Okay, it's been a while since this video and today I got a c300 with an electric column and steering lock was bad . Appreciate this a ton , lowered and drilled (wasn't THAT hard) and in no time had the ESL out. Customer is opting for an emulator, very satisfying
A stop collar on the drill bit would allow drilling, without damaging the gear with confidence. A length of rubber hose over the bit or a stop collar on the bit would prevent the bit from grabbing as it exited the PC board.
I did it!!! Thank you for making this wonderfully helpful and empowering video. I had to drill through the metal casing and the mother board to turn the wheel with a #2 phillips. Had to remove the airbag and steering wheel for drill bits to reach. The airbag removal was tricky to release the springs. The indents in the side that I poked through with a small flathead were a little further forward, towards the steering wheel, so when I had trouble engaging the spring to release the airbag. I needed an 18" breaker bar to unscrew the center steering wheel machine screw. Yay! THANK YOU!
What a great video Mario! I like Herb. He explains things clearly and extensively. I'd definitely watch more videos with him in them. I'm happy that you've found such a great shop to work for! You seem to have freedom to try and do many things there. You've grown so much in the few yrs I've known you. Ttys sir. Take care! ☺️🤗
Super informative thank you! I just sweated my balls off whippin that whole column out tearing the lock to shreds 😂 now I know why they fail, how it looks and functions inside and just the way you broke it down the job is cake now thank you
Thank you for showing us how this job is done. Obviously this tech has done this repair many times and is good at what he does! Doesn't say much for Mercedes needing this lock to be replaced a lot! BUT it keeps you busy and is part of the business. Oh ya. Did this tech have to attend training at Mercedes in order to certify to do this job? Security part also? Thanks again!
Great video gentlemen. Thank you for that. Where did the blue key came from? Is it provided with the steering lock by Mercedes and do you have to return it back? I'm just wondering because it's the first time I get to see one.
@@SuperMarioDiagnostics Hi Mario. Thanks for the reply. The reason I asked is because I thought that the ESL (Steering lock) was part of an FSB4 set on the car. Obviously if you could program it, then it was an FBS3 set. Keep it up, you are doing great video and thanks again for sharing with the community. Respect.
@@ranchorelaxo2287 True, but all mechanical systems wear and fail, sooner or later. They could have made that little motor assembly more resilient, to last longer, or just made the access to replace it easier - they like to sell parts too 🙂
This may be saving me at this very moment. WHY would Mercedes do this?!?! Def for money. They can go to hell for this. This is not worth security when I can buy a manual wheel lock.
Yeah, pisses me off. It happened to my Mercedes so I’m looking at other options so it doesn’t fucking lock on me again stupid ESL.!! so did you resolve the problem???
Great video but to be honest I just took out my first one today after seeing this video still decided to take the whole column out just so I don’t drill the case I repaired it. In my opinion its easier to take the column out than doing this. After all the work he’s done you are only left with one bolt to remove and thats it. My car was a w204 c class.
If my "only" problem is a lost key and a dead EIS, is there an alternative to the fancy tools and drilling? As far as I know, the ESL on the car I'm dealing with is not defective. Is there a way to feed power to it to actuate the motor without drilling into it to physically move the gear? I bought a set that includes the steering lock, EIS with key, and ECU from the same salvage vehicle. And, what should be the installation sequence? New ESL LAST, I would think? (forget the multiple edits as I learn from other videos shown to the right of this one)
There s a chance the ESL is fail “bad” enough even if u hammer it or so it’s still not moving (motherboard fail) . Then u need to remove the column , but you guys really do find a smart way to cut that section for an easy entry. You guys are real pro and do install an actual unit . I do the cheaper way by just clone those data from the ESL EIS ,getting the key password and put it into a ESL emulator . It still have the ESL opening sound , it’s way cheaper . My customer happy n I happy
Thanks for this... by lock motor is really slow but has been working most of the time, only intermittently not working. We don't have any requirements for it where I live, so can I just take the thing out and remove the pin then reinstall it? Or once the motor dies will it still not turn ignition on?
