Mercedes C250 C300 E350 coupe GLK350 SLK250 No Crank No start? ESL (Whittier)
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No crank no start condition on your C250 C300 C350 C63 AMG E350 Coupe/Cabriolet SLK250 or GLK350? It may not be the starter... It's probably the Electronic Steering Lock.
You push the Keyless Go start button but nothing happens. You stick the key in the ignition and turn it but nothing happens. With the driver door open, a message appears on the console "Remove key from ignition" the red and yellow lights that usually turn on in the instrument cluster are not lighting up. The steering wheel is locked (most of the time). The windows won't go up or down. You can no longer hear the small motor of the electronic steering lock (ESL) operate when you stick the key into the ignition. These are the symptoms of a faulty electronic steering lock.
The C Class (W204), E Class Coupe and Convertible (C207), GLK Class (X204) and SLK Class (R172) have a known issue with the Electronic Steering Lock (ESL). In most cases the ESL fails in the locked position, so you can't turn the steering wheel. When you stick your key into the ignition you don't hear the small motor of the ESL unlock your steering wheel. The motor in the ESL fails leaving your car with a no crank no start condition. Most mechanics will tell you you need a new starter after checking the battery and the fuses. That maybe the case, however you should ask your mechanic to test your starter before you spend money on replacing it. In 95% of the cases with the above symptoms it is a failed Electronic Steering Lock. This can be verified with 100% certainty with a scan of the EIS module with a professional OBDII scanner.
This issue happens most commonly with these models:
C Class all models under chassis W204 2008-2015.
E Class Coupe and Convertible models C207/A207 Chassis 2010-2015.
GLK Class X204 Chassis 2010-2015.
SLK350 R172 Chassis 2012-2015
Dealership cost to fix: $2000-$3500 depending on where you live.
I can fix this problem for $800 including parts and labor if you tow your car to me. The job can be done in 3 hours.
Alternative option:
If you're handy and can remove the ESL and the Electronic Ignition System (EIS the black box you stick your key into to start the car) yourself. You can save yourself some money. Bring or mail me the ESL, EIS and your key(s). With these items I will be able to make an emulator that will start your car again. An emulator is a 100% electronic device made with your key and EIS password. It will start your car every time, and the emulator won't fail ever again, I guarantee it for life. The cost for this repair is $300.
Lost your keys? Or maybe they stopped working? Or you just need a spare?
I can make one for you. If you already have one working key I can make a key in the car. Meaning, you have to bring me your car, you don't have to remove the Electronic Ignition Switch and bring it to me in hand.
If you don't have any working keys. I need the Electronic Ignition Switch (that's the black box you stick your key into to start your car). If you can send me your EIS along with a working key I can make you a key for $160. If you don't have any working keys I can still make you a key.
Need a EIS, TCM, CGW, Cloned? I can help with that.
Money Saving Tip:
AAA tows up to 100 miles free of charge if you have the "Plus" membership. That's the blue and gold card. If you have the "Classic" white card they tow only 7 miles free of charge. The upgrade is around $35 per year and takes one week to kick in after upgrading or signing up. It's worth it!
You'll get the quickest response if you call/text me. (818) 510-3375 If you call and I don't pick up the phone, it's probably because i'm working on a Mercedes. Leave a message, or send a text. Include your vehicle VIN with your message.