Hi W204 enthusiasts,
I am normally lurking on the W220 Forum and only occasionally visit the W204 site as our 2008 C-Class has been pretty reliable.
I have just successfully replaced the Electrical Steering Lock (ESL) and needed several goes and some professional help as it is quite a tricky job.
Below are the results of my experiences as all W204 owners will go through this issue at some stage. I have repeated a couple of images posted elsewhere so that it is all in one place. Hope this helps someone.
How to Remove/Repair/Replace/Refurbish a C Class Electrical Steering Lock (ESL) (Also applicable to W204, W207, W212) Part 1
TIP: Don’t even consider trying to repair or replace the OEM ESL. They are an incredibly poor design for a M-B component. Replace with an ESL Emulator.
ESL Emulator Option
A better alternative to replacing the OEM ESL electrical motor is to replace the complete ESL with an emulator. An emulator is an electronic box which simulates the ESL and keeps the CAN Bus happy but does not lock the steering column, thus compromising the security of the vehicle. (Note later M-B’s no longer have a steering lock for security.) Most importantly, an emulator does not have an electrical motor to fail.
Emulators come in two different styles. A direct replacement for the OEM ESL and a “mini” version which doesn’t need access to the steering column, but which may be placed anywhere within reach of the OEM connector. Note the larger original style Emulator doesn’t need mounting on the steering column and may also be placed anywhere within reach of the connector.
![2681981]( "2681981")
Important Note: Both styles need prior coding to match the vehicle’s EIS and key, but this may be done by any competent automotive locksmith. The author purchased a coded emulator for AUD375.
C Class Electrical Steering Lock (ESL)
![2681982]( "2681982")
The ESL is used to lock the steering column as an anti-theft measure for the vehicle. When locked a tongue extends from the ESL and engages with grooves on the steering column thus preventing it from rotating. Image shows locked ESL with tongue extended or OUT.
![2681983]( "2681983")
When the ignition key is inserted into the ignition switch (EIS) and if the key is recognised, the CAN Bus wakes up, activates the 15C system and unlocks the steering column via the ESL (N26/5) ecu. Image shows unlocked ESL with tongue retracted or IN.
![2681984]( "2681984")
A loud motor noise and unlocking sound is also heard. The car may now be started and driven.
The ESL has inbuilt security features which make it difficult to replace or repair.
The ESL is coded to match the vehicle Electronic Ignition System (EIS) and Key. A replacement new or salvaged unit must be recoded to match the vehicle.
When the ESL is locked it activates a tongue which prevents the mounting bolt from being depressed in order to remove the ESL from the steering column.
Each time the ESL locks and unlocks the vehicle, counters record the number of times.
Important Note (MUST Read)
If the ESL is opened up and the mechanism not replaced in the same unlocked/locked state, the electronic counters will get out of step and the NEC integrated circuit will prevent the ESL from working. This creates a problem when opening an ESL in the locked state as it must be reassembled in the locked state and special steps taken to reinstall it on the steering column.
Issue
The C Class Electrical Steering Lock (ESL) commonly fails after eight to ten years use.
The symptoms are intermittent unlocking of the steering wheel or complete failure to do so, accompanied with none-starting engine, and an unusual instrument cluster display. Some electrical systems may continue to work but usually the car cannot be started, steered or taken out or Park which presents huge difficulties if the car needs to be moved for whatever reason.
Emergency Tip: How to Get Auto Trans Selector Lever Out of Park for Towing
Instructions are in your W204 C-Class Owner’s Manual but are repeated here for convenience.
It is relatively easy to get the Automatic Transmission Lever out of Park position by using the in-built release button.
QUOTE: In the event of an electrical fault, it is possible to release the selector lever lock manually to move it out of position P, e.g. if you wish to tow the vehicle away. END QUOTE
![2681985]( "2681985")
Once the leather cover is pushed to the left and removed upwards (both LHD and RHD vehicles) it looks like this.
![2681986]( "2681986")
Then depress the YELLOW release button and move the Selector Lever out of Park as normal, ie to the right and down.
![2681987]( "2681987")
Leave the Selector Lever in Neutral. (NB If the Transmission Selector Lever is returned to Park it will lock again and the process will need to be repeated.)
![2681988]( "2681988")
The vehicle can now be moved even if the steering wheel is in the locked position. If the wheels are at a large angle from straight ahead ask the Tow Truck Operator to use dolly wheels under the front wheels. A small deviation from straight ahead can be coped with by nudging the vehicle as it is being winched on to the truck.
Common ESL Failure Mechanism
The main reason for ESL failure is worn brushes on the ESL worm drive electrical motor.
![2681989]( "2681989")
Fortunately, original and after-market replacements can be easily sourced.