Because its a little cheap motor in the lock that wears out the brushes and it fries. Typical over design from the Germans. It will fail on every single W204..
After you drill out the ESL, you still need to remove a nut from the ESL bolt that's holding it in place, right? Is there sufficient space without removing the steering column to remove it?
My ESL hasnt failed but the motor is getting very lazy and slow so hoping to get the motor replaced this week. Do I still need to unbolt the column to get enoigh access to remove the ESL
On a 2015 Mercedes Benz c300 on the positive battery terminal there is a voltage regulator that controls the voltage to the starter. The connector with the 2 small wires are both stray ground. I know that’s wrong, does anybody know what controls that voltage regulator, where that signal comes from. My car won’t start, the battery is brand new, starter is new, I have a code for low voltage but no battery light on the dash
How about removing the esl from car while it's still working, and just zip tieing it to a location that I cam just take it out and service it when it breaks? I don't car about steering lock.
I think what he meant was remove it while you can unlock it. leave it plugged in and zip tie it up under the dash. This is what I did. The column just doesn't lock. Which I can care less about. If anything doing this may make it last longer as it virtually removes most of the pressure off the motor and if it dies, no drilling of the ESL or removing the entire column required. Great video by the way. Best I have seen in regard to how the lock works and how to remove it when it failed locked without taking out the column. @@SuperMarioDiagnostics
I just went through this rodeo with my 2011 E550 coupe. The ESL plug has an emulator attached to it and it is not plugged into the ESL.. I still need to verify if the ESL is there. I don't think so but things are still open so I can check. Is there a way to bypass/remove the ESL and still have the car start with the key? When the wires to the emulation were dislodged from the connector the car would not start - all else worked fine but no start. I pulled the battery and checked it , the starter and checked it, pulled the EIS and checked it for broken solder pins or connectors and then noticed a damn KRD emulator was unplugged from the ESL connector .. one or two wires - wired it back in and she started up... - the onyl reason why I pulled the lower footwell cover was to repalce a bulb .. what a surprise as the car was blocking my driveway so my other cars were useless until I moved it .. what a relief. but is there a way to remove the emulator/ESL and still have the card start with the EIS and the key only? I don't need a steering lock. *** Great vid BTW!
I removed the steering column on a 2015 Mercedes Benz c300 and to my surprise that model year doesn’t have one. If I’m wrong let me know bc I couldn’t find it
hi do you need special credential to get the new lock and programming key from Mercedes ? or you make the customer order it with his ID and prof of ownership.
@@SuperMarioDiagnostics Thanks Guys. Can I also confirm 2 items 1 ) Unplug OPEN Lock means that ESL can still Fail when the Motor stops working, and 2) If I only change the Motor do I need to get the Programming Key done at 18:50 comment.? My Motor fails intermittently so time to replace the Motor, only. Cheers and Thanks again.
Great video. Can anyone tell me if a shop key is needed for the steering lock on a 2009 e350 (w211). Indie tech says that it is electronic and does need one, dealership wasnt sure about my model. Waiting on them now but wanted to see if anyone else could verify for me. Thanks in advance.
I know its been a couple of years since this post but here goes. I have to remove mine but mine is not locked so do I still have to drill holes and the whole column removal part. I have an electric column on 2013 C250
@matthewladds7656 I did a manual column. Locked out , I had the customer tow it in my garage with the wrecker truck lol. My rod end to end is 50.5" worked great!
Did you program a sim or install another esl? Whenever I travel through towns and I always take notice of Mercedes being parked and sitting at places where you know that car hasn't moved in over a year. Behind buildings at used car lots or alleys or side yards at houses. I'm just thinking there's probably 1 of 2 reasons why that Mercedes is sitting, akl or esl drama lol
I have done this job. Mercedes will not sell you this part. DIYer can install a bypass module. Your steering will not lock but you can have your key working and can drive your car again.
