My question now is whether anyone has had this problem addressed at the dealer and, if so, how much "surgery" is required to get to the malfunctioning part(s). I always like to have an idea of what degree of complexity is associated with my repairs. Given that perspective, I am better able to evaluate that everything has been buttoned-up properly before I sign off on the repair and depart the dealer.
Any ideas...
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Central Virginia
ML 350
Ok, in the final analysis my service advisor says I need a replacement of the steering column to correct the problem. It's sleeping overnight for a night or two at the dealer while the part(s) are ordered. Keeping my fingers crossed for a successful resolution...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
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'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
Make me the second person. Yesterday my steering wheel also does not want to move up and down and only telescopes. I only hear "click" sound like the OP. Will go to the dealer after I figure out where the creaking noise from the driver's seat is coming from (only happens when going in and out of the car).
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 236
Likes: 30
From: Florida
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 2016 C3, 2020 Lincoln Aviator
I had this problem several weeks ago. I played with it for some time and finally got it working again by applying pressure on the column while moving the stalk up and down. It eventually engaged again and has been fine since.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
2017 GLC300 Coupe, 2016 GLE350 4M
My 2013 ML350 with 64k miles went in to the dealer this morning for the same problem and was advised that there is a new software version update for the computer that runs the steering wheel electronics. Requires download from Germany so it will be in overnight. Thankfully covered under CPO.
Flawless other than this and bought it with 18k miles. Pretty good IMO!
Flawless other than this and bought it with 18k miles. Pretty good IMO!
Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 102
Likes: 58
From: Chicago
2020 GLE450 / 2003 BMW M5
Had this problem on a W204 - first step is to disconnect the seat wiring harness under the driver seat and reconnect it. That always corrected the issue for me. Seems the connector can work lose some times.
If it happens again, give that a try before the dealer tries to replace the steering column. Not very typical to have them fail.
If it happens again, give that a try before the dealer tries to replace the steering column. Not very typical to have them fail.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 706
Likes: 114
From: Los Angeles, CA
'22 GLE 350 | '15 ML250 | '87 560SL | '19 GLC 300 | '12 C250 (sold) | '02 ML500 | '98 C230
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 427
Likes: 57
13 GL350, 14 SL550
Have heard of many similar problems in the SL models. Apparently since the car is low to the ground, people use the steering wheel to help them get in or out. The weight on the wheel (pushing down) causes the mechanism to stick).
Apparently with the SL's some dealers try this to see if it fixes it, and in most cases it does: Wedge your leg or knee under the steering wheel and push it up as hard as you can while sitting in the seat. Use your hands on the top of the wheel to assist in pushing it up. Then hit the switch up and down a few times till it unsticks and works.
Again, this is for the SL but it makes sense that it would happen in other models too since the steering column lift mechanism is probably quite similar. Give it a shot and maybe you'll get lucky
Apparently with the SL's some dealers try this to see if it fixes it, and in most cases it does: Wedge your leg or knee under the steering wheel and push it up as hard as you can while sitting in the seat. Use your hands on the top of the wheel to assist in pushing it up. Then hit the switch up and down a few times till it unsticks and works.
Again, this is for the SL but it makes sense that it would happen in other models too since the steering column lift mechanism is probably quite similar. Give it a shot and maybe you'll get lucky
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 56
Likes: 14
2003 E320
I know this is an old post, but a lot of us are still having this problem.
This fix worked for me: https://www.youcanic.com/guide/merce...el-wont-adjust
This fix worked for me: https://www.youcanic.com/guide/merce...el-wont-adjust
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 4
From: Perth, Australia
Mercedes Bus & ML350BT