![2681990]( "2681990")
An OEM 2008 C220 CDI ESL motor has markings
1020333
3H3818
TO BE CONTINUED as Part 2
I am normally lurking on the W220 Forum and only occasionally visit the W204 site as our 2008 C-Class has been pretty reliable.
I have just successfully replaced the Electrical Steering Lock (ESL) and needed several goes and some professional help as it is quite a tricky job.
Below are the results of my experiences as all W204 owners will go through this issue at some stage. I have repeated a couple of images posted elsewhere so that it is all in one place. Hope this helps someone.
How to Remove/Repair/Replace/Refurbish a C Class Electrical Steering Lock (ESL) (Also applicable to W204, W207, W212) Part 1
TIP: Don’t even consider trying to repair or replace the OEM ESL. They are an incredibly poor design for a M-B component. Replace with an ESL Emulator.
ESL Emulator Option
A better alternative to replacing the OEM ESL electrical motor is to replace the complete ESL with an emulator. An emulator is an electronic box which simulates the ESL and keeps the CAN Bus happy but does not lock the steering column, thus compromising the security of the vehicle. (Note later M-B’s no longer have a steering lock for security.) Most importantly, an emulator does not have an electrical motor to fail.
Emulators come in two different styles. A direct replacement for the OEM ESL and a “mini” version which doesn’t need access to the steering column, but which may be placed anywhere within reach of the OEM connector. Note the larger original style Emulator doesn’t need mounting on the steering column and may also be placed anywhere within reach of the connector.
Important Note: Both styles need prior coding to match the vehicle’s EIS and key, but this may be done by any competent automotive locksmith. The author purchased a coded emulator for AUD375.
C Class Electrical Steering Lock (ESL)
The ESL is used to lock the steering column as an anti-theft measure for the vehicle. When locked a tongue extends from the ESL and engages with grooves on the steering column thus preventing it from rotating. Image shows locked ESL with tongue extended or OUT.
When the ignition key is inserted into the ignition switch (EIS) and if the key is recognised, the CAN Bus wakes up, activates the 15C system and unlocks the steering column via the ESL (N26/5) ecu. Image shows unlocked ESL with tongue retracted or IN.
A loud motor noise and unlocking sound is also heard. The car may now be started and driven.
The ESL has inbuilt security features which make it difficult to replace or repair.
The ESL is coded to match the vehicle Electronic Ignition System (EIS) and Key. A replacement new or salvaged unit must be recoded to match the vehicle.
When the ESL is locked it activates a tongue which prevents the mounting bolt from being depressed in order to remove the ESL from the steering column.
Each time the ESL locks and unlocks the vehicle, counters record the number of times.
Important Note (MUST Read)
If the ESL is opened up and the mechanism not replaced in the same unlocked/locked state, the electronic counters will get out of step and the NEC integrated circuit will prevent the ESL from working. This creates a problem when opening an ESL in the locked state as it must be reassembled in the locked state and special steps taken to reinstall it on the steering column.
Issue
The C Class Electrical Steering Lock (ESL) commonly fails after eight to ten years use.
The symptoms are intermittent unlocking of the steering wheel or complete failure to do so, accompanied with none-starting engine, and an unusual instrument cluster display. Some electrical systems may continue to work but usually the car cannot be started, steered or taken out or Park which presents huge difficulties if the car needs to be moved for whatever reason.
Emergency Tip: How to Get Auto Trans Selector Lever Out of Park for Towing
Instructions are in your W204 C-Class Owner’s Manual but are repeated here for convenience.
It is relatively easy to get the Automatic Transmission Lever out of Park position by using the in-built release button.
QUOTE: In the event of an electrical fault, it is possible to release the selector lever lock manually to move it out of position P, e.g. if you wish to tow the vehicle away. END QUOTE
Once the leather cover is pushed to the left and removed upwards (both LHD and RHD vehicles) it looks like this.
Then depress the YELLOW release button and move the Selector Lever out of Park as normal, ie to the right and down.
Leave the Selector Lever in Neutral. (NB If the Transmission Selector Lever is returned to Park it will lock again and the process will need to be repeated.)
The vehicle can now be moved even if the steering wheel is in the locked position. If the wheels are at a large angle from straight ahead ask the Tow Truck Operator to use dolly wheels under the front wheels. A small deviation from straight ahead can be coped with by nudging the vehicle as it is being winched on to the truck.
Common ESL Failure Mechanism
The main reason for ESL failure is worn brushes on the ESL worm drive electrical motor.
Fortunately, original and after-market replacements can be easily sourced.
An OEM 2008 C220 CDI ESL motor has markings
1020333
3H3818
TO BE CONTINUED as Part 2
i save a lot of money jm