I drilled a hole on the esl without removing the steering column. after removing the plastic cover that holds the hood release handle, I use a good cordless drill with a sharp drill bit and sticked it on the back of the steering column (over the brake pedal), then you just turn the gear clockwise through the drilled hole with a pick and voila 🎉 did it in 1 hour
Cutting corners to save time not great as drilling through the box just to release rendering the box useless when 9/10 it's just a cheap motor replacement!..
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Please do not start stripping out your column or drilling holes in the steering lock until you are absolutely certain the fault does not lie within the EIS module. (The bit you stick your key into) It's very easy to remove the EIS just unscrew and pull underneath the dash. Go and get it tested with your key. The EIS can go faulty through the induction coil burning, the IR receiver breaking or dry solder joints on the PCB. It's not extremely rare like some will tell you. It presents exactly the same symptoms as the ESL fault. If you have any kind of electrical fault in tandem with the steering lock like windows not working, boot not opening or fuel flap unlocksble then you likely have a faulty eis not a steering lock problem. You'd be an idiot to strip down a column without checking the EIS first.
Okay, it's been a while since this video and today I got a c300 with an electric column and steering lock was bad .
Appreciate this a ton , lowered and drilled (wasn't THAT hard) and in no time had the ESL out.
Customer is opting for an emulator, very satisfying
I'm doing this right now failed after change cv axles
Great video Mario! Buddy is a natural and you can tell he’s been doing these things for quite a while! Thanks guys!
I wanted to say the same and then I saw your comment. 👍
A stop collar on the drill bit would allow drilling, without damaging the gear with confidence. A length of rubber hose over the bit or a stop collar on the bit would prevent the bit from grabbing as it exited the PC board.
I did it!!! Thank you for making this wonderfully helpful and empowering video. I had to drill through the metal casing and the mother board to turn the wheel with a #2 phillips. Had to remove the airbag and steering wheel for drill bits to reach. The airbag removal was tricky to release the springs. The indents in the side that I poked through with a small flathead were a little further forward, towards the steering wheel, so when I had trouble engaging the spring to release the airbag. I needed an 18" breaker bar to unscrew the center steering wheel machine screw. Yay! THANK YOU!
2012 c250
Mario looks like you work in an outstanding operation. Sweet thanks for sharing. 👍
This is an excellent video. That guy knowsa lot. More from him please.
Thanks guys. I just ran into this same issue last night on a C220 sport. Working on diag.
You guys rock!!! This is the best video on this Cluster F that Mercedez created.
You guys are genius! Thankyou, take goodness mine broke down with out the wheel locking!
I was able to push the button and slide it out
What a great video Mario! I like Herb. He explains things clearly and extensively. I'd definitely watch more videos with him in them. I'm happy that you've found such a great shop to work for! You seem to have freedom to try and do many things there. You've grown so much in the few yrs I've known you. Ttys sir. Take care! ☺️🤗
Best Auto locksmith video I've watched to date, and being one, I've watched a lot!
OMG I have often wondered if it could be drilled in the car but chickened out ! Lol
Awesome!
Super informative thank you!
I just sweated my balls off whippin that whole column out tearing the lock to shreds 😂 now I know why they fail, how it looks and functions inside and just the way you broke it down the job is cake now thank you
Thank you for showing us how this job is done. Obviously this tech has done this repair many times and is good at what he does! Doesn't say much for Mercedes needing this lock to be replaced a lot! BUT it keeps you busy and is part of the business.
Oh ya. Did this tech have to attend training at Mercedes in order to certify to do this job? Security part also?
Thanks again!
Not just super mario, you’re superman diagnostic😍😍
Great job! You should do more videos with Herb, he’s awesome.
Concise explanation. I will work on my GLK350 tomorrow.
Thanks Herb for you expertise.
That’s awesome. Thanks so much for sharing. Wealth of knowledge.
