Mercedes Steering Lock (ELV) Failure: Signs and Repair
When a Mercedes will not start and the key will not turn, the steering lock is one of the first things to check.
Many Mercedes-Benz cars have an electronic steering lock, usually called the ELV or ESL. It is a small motorised lock on the steering column. When you switch off, it locks the steering. When you insert the key or press start, the car checks the key and the ELV unlocks.
Signs of an ELV fault
- The key will not turn in the ignition, even though it is the right key.
- No start, no crank. Nothing happens when you try to start.
- Steering stays locked after switching on.
- It works sometimes. The car starts on one try and not the next, which often gets worse over time.
A flat key battery, a weak car battery or an ignition switch fault can cause similar symptoms, so these are worth ruling out.
How it is fixed
We test the steering lock and repair it. If your car cannot be driven, our pick-up and delivery service can collect it.
WhatsApp us your car model and what the car is doing. Our repairs come with a 6-month warranty.
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ABS or brake light on?
WhatsApp us the fault code, chassis number and car model. We’ll tell you what we can do.