Just right! Great technics, less filler.
Awesome job! That is clever👍🏻
Great vid. Hes very good in front of the camera
Herb is high-level wizard. Almost dungeon master. 👍👍
Great video gentlemen. Thank you for that. Where did the blue key came from? Is it provided with the steering lock by Mercedes and do you have to return it back? I'm just wondering because it's the first time I get to see one.
It's ordered from the dealer, although we have ways of programming the steering lock without it. Yes it does get sent back
@@SuperMarioDiagnostics Hi Mario. Thanks for the reply. The reason I asked is because I thought that the ESL (Steering lock) was part of an FSB4 set on the car. Obviously if you could program it, then it was an FBS3 set. Keep it up, you are doing great video and thanks again for sharing with the community. Respect.
Nice! Appreciate you guys spreading the knowledge.
Wow really good stuff. Thanks for showing us how is done. God bless.
Mercedes really made it painful! With so much security with the new lock, they could have made it easier to remove the damaged lock.
Or they could have made a better steering lock actuator that doesn't fail....
@@ranchorelaxo2287 True, but all mechanical systems wear and fail, sooner or later. They could have made that little motor assembly more resilient, to last longer, or just made the access to replace it easier - they like to sell parts too 🙂
@@ranchorelaxo2287 it have a little motor inside that ESL which is not brushless, it just a matter of time if it fail.
😊😊😊😊😊😊a
This may be saving me at this very moment. WHY would Mercedes do this?!?! Def for money. They can go to hell for this. This is not worth security when I can buy a manual wheel lock.
Yeah, pisses me off. It happened to my Mercedes so I’m looking at other options so it doesn’t fucking lock on me again stupid ESL.!! so did you resolve the problem???
Herb is good, could have his own channel.
Herb seems like a great guy, Mario.
Love to see such things, thank you guys
Great video but to be honest I just took out my first one today after seeing this video still decided to take the whole column out just so I don’t drill the case I repaired it.
In my opinion its easier to take the column out than doing this. After all the work he’s done you are only left with one bolt to remove and thats it. My car was a w204 c class.
It looks like this yellow tape, can work as a band-aid 😇.
I use my electrical tape at my work, mostly as a band-aid than to the wires.....
Hell yeah! Great video. Pls have him on again.
This is a Great tip thanks for share
If my "only" problem is a lost key and a dead EIS, is there an alternative to the fancy tools and drilling? As far as I know, the ESL on the car I'm dealing with is not defective. Is there a way to feed power to it to actuate the motor without drilling into it to physically move the gear? I bought a set that includes the steering lock, EIS with key, and ECU from the same salvage vehicle. And, what should be the installation sequence? New ESL LAST, I would think? (forget the multiple edits as I learn from other videos shown to the right of this one)
nice one , great jobs guys
There s a chance the ESL is fail “bad” enough even if u hammer it or so it’s still not moving (motherboard fail) . Then u need to remove the column , but you guys really do find a smart way to cut that section for an easy entry.
You guys are real pro and do install an actual unit . I do the cheaper way by just clone those data from the ESL EIS ,getting the key password and put it into a ESL emulator . It still have the ESL opening sound , it’s way cheaper . My customer happy n I happy
We give the customer the option to do an emulator. Some do, some don't
Herb is awesome! 👍
Thanks for this... by lock motor is really slow but has been working most of the time, only intermittently not working. We don't have any requirements for it where I live, so can I just take the thing out and remove the pin then reinstall it? Or once the motor dies will it still not turn ignition on?
Correct, once the motor dies it won’t turn on ignition
@@SuperMarioDiagnostics Well damn... I guess that is why there are emulators out there.
Why does it malfunction in the first place??
Because its a little cheap motor in the lock that wears out the brushes and it fries. Typical over design from the Germans. It will fail on every single W204..
My car is at Mercedes for 4 weeks now. What you recommend? Parts on back order. You said you’re in Fort Lauderdale. I am in broward too.
Bring it to Autobahn performance
@@SuperMarioDiagnostics thanks. I will reach out tomorrow
Herb is awesome! 💯 Work smarter not harder.
Thanks for the great detail of the esl internals. Mine is stuck unlocked so ill leave it in and install emulator.
do i have to send in the key only or the key ignition switch as well????
Nice video Mario
Please thank Herb as I thought he did a good job with good content.
He deserves a pat on the back ..
After you drill out the ESL, you still need to remove a nut from the ESL bolt that's holding it in place, right? Is there sufficient space without removing the steering column to remove it?
I showed the entire process here
My ESL hasnt failed but the motor is getting very lazy and slow so hoping to get the motor replaced this week.
Do I still need to unbolt the column to get enoigh access to remove the ESL
what a great video. glad i don’t work on Mercedes though. bring out your co worker again.
On a 2015 Mercedes Benz c300 on the positive battery terminal there is a voltage regulator that controls the voltage to the starter. The connector with the 2 small wires are both stray ground. I know that’s wrong, does anybody know what controls that voltage regulator, where that signal comes from. My car won’t start, the battery is brand new, starter is new, I have a code for low voltage but no battery light on the dash
How about removing the esl from car while it's still working, and just zip tieing it to a location that I cam just take it out and service it when it breaks? I don't car about steering lock.
Won't work because the steering lock is part of the immobilizer system. Vehicle won't run without one installed and operating
I think what he meant was remove it while you can unlock it. leave it plugged in and zip tie it up under the dash. This is what I did. The column just doesn't lock. Which I can care less about. If anything doing this may make it last longer as it virtually removes most of the pressure off the motor and if it dies, no drilling of the ESL or removing the entire column required. Great video by the way. Best I have seen in regard to how the lock works and how to remove it when it failed locked without taking out the column. @@SuperMarioDiagnostics
way over my head, but I enjoyed the video.
I just went through this rodeo with my 2011 E550 coupe. The ESL plug has an emulator attached to it and it is not plugged into the ESL.. I still need to verify if the ESL is there. I don't think so but things are still open so I can check. Is there a way to bypass/remove the ESL and still have the car start with the key? When the wires to the emulation were dislodged from the connector the car would not start - all else worked fine but no start. I pulled the battery and checked it , the starter and checked it, pulled the EIS and checked it for broken solder pins or connectors and then noticed a damn KRD emulator was unplugged from the ESL connector .. one or two wires - wired it back in and she started up... - the onyl reason why I pulled the lower footwell cover was to repalce a bulb .. what a surprise as the car was blocking my driveway so my other cars were useless until I moved it .. what a relief. but is there a way to remove the emulator/ESL and still have the card start with the EIS and the key only? I don't need a steering lock. *** Great vid BTW!
I own a Mercedes GLK and when I turn it on, I don't hear that sound?!
What does that mean?
Does this mean that the EIS has been removed?
I removed the steering column on a 2015 Mercedes Benz c300 and to my surprise that model year doesn’t have one. If I’m wrong let me know bc I couldn’t find it
hi do you need special credential to get the new lock and programming key from Mercedes ? or you make the customer order it with his ID and prof of ownership.
Both options are available. An lsid is required for the shop to order it
Hey Guys,
Can you please reply.
I am assuming that if the motor still works intermitantly, then DRILLING is NOT REQUIRED.
Correct, if the steering is unlocked, disconnect and remove
@@SuperMarioDiagnostics
Thanks Guys.
Can I also confirm 2 items
1 ) Unplug OPEN Lock means that ESL can still Fail when the Motor stops working, and
2) If I only change the Motor do I need to get the Programming Key done at 18:50 comment.?
My Motor fails intermittently so time to replace the Motor, only.
Cheers and Thanks again.
Great video. Can anyone tell me if a shop key is needed for the steering lock on a 2009 e350 (w211). Indie tech says that it is electronic and does need one, dealership wasnt sure about my model. Waiting on them now but wanted to see if anyone else could verify for me. Thanks in advance.
I know its been a couple of years since this post but here goes. I have to remove mine but mine is not locked so do I still have to drill holes and the whole column removal part. I have an electric column on 2013 C250
@@JohnnyQuestFishing if it’s unlocked, disconnect it and unbolt it. No need to drill
Brilliant!!! Thank You.
What lengths is your philips #2 over all and length of your hex rod rig?? Thanks!
Kindly answer this please
Any update on tool spec pretty please
@matthewladds7656 I did a manual column. Locked out , I had the customer tow it in my garage with the wrecker truck lol. My rod end to end is 50.5" worked great!
@@hixenP i took column off... drilled a hole in same spot and the screwdriver just chewed the gears up... but got it sorted in the end
Did you program a sim or install another esl? Whenever I travel through towns and I always take notice of Mercedes being parked and sitting at places where you know that car hasn't moved in over a year. Behind buildings at used car lots or alleys or side yards at houses. I'm just thinking there's probably 1 of 2 reasons why that Mercedes is sitting, akl or esl drama lol
Can you just removed the ESL and don’t used it any more. Any way to bypass or cancel the ESL ?
Use a W204, W207 steering lock emulator
Where do i order the ESL with the programming key?
Can I order it from you guys?
Where r you located & how can we make contact to fix MB 4matic C300 lock steering wheel
Supermariodiagnostics@yahoo.com
Where can i buy a new esl with new keyfob and reprogramming key..
"it's herbal herb"🤣 so how much did you save over flat rate? not sure i'd be showing others.
where is your shop?
I have done this job. Mercedes will not sell you this part. DIYer can install a bypass module. Your steering will not lock but you can have your key working and can drive your car again.
Yes they will, but a vsp credential is required
Wish all how to`s were as good as this one!
I drilled a hole on the esl without removing the steering column. after removing the plastic cover that holds the hood release handle, I use a good cordless drill with a sharp drill bit and sticked it on the back of the steering column (over the brake pedal), then you just turn the gear clockwise through the drilled hole with a pick and voila 🎉 did it in 1 hour
Mine is a 2010 glk350
NO WAY! Kevin costner has a mechanic twin!!
why would someone want to replace this?
Does that blue programing key come with the new steering lock?
I've never done one that way I just use xhorse vvdi or a autel 680
I’d say you probably wouldn’t be getting your core back if you drill into the case and PCB on the lock.
They don't care, the dealer does this method as well. That's where herb learned this
Mercedes w204 trunk and window can't open with remote
I got that sob out. But I guess most ppl don't reinstall that bracket.
Hey Bro! I tough he was Tom Cruise.
Who can buy the blue key?
Crazy!
herb needs to do his own yt channel id sub and you could collaborate on a few
Cool❤
Viel zu umständlich es geht wesentlich einfacher wenn ihr die lenksäule komplett ausbaut
Cutting corners to save time not great as drilling through the box just to release rendering the box useless when 9/10 it's just a cheap motor replacement!..
who would go through all that trouble and actually warranty that job?
Besides You can’t remove the box without turning that gear
You can do mine
He look like Tom cruise
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.
Please do not start stripping out your column or drilling holes in the steering lock until you are absolutely certain the fault does not lie within the EIS module. (The bit you stick your key into)
It's very easy to remove the EIS just unscrew and pull underneath the dash. Go and get it tested with your key.
The EIS can go faulty through the induction coil burning, the IR receiver breaking or dry solder joints on the PCB. It's not extremely rare like some will tell you. It presents exactly the same symptoms as the ESL fault.
If you have any kind of electrical fault in tandem with the steering lock like windows not working, boot not opening or fuel flap unlocksble then you likely have a faulty eis not a steering lock problem.
You'd be an idiot to strip down a column without checking the EIS first.
Handsome folks!!!